CNCs Concrete Coating.

Application Process

The product is directly applied to concrete that has not yet dried. First, a layer of 'web' is put onto the concrete. Then, a thin layer of water is sprayed or swept on the 'web.' Finally, the surface is sprayed or swept with organic oil. Water for the thin layer is readily available in the form of tap water or bottled water and is not included as part of the product.

Layer Interaction

The inorganic water layer is immiscible with the organic solvent layer, creating a distinct interface between the two layers. The CNC particles tend to position themselves on the surface due to low energy consumption; the surface energy decreases with the absorption of particles into the liquid-liquid interface. The strong hydrogen bonds among CNC particles lead to attractive interactions, allowing them to form a stable structure.

Self-Assembly and Stability

Since the 'web' is water-based and mixes with a layer of water, after several hours, the two layers combine into a water-based solvent. As the layers mix, the shape of the layer is no longer influenced by the viscous 'web.' The surface area between the mixed layer and the organic solvent layer decreases due to lower energy costs. The particle structure of CNCs becomes compact, with particles close to each other, and their movements are restricted by neighboring particles (particles being 'caged by neighbors'). This process is known as the self-assembly of particles, forming stable layers of surfactants.

Concrete Protection

The surfactant layer is absorbed onto the surface of the concrete, closely adjusting to it. This surfactant layer is impervious to water and acts as a coating to prevent erosion. Paints can later be applied to the surfactant layer, providing different appearances to the concrete structure.