Cappadocian ignimbrite cave churches: stone degradation and conservation strategies

Research on Cappadocia's ignimbrite cave churches reveals that smectite and illite minerals significantly degrade stone structures, causing cracks, decohesion, exfoliation, and disaggregation. Consolidation tests using three commercial silica-based products—NanoEstel, Estel 1000, and Estel 1100—showed varying effectiveness. While solvent-based products (Estel 1000, Estel 1100) demonstrated better distribution within the rock, NanoEstel proved superior in reducing capillary water absorption without altering the stone's porous structure. The study highlights the potential of NanoEstel for preserving these unique World Heritage Sites by improving resistance to weathering while maintaining stone integrity.

Mauro Francesco, La Russa, Silvestro Antonio, Ruffolo, Natalia, Rovella, Cristina Maria, Belfiore, Paola, Pogliani, Claudia, Pelosi, Maria, Andaloro, & Gino Mirocle, Crisci. (2014). Cappadocian ignimbrite cave churches: stone degradation and conservation strategies [JB]. Periodico di Mineralogia, 83(2), 187–206. https://doi.org/10.2451/2014PM0011