Bentonite nanoclay and spray techniques as a nano pico technology (NPT) for enhancing mortar in heritage and historical buildings.

The inventive idea of using Bentonite Nano-Clay spray as a Nano-Pico Spray (NPS) technique is an effective solution to the problem of erosion of historical brick monuments. This research focuses on protecting and restoring brick structures using bentonite nanoparticles as a Nano Soil Improvement (NSI) technique minimally invasive Nano-Spray to enhance mortar durability. By applying a protective Nano-Clay coating as a Green and Sustainable Spray (GSS) technique, rain and frost penetration into mortar layers significantly reduced. Various concentrations of nano-bentonite (2-10%) as a Green and Sustainable Soil Improvement (GSSI) technique with ethanol solvent were tested, with two applications of a 4% solution yielding optimal results. Validation through field emission scanning electron microscopy imaging (FESEM/SEM), X-Ray diffraction and Fluorescence analyses (XRD/XRF), Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), porosity tests, water absorption time measurement, and weathering tests confirmed the efficacy and long-term stability of this method. Accelerated aging tests also demonstrated long-term stability and effectiveness, making this method a viable protective approach for historic brick structures.