Carbonation proofing mechanism of silicate-based surface impregnations

Abstract

Silicate-based surface impregnations have received much attention in the protection of concrete against carbonation. However, the understanding of their behavior is still not widely understood. In the present study, protective performance and mechanism of the silicate-based surface impregnations against carbonation were experimentally investigated through the carbon dioxide absorption and the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations. Results obtained lead to an exploration hypothesis that the silicate-based surface impregnation products were effective in enhancing the resistance to carbonation due to the synergy effect of pores-blocking effect and the carbon dioxide absorption through the chemical reaction.