Improvements of nano-TiO 2 on the long-term chloride resistance of concrete with polymer coatings

Abstract

The long-term chloride resistance of concrete treated with nano-TiO 2 -modified polymer coatings was studied. Three types of organic film-forming paints: polyurethane, epoxy resin, and chlorinated rubber were selected, and concrete specimens with nano-TiO 2 -modified coatings were fabricated. Then, specimens were subjected to periodical ultraviolet-accelerated aging and subsequent Coulomb electric flux experiments. Nanomodified coatings before and after ultraviolet aging were observed through scanning electron microcopy. Results indicate that the nano-TiO 2 particles can effectively reduce the microdefects in coating films and alleviate damages due to aging. As a result, nano-TiO 2 can significantly reduce the Coulomb fluxes of coated concrete before and after coating aging, and the average reduction amplitudes reached 66% and 44%. That is, nano-TiO 2 can remarkably improve the long-term chloride resistance of coated concrete. In addition, we established the development models of the ultraviolet aging and chloride resistance of coated concrete according to an S-shaped curve.