Impact of roughness on the wettability of mortars with basalt fibres hydrophobised by nanopolymers solution

Abstract

The aim of the presented research was to determine the impact of roughness characterizing nanopolymer-hydrophobised mortars modified with basalt fibres on their wettability. The experimental part pertains to the physical properties of mortars modified with basalt fibres as well as the influence of basalt fibres and hydrophobisation on the roughness, contact angle, surface free energy and frost resistance. Indication of surface roughness and 3D topography was carried out in a device enabling calculation of all parameters. The contact angle of mortars (θw) was determined before and after hydrophobisation by means of a single measurement liquid. It constituted the basis for SFE calculation with Neumann’s method, characterizing the wettability and adhesion properties of mortars. The studies enabled to determine the hydrophobisation efficiency of mortars with basalt fibres. The obtained results confirmed the possibility of producing the mortars reinforced with basalt fibres and characterized by appropriate protection of surface against moisture and frost, which depends on, i.a. surface roughness.