LAUSR

Abstract The application of traditional organic-inorganic composite lime-based materials, particularly sticky-rice lime binder, in sustainable restoration for old buildings, has attracted increasing attention in last decades. In present study, series of sticky-rice lime binders, sampled from thirteen old masonry relics involved three regions in 16–19th century, were fully characterized as primary. Specifically, micro-mineralogical and chemical characterization were determined by conducting XRD, FTIR, DSC-TG, SEM, iodine-starch and acid test, also mechanical-physical properties based on non-standard specimens including SH, UPV, CS, Po, Ccc D1 and D2. Furthermore, direct or inexplicitly relationships between organic content and enhanced physical-mechanical indicators were established. Finally, characterization results were analyzed and compared with deep gathering datasets from literature respecting characteristics of these binders of 6–19th century. Those analysis results provide valuable information for composite lime materials to expanding the database for formulating lime-based binders used in repairing intervention.