Research on high-strength and rapid-hardening magnesium phosphate as a novel bonding material for limestone artifacts

Due to natural erosion and human interference, limestone artifacts often suffer from cracks and gradual detachment. There is a critical need for new bonding materials that possess excellent aging resistance and high compatibility with the artifact substrates. This study investigates the effects of varying proportions of citric acid (CA) and borax (B) as composite retarders on the fundamental properties of magnesium phosphate cement (MPC). Through the application of X-ray diffraction techniques and cold field emission scanning electron microscopy, this research elucidates the mechanisms by which the retarders affect MPC. It was found that a 5 % addition of CA and B significantly reduces the hydration temperature during the early stages of MPC setting, enhances the unconfined compressive strength (reaching 44.3 MPa at 28 days), and allows for controllable setting times (17 minutes). Additionally, the presence of CA was found to delay crystal growth, resulting in an increased quantity of the amorphous phase and higher density of MPC. The optimal MPC formulation was selected as a bonding and repair material for limestone artifacts. For comparative analysis, traditional glutinous rice lime mortar (GL) and commercially available epoxy resin (EP) were tested under wet-dry cycling and UV aging conditions. Results indicated that EP materials demonstrated significant aesthetic incompatibilities and progressive cracking and detachment as aging tests progressed. GL materials exhibited significantly lower bonding strength compared to EP and MPC. In contrast, MPC displayed excellent aging resistance, moderate bonding strength, and a Shore hardness value closely matching that of the limestone substrates. Therefore, highstrength, rapid-hardening MPC represents a valuable and forward-looking solution for the conservation of limestone artifacts.