Innovative nano-based coatings for protection of concrete

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Construction and periodic maintenance of vital concrete infrastructure with high-performance materials are required to minimize the risk of premature failures and associated high maintenance costs and socioeconomic losses. Spray-Lock Concrete Protection (SL, U.S. producer of nano-silica products for concrete applications) and the City of Winnipeg (COW, Canadian municipality/end user) are collaborating with the applicant in a research project to improve the overall performance of concrete bridges and pavements using advanced surface coatings. The specific objective of the project is to explore the performance of nano-silica colloids (produced by SL) and synthesized nano-modified polymer composites as protective coatings for concrete under severe exposures encountered by concrete bridges and pavements in Canada. This information is essential if these novel coatings are to qualify for use as preventive or rehabilitation systems for concrete in future field studies (long-term objective). Success of nano-modified surface coatings as a viable option for protecting newly poured, existing or repair concrete may create additional business opportunities for SL, such as establishing new production facilities in Canada, which currently does not have local manufacturing for nano-based coatings for concrete. The proposed project will contribute to increasing confidence in using novel nano-based coatings as end products in the construction sector. It will be followed by field demonstration trials on successful combinations of nano-based coatings as surface treatments for rehabilitation of different elements of concrete bridges in Winnipeg, and incorporation of such end products in the COW concrete specifications. Producers, consulting firms and contractors participating in the future field trials will be able to apply novel types of nano-based coatings through technology transfer from the research team. With wider dissemination of knowledge through national/international workshops, this initiative will positively influence the sustainable development of Canadian infrastructure and beyond, by encouraging greater implementation of novel, high-performance, and cost-efficient protection strategies for transportation infrastructure.