Application of poly(vinyl acetate) and poly(1,4-butylene adipate) hydrophobic surface coatings on cementitious mortar specimens

The main objective of this study is to characterize and evaluate the hydrophobic performance of polymer-based water-repellent coatings on cementitious mortar surfaces. Different concentrations of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and poly(1,4-butylene adipate) (PBA) were prepared in the laboratory and their applicability and performance was tested experimentally by water absorption test and analysis of surface contact angles of cementitious mortar specimens. According to the results of this study, it can be stated that incorporation of nano polymer particles on the surface of cementitious mortar specimens can enhance contact angles and reduce water absorption by increasing hydrophobicity. However, a dosage limit exists for polymer materials in coating, and observed hydrophobic improvements decreases when polymer dosage reached beyond the limit. Additionally, it is observed that water absorption of polymer coated cementitious mortars is closely related with the results of surface contact angle.