Polymer coating effects: Study of material properties and architectural application characteristics of aluminum template

Abstract

In construction process, the formwork must be in contact with concrete to help the concrete solidify and fix the shape. Coating the formwork with a polymer can prolong its service life by reducing the amount of concrete sticking to the mold. Herein, an aluminum template substrate was coated with polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) or polyurethane (PU). Aluminum template material analysis was conducted, polymer film thickness was measured, and weather, moisture, pollution, salt spray, abrasion, impact, and acid and alkali resistance tests were conducted, as were tensile, bending, adhesion, hardness, and salt water resistance tests. Cement adhesion resistance was repeatedly tested. The experimental results indicated that the PVDF-coated template was superior. The novel PVDF Aluminum template exhibited high corrosion resistance and can be used in building materials, for example, in ceilings, partition walls, curtain walls, roof panels, and roof trusses. For reference, it can also be applied to ship structures and seaside and wind power generation projects.