The objective of this study was to synthesize, characterize and evaluate the nanomaterials-based superhydrophobic (super water-repellent) coatings on Portland cement concrete (PCC) surfaces. These coatings are synthesized with nanomaterials such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and silanized diatomaceous earth (DE). Using layer-by-layer (LBL) deposition technique, each coating type was deposited at four different spray durations. The water-repellency of the coated surfaces were characterized by measuring static water contact angles (WCAs). These measurements were evaluated through a statistical design-based experimental test program which revealed that the spray duration and coating type are significant variables. A skid-resistant coating composed of PTFE and PEEK was utilized to evaluate the impact of superhydrophobic coatings on pavement skid resistance.
Ali Arabzadeh, Halil Ceylan, Sunghwan Kim, Kasthurirangan Gopalakrishnan, Alireza Sassani, Sriram Sundararajan, Peter C. Taylor, "Superhydrophobic Coatings on Portland Cement Concrete Surfaces", Construction & Building Materials, 141, pp. 393-401, June 2017, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.03.012