Characterization of concrete surface in relation to graffiti protection coatings. (15th January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Neto, Elsa; Magina, Sandra; Camões, Aires; Begonha, Arlindo; Evtuguin, Dmitry V.; Cachim, Paulo
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 102:Part 1(2016)
• Page Start: 435
• Page End: 444
• Publication Date: 2016-01-15
• Subjects: Concrete -- Anti-graffiti protection -- SEM–EDS -- Wettability -- Contact angle -- Surface free energy -- Wetting envelope; Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.11.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Highlights: Surface chemical composition and micro-structure of concrete were assessed by SEM/EDS. Graffiti paint easily penetrate into hydrophilic porous concrete surface layer. Anti-graffiti coating didn't fully impede the paint penetration in the concrete structure. Paint removal by cleaning product from protected concrete was always incomplete. Surface energy analysis allowed assessment of concrete wettability by paints. Abstract: The removal of graffiti causes irreversible deterioration of fair-faced concrete. The protective products are often selected without counting the properties of concrete surface leading to its insufficient protection. Chemical and micro-structural effects of anti-graffiti products on the concrete surface were analyzed in relation to its protection efficiency against graffiti paints. Contact angles and wetting envelope graphs were examined, allowing the understanding and prediction of wetting behavior of concrete surfaces. The obtained results revealed the changes on the concrete surface produced by graffiti, graffiti protection and graffiti removal products, showing the advantage of permanent protection coating over sacrificial one.