Influence of Silica Nanoparticles on the Properties of Nanocomposite Based on Epoxy as Concrete Protective Coating

Abstract

Concrete structure especially that exposed to aggressive environment is deteriorated leading to damage of concrete buildings. Concrete coating is one of the most effective methods used for concrete protection. In this work epoxy was modified with nanosilica (NS) with different loadings. Epoxy nanosilica (EP-NS) composite was formulated and used as concrete protective coating after evaluate its properties regarding drying time, dry film thickness (DFT), adhesion strength. The coated concretes ware tested as; water absorption, contact angle (hydrophobicity) and chloride diffusion resistance by ion exchange method. Although, durability of coated concretes were examined by determining change in weight and change in compressive strength after immersion in both sulfuric acid and sodium chloride solution separately. The study revealed that, the optimum NS content is 3 % by total weight of coating. The prepared EP-NS coatings have significant protection mechanism for enhancing concrete performance against the postulated aggressive attack. Keywords: protective coating, polymer nanocomposite coating