Design of SiO2/PMHS hybrid nanocomposite for surface treatment of cement-based materials

A silica-based hybrid nanocomposite, SiO2/polymethylhydrosiloxane (SiO2/PMHS), is synthesized by a sol-gel process and used for surface treatment of hardened cement-based materials. The advantages of both normal organic and inorganic silica-based treatment agents are explored. Results revealed a covalent chemical bonding of SiO2 and PMHS and the SiO2/PMHS showed hydrophobicity and pozzolanic reactivity when used for surface treatment. Greater reductions of the water absorption rate and gas permeability coefficient of cement-based materials were achieved by the hybrid nanocomposite compared to its individual components, showing synergistic effects of hydrophobicity and pore refinement characteristics as proved by the measurements of the contact angle, the mineralogy, the morphology and the porosity. The results showed promising advantages of using silica-based hybrid nanocomposite for surface treatment to achieve a higher surface quality. Moreover, it can be suggested that more functionalities of the cement-based materials can be tailored through the design and use of the silica-based hybrid materials.