Introducing fiber to enhance the mechanical properties and durability of polymer-modified cement-based coating

Abstract

Polymer-modified cement-based coatings are widely used in the field of concrete protection. However, in harsh environments such as the ocean, the core durability indicators such as anti-UV aging resistance and anti-chloride corrosion of the coating need to be further improved. In this study, the polypropylene (PP) fiber was introduced into the composite coating with silicone-modified polyacrylate (SPA) emulsion and calcium sulphoaluminate (CSA) cement as the main body. And the influences of PP fiber on the mechanical properties, UV aging resistance and chloride penetration were mainly discussed. Results showed that PP fiber not only significantly improved the tensile strength of the coating as expected (increment > 60%), but also showed the obviously positive effect on the bonding strength and wear resistance. For UV aging conditions, PP fiber could reduce the loss rate of elongation at break of the coating. For chloride corrosion, the chloride penetration resistance of the coating was also significantly improved by 48.92%. The enhancement was attributed to PP fiber itself and its effects on the coating, resisting the external stress, promoting the break of bubbles and reducing microporosity. In addition, the application was also attached to this study to verify the performance of the coating.