Calcium phosphate coatings for marble conservation: Influence of ethanol and isopropanol addition to the precipitation medium on the coating microstructure and performance

The effect of adding ethanol and isopropanol to aqueous solutions of diammonium hydrogen phosphate, used to create a passivating layer of calcium phosphates over marble, was investigated. Thanks to its weakening effect on the hydration sphere of ions in solution, ethanol allowed complete coverage of marble surface by a crack-free and pore-free layer of octacalcium phosphate. Even better results were obtained using isopropanol, because it has lower adsorption affinity to calcite than ethanol. Treatments involving alcohols provided good acid protection and also restored cohesion among calcite grains in weathered marble.