Long-Term Performance of Nanomodified Coated Concrete Structures under Hostile Marine Climate Conditions

Epoxy resin coatings are commonly used to protect concrete structures due to their excellent chemical corrosion resistance and strong adhesion capacity. However, these coatings are susceptible to damage by surface abrasion and long-term contact with marine climate conditions, deteriorating their appearance and performance. This study aims to optimize the performance of cement-based epoxy resin coatings, bisphenol-A and polyol, in aggressive environments by functionalizing the selected systems with different nanoparticles such as activated carbon, surface modified nanoclay, silica and zinc oxide. Nanomodified coatings were applied to concrete specimens and subjected to three weeks in a spray salt chamber and three weeks in a QUV chamber. They were found to present improved thermal resistance and curing degree after the weathering test. Their water permeability, adhesion, and abrasion resistance properties were evaluated before and after this test. The results showed that the nature of the nanocomposites determined their water permeability; the bare resin presented the worst result. Additionally, nanomodified composites with activated carbon and silica showed the best adherence and abrasion resistance properties, due to the effect of this aging test on their thermal stability and curing degree.