The application of geopolymers in the renovation of the historical ceramic tiles in the pilgrimage church of St. John of Nepomuk (Czech Republic)

A groundbreaking restoration project at the UNESCO-listed Pilgrimage Church of St. John of Nepomuk demonstrates the potential of tailored geopolymer materials for preserving historical ceramic tiles. Researchers successfully developed geopolymer mixtures that met the specific demands of restorers, including controlled setting times, color consistency, and surface hardness. By conducting extensive experiments—ranging from laboratory bonding tests to in-situ applications—the study proved that geopolymers can effectively reinforce damaged tiles while adapting to environmental conditions like temperature fluctuations. This approach offers a durable, innovative solution for the conservation of cultural heritage, particularly for delicate ceramic mosaics.

Perná, I., Novotná, M., Hanzlíček, T., Rafl, J., & Nováková, M. (2025). The application of geopolymers in the renovation of the historical ceramic tiles in the pilgrimage church of St. John of Nepomuk (Czech Republic). Case Studies in Construction Materials, 22, e04161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cscm.2024.e04161