Effective Coating Barriers for Protection of Reinforced Concrete, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Thin Films".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 February 2026 | Viewed by 7650

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
College of Civil Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
Interests: sustainable building materials with low CO2 emissions and low energy costs (such as recycled cement, geopolymer concrete, and recycled aggregate concrete); highly durable and high-performance concrete in marine environments; non-destructive testing methods for concrete structures
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Co-Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
Interests: interfacial behavior of RC and composite structures; finite element simulation of interfacial behavior; mechanical performance of corroded RC structures; structural use of advanced materials; seismic performance of composite structures

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Concrete has become the most widely used construction material since its invention. Working together with steel inside concrete, reinforced concrete can withstand both compressive and tension forces. The requirements for concrete raw materials, such as natural stones and river sand, have been increasing, especially in developed countries where massive amounts of infrastructure are being built. The consumption of these materials is incredibly rapid, and in some cases, they already have a limited local supply. This trend certainly promotes the requirement for a longer service life of reinforced concrete structures.

Reinforced concrete structures can be subjected to different environmental actions, for example, steel corrosion in concrete can be caused by chloride ions from marine environments and where deicing salts are used, and carbonation by CO2 in the atmosphere. Immersed concrete structures could suffer from sulfate attack when sulfate ions are present in the surrounding water. Corrosion of steel in concrete has become the most important durability and safety concern for reinforced concrete structures. Additionally, cracks may facilitate the ingress of these harmful substances into concrete and thereby accelerate the corrosion process of steel. All of these affect the service life of reinforced concrete structures.

Effective coating barriers could provide protection to reinforced concrete in withstanding the effects of harmful substances. Effective coating barriers include coatings on concrete surfaces and steel surfaces. The coatings on concrete surface could be silane or other waterproof materials that prevent the ingress of water. The coating on the steel surface could be epoxy, which isolates the steel from harmful substances. Other innovative coatings could also be applied. There is an urgent demand to understand the performance of these coatings, especially their long-term performance, including in terms of bonding loss, degradation, etc.

  • In particular, topics of interest include but are not limited to the following:
  • Long-term performance of coatings on steel or concrete surfaces in reinforced concrete;
  • Degradation mechanisms of coatings;
  • Epoxy coatings on steel in concrete;
  • Silane coatings on concrete surfaces;
  • Innovative coatings on concrete surface, such as waterproof coatings, breathable coatings, etc.

Dr. Junjie Wang
Guest Editor

Dr. Hongwei Lin
Co-Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • concrete
  • epoxy coatings
  • protective coating
  • innovative coatings

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

15 pages, 8961 KiB  
Article
Effect of Paste Film Thickness on Workability and Strength of Magnesium Phosphate Cement Mortar
by He Liu, Haonan Zou, Jingyi Zhang, Ji Zhang, Jian Zhang, Yu Tang and Peng Zhang
Coatings 2024, 14(12), 1609; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14121609 - 23 Dec 2024
Viewed by 664
Abstract
In order to better understand the effect of compositional parameters on the properties of magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) mortar, the relationship between the thickness of paste film and the workability and strength of MPC mortar is revealed. A three-parameter filling density prediction model [...] Read more.
In order to better understand the effect of compositional parameters on the properties of magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) mortar, the relationship between the thickness of paste film and the workability and strength of MPC mortar is revealed. A three-parameter filling density prediction model is adopted to study the filling density of sand with different gradations. The validity of the three-parameter filling density prediction model is validated by experimental results. The thickness of the paste film of MPC mortar is calculated with different sand gradations. The results show that the thickness of paste film has a great influence on the slump flow and strength of MPC mortar. The linear positive relationship between paste film thickness and slump flow of MPC mortar. At different sand-to-binder ratios, there is no significant linear relationship between the thickness of the paste film and the mechanical properties. But under the same sand-to-binder ratio, there is an optional thickness of paste film for the strength of the MPC mortar. Comprehensively considering the workability and mechanical properties, magnesium phosphate cement mortar’s optimal paste film thickness ranges from 73 µm to 74 µm. When designing the proportion of magnesium phosphate cement, the appropriate thickness of the paste film can be selected according to the different engineering types and construction environments. Full article
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23 pages, 6171 KiB  
Article
Study on the Adhesion Performance of Biochar-Modified Asphalt Based on Surface Free Energy and Atomic Force Microscopy
by Quan Li, Le Xu, Xing Chen, Wen Li, Yongwei Li, Hanqing Wang and Kefei Liu
Coatings 2024, 14(11), 1390; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14111390 - 31 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1153
Abstract
To investigate the effect of biochar on the adhesion performance of asphalt, the macroscopic and microscopic adhesion performance of 70# base asphalt, SBS-modified asphalt (SBSMA), sludge-based biochar-modified asphalt, and waste wood-based biochar-modified asphalt (WWBMA) were tested using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact [...] Read more.
To investigate the effect of biochar on the adhesion performance of asphalt, the macroscopic and microscopic adhesion performance of 70# base asphalt, SBS-modified asphalt (SBSMA), sludge-based biochar-modified asphalt, and waste wood-based biochar-modified asphalt (WWBMA) were tested using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle tests, respectively. The impact of these two testing methods on the evaluation of adhesion performance was also analyzed. Research results indicated that biochar increased the number of bee-like structures on the asphalt surface while significantly reducing their average area. This improves the distribution of asphalt adhesion by reducing the adhesion difference between bee-like structured areas and non-bee-like structured areas while simultaneously enhancing the overall adhesion of the asphalt surface. Surface free energy (SFE) theory analysis indicates a linear correlation between the SFE obtained from the contact angle test and the atomic force microscopy test. Biochar significantly increases the SFE of asphalt and its components, thereby increasing the work of adhesion between asphalt and aggregate and reducing the work of debonding. Consequently, it improves the bonding performance between asphalt and aggregate, as well as its resistance to moisture damage. Full article
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22 pages, 5390 KiB  
Article
Research on the Water Absorption and Release Characteristics of a Carbonized γ-C2S Lightweight Aggregate in Lightweight and High-Strength Concrete
by Zi Yu, Chenxi Liu, Jinhui Li, Jing Wu, Xueting Ma, Yugui Cao, Jierong Cao, Weiheng Xiang, Hua Wang and Qingjun Ding
Coatings 2024, 14(8), 1056; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14081056 - 18 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1775
Abstract
Lightweight aggregate concrete, known for its light weight, thermal insulation, and excellent durability, has garnered significant attention and is considered an ideal material for lightweight ultra-high-performance concrete. Previous research has discovered that prewetting lightweight aggregates can continuously release water during the setting and [...] Read more.
Lightweight aggregate concrete, known for its light weight, thermal insulation, and excellent durability, has garnered significant attention and is considered an ideal material for lightweight ultra-high-performance concrete. Previous research has discovered that prewetting lightweight aggregates can continuously release water during the setting and hardening process of concrete, providing internal curing. However, the moisture release behavior of prewetted lightweight aggregates under different temperature and humidity conditions, as well as their internal curing mechanisms in low water–cement ratio mixtures, remains unclear and requires further investigation. In response to environmental sustainability, this study utilizes industrial waste γ-C2S to produce a high-strength carbonized γ-C2S lightweight aggregate (CC) and primarily compares the water absorption and release characteristics of three different types of lightweight aggregates, focusing on the influence of curing temperature and humidity on the water release behavior of the prewetted CC and establishing a water release model for the prewetted CC in cement-based materials. The experimental results indicate that the water absorption rates of the self-made high-performance lightweight aggregate (CC), magnesian lightweight aggregate (MC), and shale lightweight aggregate (SC) conform to the typical Boxlucas equation. In an air environment, the CC has the longest water release duration, followed by the MC, with the SC being the fastest. The water storage performance of the prewetted SC was poor, while the 100% prewetted CC exhibited better water storage during the mixing stage. When the CC is 100% prewetted, it can significantly increase the free water content in the interfacial transition zone, aiding in the hydration of the interfacial transition zone and enhancing the efficiency of shrinkage compensation by the expansive agent. This improvement contributes to the mechanical strength and volumetric stability of cement-based materials. Full article
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12 pages, 9264 KiB  
Article
Effect of the Pretreatment on the Properties of Cement-Based Recycled Powder
by Jianglin Li, Yuan Feng, Huaicheng Zhong, Baifa Zhang, Junjie Wang, Bin Zhang and Jianhe Xie
Coatings 2024, 14(1), 107; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14010107 - 13 Jan 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1624
Abstract
Three pretreatment methods including calcination, carbonization, and a carbonization-calcination combined pretreatment were studied to understand the pretreatment mechanisms for cement-based recycled powder (CRP). The mineral and microstructure of the CRP sample were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravity [...] Read more.
Three pretreatment methods including calcination, carbonization, and a carbonization-calcination combined pretreatment were studied to understand the pretreatment mechanisms for cement-based recycled powder (CRP). The mineral and microstructure of the CRP sample were investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravity (TG) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after exposure to different thermal temperatures (400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C), carbonization times (6 h, 1 d, and 3 d), and pre-carbonization for 1 d followed by heating at 800 °C. The results showed that the optimal thermal pretreatment temperature was approximately 720–800 °C. Through the process of calcination, the C-S-H, Ca(OH)2, and CaCO3 minerals in the CRP sample underwent decomposition to produce CaO or C2S. During carbonation, the pretreatment not only results in the increased production of CaCO3 owing to the reaction of the C-S-H gel and Ca(OH)2 with CO2, but also enhances its properties and the strength of chemical bond between CaCO3 and the post-hydration products. Both CaCO3 and CaO were present after the combined pretreatment, which indicates that the CaCO3 mineral formed superior stability after it had been pre-carbonated. Due to fewer impurities in CRP, the positive effect of the pretreatment on CRP was significantly better than that on recycled powder derived from construction and demolition waste. Full article
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22 pages, 10045 KiB  
Article
Influence of Combined Air-Entraining Superplasticizer and Surface Treatments on Airport Pavement Concrete against Salt Freezing
by Molan Li, Yong Lai, Daoxun Ma, Junjie Wang, Lei Xu, Zhibin Gao, Yan Liu, Le Li, Yaopu Guo, Lifan Zheng and Yi Zhang
Coatings 2023, 13(2), 372; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings13020372 - 6 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1862
Abstract
Effective improvement of the frost resistance of concrete in cold regions is critical for the durability of airport pavement concrete in plateau. This paper intends to contribute to a better knowledge of the effects of combined air-entraining superplasticizer and surface treatments on the [...] Read more.
Effective improvement of the frost resistance of concrete in cold regions is critical for the durability of airport pavement concrete in plateau. This paper intends to contribute to a better knowledge of the effects of combined air-entraining superplasticizer and surface treatments on the resistance against freezing-thawing and salt freezing. First, an optimum mixing by considering w/c, cement content, sand ratio, and air-entraining superplasticizer was obtained by comparing compressive and flexural strength, microstructure, pore distribution, and resistance to freezing-thawing of different mixes. From the results, a concrete mix with air-entraining superplasticizer, w/c = 0.4, cement amount at 330 kg/m3, and sand ratio = 0.3 was selected for airport pavement. Then, this mix was subjected to salt freezing with different surface treatments (smoothing, brushing, spraying with silane, and impregnating with silane), and the spalled mass loss in salt freeze cycles was reported. The results show that combined use air-entraining superplasticizer and surface treatments can provide an obvious improvement on the resistance to salt freezing. Compared to silane impregnation, surface treatment by silane spraying performed much better in early time. Full article
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