Enhancing Road Durability and Safety: A Study on Silica-Based Superhydrophobic Coating for Cement Surfaces in Road Construction

This study explores the application of a silica-based superhydrophobic coating to enhance the durability and safety of cement surfaces in road construction. The coating formulation comprises triethoxy(octyl)silane, nano-silica particles, a coupling agent, epoxy resin, and diethylenetriamine. The preparation method involves spraying the solution onto the cement surface, offering a significant advantage in terms of reduced preparation time compared to traditional methods. The coating achieves a high-water contact angle (WCA) of 161°, exhibiting excellent water-repellent properties and significantly reducing surface degradation. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were also performed revealing the presence of Si-O-Si bonds, which are typical of siloxane structures. Additionally, a blade scratch test demonstrated the mechanical robustness of the coating. Even after scraping the surface, the coating retained its superhydrophobic properties, evidenced by a WCA of 151°, indicating that the coating can withstand mechanical damage while maintaining its water-repellent functionality. The results highlight the potential of this innovative coating to improve road longevity and safety by effectively mitigating water-related damage.