Cement - steatite composites reinforced with carbon fibres: an alternative for restoration of brazilian historical buildings

Steatite is a mineral which has been employed in the carving of elements in facades of Brazilian historical buildings and churches since the 17th century. Over the years, many of those historical buildings suffered the consequences of weathering with a current need for restoration. Recently a special cement-based mortar containing additions of fine powder waste from mineral extraction of steatite has been developed in Brazil, as a composite material for restoration of steatite elements. However, the incorporation of steatite waste reduces the flexural strength of the mortar and compromises the...