Application of thermal spraying technology in concrete surface coating

Abstract

Abstract Improving the durability and extending the service life of concrete is one of the most important means to improve the sustainable development of concrete. Surface coating is the main technical method to improve the durability of concrete. In this study, based on the plasma thermal spraying technology, a thermal-sprayed ceramic-based coating was prepared on a concrete surface and evaluated using the drawing method, X-ray diffraction scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray computed tomography, and frictional wear. Subsequently, performance tests were conducted. The test results showed that mullite powder was a suitable ceramic-based coating material. The coating had good interfacial bonding ability with the concrete surface, the bonding site exhibited a chimeric state with an adhesion strength of 3.82 MPa, and the surface attained improved wear resistance. The internal structure of the coating exhibited porous characteristics, and thus it remains necessary to improve the structural compactness, refine the internal pore diameter, and enhance the spraying quality with craft parameter optimisation and material composite or powder refinement. The purpose of this study is to explore new materials and technologies for concrete surface coating protection, broaden the application range of thermal spraying, and extend the service life of concrete.