Nano‐silica/fluorinated polyacrylate composites as surface protective coatings for simulated stone cultural relic protection

Abstract Stone cultural relics are widely distributed globally and have significant historical and cultural significance and research value. However, most of them have suffered severe weathering and erosion due to the physical and chemical effects of different climatic conditions. Herein, a series of nano‐silica/fluorinated polyacrylate composites as surface protective coatings to protect simulated stone cultural relics were prepared with dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (DFMA), acrylates, and different contents of nano‐silica. The storage stability, mechanical stability, coagulum rate, and surface tension of the composite coatings were measured. The UV absorption, chemical structure, surface morphology, and thermal properties of composite films were characterized. When the nano‐silica content was 6 wt%, the optimal nano‐silica/fluorinated polyacrylate (Si‐F‐3) composite with excellent comprehensive properties was applied in the protection of simulated stone cultural relics. Compared with the uncoated original stone samples, the simulated stone cultural relics treated with Si‐F‐3 composite not only had freeze–thaw resistance but also could slow down sulfate erosion and freeze–thaw coupling cycle (SEFTCC) test damage. To conclude, the nano‐silica/fluorinated polyacrylate composites could be a desirable solution for protecting stone cultural relics.