Ethyl silicate for surface protection of concrete: Performance in comparison with other inorganic surface treatments

The protection of concrete surface from environmental aggressions is often a basic issue for the enhancement of its durability. Due to the unsatisfactory long-term performance of many organic products and the subsequent need for frequent re-application, growing interest has been recently addressed toward inorganic materials. In the present study, ethyl silicate, widely used for the consolidation of weathered stones in architectural restoration and recently investigated for surface treatment of reinforced concrete structures, is compared with some inorganic products based on sodium silicate and nanosilica, generally used for the protection of concrete floors. Performance and effectiveness of the treatments are investigated in terms of morphology and microstructure; water absorption rate; water contact angle; chloride, carbonation and abrasion resistances. The results obtained highlight ethyl silicate, among the products investigated, as the most effective protection treatment for reinforced concrete structural elements.