Oral presentation: Barbara Lubelli

Sea salt (mainly sodium chloride) crystallization is a major threat to the built cultural heritage in Curaçao and other Caribbean islands. Several factors contribute to the observed severe salt damage: proximity to the sea and consequent exposure to sea salt spray, strong wind and high temperatures which accelerate evaporation and salt crystallization, and the coral reef material constituting the walls. Current renovation mortars typically fail within a few years, leading to high costs and irreversible loss of historic value.

In a recently completed project, mortars with improved  resistance to salt decay were developed and tested both in laboratory and on a case study, with good results [1]. The high resistance of these mortars is achieved through the use of sodium ferrocyanide, a crystallization inhibitor that modify crystallization, making it less harmful. The inhibitor is encapsulated in biopolymers capsules  to control its release and thereby enhance the durability of the mortar.

The recently started SALTCURA project [2], a collaboration between TU Delft, Stichting Monumentenzorg Curaçao and Stichting Monumentenfonds Curaçao, investigates whether and how salt resistant mortars containing encapsulated crystallization inhibitors can be applied in the conservation of cultural heritage buildings in Curacao and other Caribbean Island.

Through various activities (demonstrations, workshops and symposia), we will explore the potential applicability of the mortar prototypes on Curacao’s heritage buildings and assess their potential market. The final aim is to create a support base for the future implementation of the new mortar in Curacao and other Caribbean islands.