Role of atmospheric-pressure plasma in SiO2 particle deposition onto carbon rovings for improved bond with concrete matrix

Abstract

Mineral-based coating/impregnation techniques for carbon-based products deserve intensive research efforts to accomplish the challenge of achieving carbon neutrality in the concrete industry. This study investigates the role of atmospheric-pressure plasma (APP) in nano-/micro-SiO2 particle deposition on a chemically incompatible carbon roving surface and the resulting bond performance with a concrete matrix. APP treatment enabled the stationary deposition of nano-/micro-SiO2 particles by modulating the surface polarity, leading to a remarkable improvement in bond performance (more than two-fold). This paper reports and discusses the results of a series of surface analyses and the underlying mechanisms, which elucidated the specific role of APP and contributed to reconciling inconsistent results from the literature on the effects of mineral deposition. The results of this study are promising for extending the use of textile-reinforced concrete, particularly for thin-walled structures vulnerable to high-temperature exposure.