Laboratory Tests of the Fissure Impervious Materials in Longmen Grottoes

A new generation of impervious materials for fissures in the Longmen Grottoes has been identified through laboratory testing. These modified epoxy resins demonstrate superior performance compared to traditional waterborne epoxy and superfine cement, offering higher strength, lower shrinkage, reduced volatility, and enhanced resistance to acid and alkali corrosion. The study highlights that adding specific adjuvants to the modified epoxy resin significantly improves its durability and comprehensive properties, making it the most effective solution for preventing water seepage—a major cause of grotto degradation. This breakthrough addresses long-standing challenges in cave preservation, offering a more robust alternative to materials previously used.

Sun, B., & Fang, Y. (2018). Laboratory Tests of the Fissure Impervious Materials in Longmen Grottoes. Materials Science Forum, 926, 128–133. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/msf.926.128