Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 28, 2025

Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Metal Surfaces for Anti-Icing Applications
Published on: August 15, 2018
The Production and Durability of Superhydrophobic Foamed Concrete
Juntao Mao1, Yi Xu2, Xuan Kang1
1College of Material Science and Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 211100, China.
Abstract:
The durability problem caused by the high-water absorption of foamed concrete restricts its further development and application. This study aimed to improve the durability of foamed concrete by transforming its performance from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic. Firstly, polydimethylsiloxane-modified superhydrophobic bulk foamed concrete was produced through physical foaming. Then, multiple durability tests, like mechanical wear, acid-alkali-saline resistance, ultraviolet aging, and extreme temperatures resistance tests, were carried out to assess its performance. Finally, the mechanism of superhydrophobicity also was studied. The results indicated that the volumetric and capillary water absorption of the superhydrophobic foamed concrete decreased by 72.4% and 92.6%, respectively, compared to ordinary foamed concrete. The dry densities of ordinary foamed concrete and superhydrophobic foamed concrete were 720 kg/m3 and 850 kg/m3, respectively. Superhydrophobic foamed concrete exhibited excellent wear resistance and resistance to ultraviolet aging. The contact angles after 10 m polishing and 168 h of ultraviolet irradiation were 152.1° and 152.2°, respectively. High temperature increased its hydrophobicity, and the contact angle increased to 157.1° at 200 °C. Additionally, electrochemical tests proved its better chloride ion corrosion resistance, and the corrosion potential and corrosion current of the superhydrophobic foamed concrete after 7 days were -0.190 V and 3.177 × 10-6 A, respectively. Therefore, the superhydrophobic bulk modification technique shows considerable potential for enhancing the durability of foamed concrete applied in various scenarios.
More Related Videos
09:22Casting Protocols for the Production of Open Cell Aluminum Foams by the Replication Technique and the Effect on Porosity
Published on: December 11, 2014
10:06Microfluidic Fabrication Techniques for High-Pressure Testing of Microscale Supercritical CO2 Foam Transport in Fractured Unconventional Reservoirs
Published on: July 2, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Frost Resistant Concrete
Introducing microscopic air bubbles into the concrete mix through air entrainment creates small voids that accommodate ice expansion, thereby reducing internal pressures and preventing cracking. The optimal amount of...
Superplasticizers
Curing of Concrete
Waterproofing and Anti-Bacterial Admixtures in Concrete
Waterproofing admixtures render concrete hydrophobic,...
Abrasion Resistance of Concrete
One such test is the revolving disc test, where three plates...
Design Example: Managing Concrete Workability