Characteristics of lime produced from limestone containing diatoms

In this study lime binder used in stone and brick masonry mortars of some historic Ottoman baths was examined to understand whether the binders were hydraulic or not. For this purpose the mineralogical and elemental compositions and the microstructure of lime binder were determined by XRD, SEM–EDS and TGA analyses. The results indicate that the lime used in the brick dome mortars of Ottoman baths was hydraulic. Taking into account the kiln and fuel conditions of the 15th century, the possibility of obtaining hydraulic lime at relatively low temperature was examined. For this purpose limestone containing diatoms was heated at a relatively low temperature (850 °C), then slaked and carbonated. After heating and slaking, calcium silicate giving hydraulicity to the lime was indicated by XRD and SEM–EDS analyses. These results show that the production of hydraulic lime at a relatively low calcination temperature (850 °C) was possible with 15th century kilns.