Determination of optimal methods for the application of nano-property minerals as marble slab filling material

Marble production in Turkey is a strategic sector, representing a significant share of mining activities. While rapid growth in the construction and natural stone industries has increased the use of marble slabs, defects such as cracks, pores, and voids resulting from natural formation processes reduce the product's durability, aesthetic appearance, and commercial value. Therefore, filling applications to address structural and visual imperfections on marble surfaces have become a critical need for the sector. While epoxy, polyester, mastic, and cement-based fillers are widely used today, these materials are insufficient to cover microcracks and also pose problems such as color incompatibility, yellowing, and environmental sustainability. Travertine slabs, due to their high porosity, are natural stones that require filling. While cement-based fillers are economical and applicable, achieving color harmony between the filler and the stone is difficult, and the flocculant content of marble mud poses health risks. While numerous studies in the literature examine the mechanical, aesthetic, and physical effects of fillers, research on the performance of nano-mineral-added cement fillers on marble surfaces is limited. In this context, the combination of nanocalcite and nanoboron minerals with cement systems offers a new approach for both increasing filling strength and sealing microcracks. Furthermore, using travertine's own waste powder improves color harmony, enhancing aesthetic integrity and providing a significant advantage in terms of sustainable production. In this thesis, five different filling recipes were prepared using white cement, nanocalcite, nanoboron minerals, and travertine waste. These recipes were compared in terms of setting time, strength, color matching, and gloss properties. The data obtained in this study contribute to the determination of optimal cement-nanomineral formulations that will enhance aesthetic quality and mechanical performance in travertine filling applications. This aims to develop a new generation of more durable, environmentally sustainable, and high-performance filling materials for the marble industry.