Comparative evaluation method of polymer surface treatments applied on high performance concrete

An investigation on the protection characteristics of three different polymer surface treatments applied on concrete was carried out by means of a large number of tests. Two of the polymers used, i.e., silane and siloxane, are commercial products, while the third, a fluorinated polymer, is still being studied. These treatments were applied on high performance concretes (0.33 water/cement ratio) with two different curing times. Their protection efficiencies were evaluated by testing water absorption (by immersion and by capillarity) and evaporation, chlorides penetration and artificial ageing; two other tests were carried out to verify concrete surface colour changes caused by applied treatments and by external exposure. To evaluate the overall behaviour of each product, the results obtained were translated into a parametric scale and reported using comparative graphics.