The influence of the reaction conditions on the formation and mechanical properties of CaCO₃ polymorphs in lime-based building materials

Mgr Radek Ševčík Ph.D.

The formation of CaCO₃ polymorphs is strongly dependent on the reaction conditions and presence of additives. Many attentions are focused on the effects of the organic additives, but only limited amount of papers dealt with the synthesis without additives. Our recent results showed the possibility to obtain pure vaterite without use of additives at 60°C. Here, we would like to systematically explore the effect of the reaction conditions on the CaCO₃ synthesis and to study the mechanical properties of the obtained polymorphs. Finally, the role of the vaterite, aragonite and calcite addition on the physical – mechanical properties of the lime-based buildings materials will be, for the first time, studied. In project will be used e.g. SEM, XRPD, micro-Raman spectrometer, nanoindentation. The results are expected to give a fundamental contribution to the existing knowledge on the formation of CaCO₃ polymorphs. This information, together with the determined mechanical properties will be used in the field of cultural heritage preservation, where lime play an important role.

Keywords:CaCO₃ polymorphs; lime; calcite; vaterite; aragonite; nanoindentation