ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The different construction and decorative materials used in the Fuente Nueva of Martos (Jaén, Spain) and related weathering products and pathologies were analyzed applying different analytical techniques. Additionally a nanoparticles-based hydrorepellent was tested and compared with other two polysiloxanes-based hydrorepellents by means of studying their porous systems. Results identified the stone used to build the Fountain as a Middle Miocene-Upper Miocene limestone from Porcuna-Castro del Río area (Jaén, Spain). Salt weathering is the most noteworthy damage of the fountain; the main identified salts are thenardite (Na2SO4, related with additives used in making mortars), and nitro (KNO3, related with human activities). Mortars are made of calcitic lime and an additive not identified yet, which probably are responsible for the unusual color and hardness of the stone. Proposals for future interventions of this historic Fountain are presented in this work.
