Effect of hydrophobic agent in cement and concrete : A Review

Abstract

Abstract Hydrophobic agents have been used in cement and concrete to reduce water penetration in concrete since many years. Hydrophobic agents are the materials that are employed in cement for enhancing the contact angle between the water and the concrete surface. Fatty acids and their fractions have been introduced in the cement as either phase change materials or as an admixture to minimize water ingress into concrete. Many alkenes, oils, fats, and greasy substances come under the category of hydrophobic molecule. Due to reduction in water permeability, hydrophobic agent enhances the durability and aesthetic appearance of the concrete. Since the mid-20th century, hydrophobic concrete found much popularity in building and construction. Hydrophobic are non-polar and lipophilic substances exhibits high contact angle thereby minimizes the rate of detrimental reactions. This article presents an overview of the work that has been carried out on the application of hydrophobic agents in cement mortar and concrete.