Preparation, characterization, and application of fluorinated acrylate copolymer for the conservation of stone building heritages in Putuo Zongcheng Temple, China

Abstract To prevent the weathering deterioration of stone building heritages in Putuo Zongcheng Temple, the fluorinated acrylate copolymer was prepared with methyl methacrylate, n-butyl acrylate, and 2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluorobutyl methacrylate as monomers. The structure and surface morphology of the copolymer were described by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The antiaging of the copolymer was studied by the ultraviolet aging test; the contact angle and imbibition spontaneous tests were performed to estimate the wettability alteration of the copolymer emulsion. Results show that the fluorinated copolymer with 32.54 % HFMA content possesses optimal aging resistance and superb hydrophobicity. The contact angles of coated samples range from 96.90° to 125.80°. Considering the influence of water on rock weathering, the fluorinated copolymer coating is a potential method to avoid the degrading of stone heritages.