Protective Coatings Based on the Organosilicon Derivatives of Fatty Acids Obtained by the Thiol-Ene Click Reaction

Abstract

This article describes the synthesis of a hydrophobic protective coating for concrete based on a silane derivative of fatty acids. The coating was obtained through a thiol-ene click addition reaction using methyl oleate and 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane in the presence of the photoinitiator 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMPA). This reaction proved to be more efficient compared with other tested (photo)initiators, considering the double bond conversion of oleate. The coating was applied to concrete using two methods: immersion and brushing. Both methods exhibited similar consumption of methyl oleate-based silane (UVMeS) at approximately 20 g/m2. The hydrophobic properties of the coatings were evaluated based on the contact angle, which for the modified surfaces was above 93°, indicating their hydrophobic nature. The penetration depth of the silane solution into the concrete was also studied; it was 5–7 mm for the immersion method and 3–5 mm for the brushing method. The addition of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) to the silane solution slightly improved the barrier properties of the coating.