The importance of SEM-EDS analysis in the study of old mortars

Abstract

The study of old mortars composition, using physical-chemical, mineralogical and microstructural characterization has an important role in the preservation of architectural heritage, allowing a deep knowledge about the materials used, construction techniques, possible repairs and degradation processes [1-4]. In this paper, we present representative results of the application of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) analysis in the characterisation of ancient mortars from several historical buildings which illustrate the importance of the technique in complementing and corroborating information from other physical and chemical techniques normally used in the determination of their composition and state of conservation, namely, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopy and optical microscopy.