Conservation of Religious Sites through the Application of Nano Silica Coating Solution in the Project 'Nano Coating Technology for the Preservation of Religious Places'
Date : 29/06/2023
Dr. Pisist Kumnorkaew is a project leader at the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). His team utilizes a special nano-coating solution to...
Dr. Pisist Kumnorkaew is a project leader at the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA). His team utilizes a special nano-coating solution to coat exterior religious structures, safeguarding them against dirt, algae/moss, and mold. Over 7 locations have undergone the coating process, including the bell tower at Wat Pak Nam (Samut Kong Karam) in Rayong Province, an area situated near the sea with high humidity.
Dr. Pavadee Aungkavattana, Deputy Executive Director of NANOTEC-NSTDA, states that this project harnesses nanotechnology knowledge, enabling small-scale materials to exhibit unique properties that mimic nature. These properties allow for the coating of various objects or building surfaces, facilitating easy maintenance without the need for cleaning when exposed to rainwater and different types of dust.
Dr. Tanyakorn Muangnapoh, a researcher on the Innovative Nanocoating researcher team from the Nanohybrids and Coating Research Group at NANOTEC, discusses the project's origins. The survey revealed that tourist attractions and temple areas often contend with moisture-related issues, leading to the intrusion of water into surface materials and causing mold or algae growth. The research team consequently analyzed the chemical and physical attributes of religious buildings from diverse sources. This led to the development of silica nanoparticle coatings that are dustproof, water-repellent, mold-proof, moss-proof, and dirt-repellent. These coatings are applied to the surfaces of materials used in the restoration of religious buildings, helping to reduce cracks and prolonging surface life while preserving their aesthetic appeal.
The outstanding feature of this substance is its applicability to all types of surfaces without altering the original form. It provides an additional moisture-proof characteristic, akin to the lotus leaf effect, with water-repelling properties. This enables it to endure rain, sun, and UV rays without deterioration.
"We subjected the developed nano-coating to a test addressing the mold issue in the temple's bell tower, which suffered from moisture-related problems due to its proximity to the sea. Additionally, age-related cracking had increased maintenance costs. After the nanotech research team applied the nano-coating and monitored the results for a 10-month period, it was discovered that the coating extended the time before mold, dirt, and cracking occurred. Throughout these 10 months, no fungus or algae emerged, signifying an extended protection period. This further permits the product's use in religious building maintenance, enhancing durability, prolonging material life, and reducing upkeep expenses. The beauty of various religious buildings is also enhanced," says the researchers.
The team is actively designing methods to evaluate the effectiveness of building coatings and assess their performance. This information will serve as a database for future research, aiding the development of coating technology suitable for various building materials. This is to prevent the deterioration or physical changes of religious buildings and structures.
The research team aims to conduct 10 measurement-based performance and durability tests on this nano-coating by 2020. These tests will evaluate the coating's effectiveness on different surfaces, environmental conditions, and weather variations specific to each area."