Granulometric disposition and specific surface area of fillers and additives for repair and restoration compounds

Introduction. This paper presents the results of a study of the particle size distribution and specific surface area of natural and manmade materials used as components of repair and restoration mortars for architectural and historical monuments in southern Russia.

The aim of the study was to investigate the particle size distribution of eight types of locally sourced mineral materials (dolomite, limestone, marl, shale, gypsum, anhydrite, bentonite, crushed burnt brick) to further elucidate the influence of particle size distribution on the reactivity, hydration, and microstructure of binder systems.

Materials and methods. Based on sedimentation analysis of aqueous suspensions of these minerals using Stokes’ law, particle size ranges were determined and specific surface areas were calculated.

Results. It was found that anhydrite and dolomite are characterized by the highest dispersion (average size  14–15 µm), ensuring high reactivity and a dense microstructure, while gypsum and bentonite have larger particles (17–25 µm), affecting the water demand of the mixtures. Gypsum has the highest specific surface area (153.1 m²/kg), while bentonite has the lowest (86.7 m²/kg). Conclusions. The obtained data, based on the theoretical basis of materials science (provides an understanding of the relationship between the structure, composition, production technology and operational properties of materials) and colloidal chemistry (the behavior of dispersed systems, including processes at the phase boundary – adhesion, capillary phenomena), make it possible to substantiate recommendations for the targeted selection of components of repair and restoration compositions to ensure the required balance between strength, adhesion, water absorption and compatibility with the original materials of monuments and form a scientific and practical basis for the creation of authentic, economical and environmentally friendly compositions based on local mineral raw materials.

1. Savchenko I.A., Bataev D.K-S., Daukaev A.A., Bataeva P.D. Restoration of urban monuments: the resource potential of the Northern Caucasus. Sustainable Development of Mountain Territories, 2023, vol. 15, no. 2 (56), pp. 431–441. (In Russian). https://doi.org/10.21177/1998-4502-2023-15-2431-441. EDN: BGCYJY.

2. Bataeva P.D. Theory, technologies and organizational bases of repair, restoration and reconstruction of cultural heritage sites [dissertation]. Moscow, 2025, 456 p. (In Russian).

3. Sheina S.G., Bataev D.K.-S., Bataeva P.D., Bataeva Ya.D. Technologies and Materials for Enhancing the Life Cycle Resilience of Historical and Cultural Monuments: Monograph. Grozny; Makhachkala: ALEF, 2025, 182 p. (In Russian).

4. Salamanova M.Sh. The influence of active microsilica additive on binding properties of alkaline activation. Bulletin of BSTU named after V.G. Shukhov, 2022, no. 1, pp. 23–30. (In Russian). https://doi.org/10.34031/2071-7318-2021-7-1-23-30. EDN: VOETRC.

5. Sanchez F., Sobolev K. Nanotechnology in Concrete – A Review. Construction and Building Materials, 2010, vol. 24, no. 11, pp. 2060–2071. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2010.03.014.

6. Lawrence M. A study of carbonation in non-hydraulic lime mortars. Bath: University of Bath, 2006, 345 p.

7. Xu X., Zhao Y., Gu X., Zhu Z., Wang F., Zhang Z. Effect of Particle Size and Morphology of Siliceous Supplementary Cementitious Material on the Hydration and Autogenous Shrinkage of Blended Cement. Materials, 2023, vol. 16, no. 4, 1638. https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16041638.

8. Taylor H.F.W. Chemistry of Cement. Translated from English. Moscow: Mir Publ., 1996, 560 p. (In Russian). ISBN: 5-03-002731-9.

9. Salamanova M.Sh., Nakhaev M.R. Determination of the specific free surface energy of clinkerfree composites on an alkaline activation binder. Construction Materials, 2022, no. 1–2, pp. 30–39. (In Russian). https://doi.org/10.31659/0585430X-2022-799-1-2-30-39. EDN: ARDTXT.

10. Allen T. Powder Sampling and Particle Size Determination. Amsterdam: Elsevier, 2003, 682 p. ISBN: 978-0-444-51564-3.

11. Scrivener K., Martirena F., Bishnoi Sh., Maity S. Calcined clay limestone cements (LC3). Cement and Concrete Research, 2018, vol. 114, pp. 49–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2017.08.017.

12. Jameson G.J. Advances in fine and coarse particle flotation. Canadian Metallurgical Quarterly, 2010, vol. 49, no. 4, pp. 325–330. https://doi.org/10.1179/cmq.2010.49.4.325.

13. Lesovik V.S., Shakhova L.D., Kucherov D.E., Aksyutin Yu.S. Classification of active mineral additives for composite binders based on genesis. Bulletin of BSTU named after V.G. Shukhov, 2012, no. 3, pp. 10–14. (In Russian). EDN: PATBOZ.

14. Salamanova M.Sh., Nakhaev M.R. Influence of mineral powders on the properties of binding systems. Vestnik MGSU, 2023, vol. 18, no. 8, pp. 1241–1250. (In Russian). https://doi.org/10.22227/19970935.2023.8.1241-1250. EDN: VJFNFX.

15. Murtazaev S.A.Y., Salamanova M.Sh., Gatsaev Z.Sh. Influence of activated bentonite on the properties of alkaline binders. Stroitel’nye Materialy = Construction Materials, 2023, no. 8, pp. 18–24. (In Russian). https://doi.org/10.31659/0585430X-2023-816-8-18-24. EDN: VDLOFI.

16. Bataeva P.D., Alarkhanova Z.Z., Bataeva Kh.M., Bataev A.D. On the issue of forming the properties of restoration compositions based on air and hydraulic binders. Herald of the Daghestan State Technical University. Technical Sciences, 2024, vol. 51, no. 4, pp. 179–190. (In Russian). https://doi.org/10.21822/2073-6185-2024-51-4-179-190. EDN: LQDWSL.

17. State Standard R 52129-2003. Mineral powders for asphaltic concrete and organomineral mixtures. Specifications. Moscow: Gosstroy of Russia, 2004. (In Russian).

18. OST 41-08-249-85. Quality Management of Analytical Work. Preparation of Samples and Organization of Quantitative Analysis in Laboratories of the USSR Ministry of Geology. General Requirements. Moscow, 1985. (In Russian).

19. Ferronskaya A.V., Koryakov V.F., Baranov I.M. Gypsum in Low-Rise Construction: Monograph. Moscow: ASV Publ., 2008, 240 p. (In Russian).

20. Falikman V.R. Nanomaterials and nanotechnology in the production of building materials. Vestnik NIC Stroitel’stvo = Bulletin of Science and Research Center of Construction, 2017, no. 1 (12), pp. 68–79. (In Russian). EDN: YINMZR.

21. Kulua K.A., Gurzhi N.L. Prospects for the use of composite materials in the construction industry. In: Advanced Technological Developments: Prospects for Implementation in Production and Efficiency: Collection of Scientific Papers. Armavir, April 26– 27, 2024. Tambov, 2024, pp. 129–132. (In Russian). EDN: TUIMHK.

22. Airish M.V., Vlasov V.V., Grevtsev V.A., Shlyapkina E.N., Aukhadeev F.L. Crystallochemical varieties of montmorillonite and their identification in bentonites. In: Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction and Crystallochemistry of Minerals. Kazan: KSU, 1997, pp. 154–160. (In Russian).

23. Salamanova M.Sh., Gatsaev Z.Sh. Mineral composites based on technogenic and natural raw materials. News of Higher Educational Institutions. Construction, 2025, no. 6 (798), pp. 73–85. (In Russian). https://doi.org/10.32683/0536-1052-2025-798-6-7385. EDN: ZCETEO.

24. Salamanova M.Sh. Using a simplified technology to make an alkaline binder from silica additives. Vestnik MGSU, 2022, vol. 17, no. 3, pp. 341–351. (In Russian). https://doi.org/10.22227/19970935.2022.3.341-351. EDN: PYEYEC.