Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Testing organic and organic–inorganic fluorinated hybrid coatings as protective materials for clay bricks

  • Published:
Journal of Coatings Technology and Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The durability of brickworks, used as facing bricks, parapets, or chimneys, is a crucial aspect of the maintenance of buildings. Water absorption and penetration due to wind-driven rain, water rundown, and capillary rising can cause serious damages and a premature deterioration of porous clay bricks, and a significant increase in their thermal conductivity. Protective coatings for brickwork must provide enhanced hydrophobic properties without affecting moisture regulation and breathability of masonry. In the present work, a standardized type of facing clay brick was treated with two types of hydrophobic coatings based on a commercial perfluoropolyether oligomer containing alkoxysilane terminal groups, respectively, with or without an inorganic precursor, tetraethoxysilane, to generate in situ silica nanoparticles. The performance of the coating was assessed by multiple indicators, such as wetting delay, water absorption coefficient, protection degree by capillarity, contact angle, roughness and gloss, as a function of the amount of coating. Uncertainties analysis of indicators was carried out. Coating performance was assessed at different exposure times comparable to in situ real ones. Optimal amounts of coating were established to maximize the protection with the minimum quantity of polymer. As a result, a square meter of brick surface exposed to water for 2–4 h can absorb about 7–8 L of water. Very small amounts of PFPE coatings change the brick surface/water interactions, more than halving the absorbed water (0.5–2 l) and increasing the protection degree up to 80–100%. After longer exposure times, the reduction in absorbed water is basically higher when brick specimens are treated with organic/inorganic nanostructured hybrid PFPE coatings.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Pagliolico, SL, Ronchetti, S, Turcato, EA, Bottino, G, Gallo, LM, DePaoli, R, “Physicochemical and Mineralogical Characterization of Earth for Building in North West Italy.” Appl. Clay Sci., 50 (4) 439–454 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Pagliolico, SL, Doglione, R, Tulliani, JM, “Diagnosis of the Surface Layer Damage in a 1960s Reinforced Concrete Building.” Case Stud. Constr. Mater., 1 77–82 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. MacMullen, J, Zhanga, Z, Rirsch, E, Dhakala, HN, Bennetta, N, “Brick and Mortar Treatment by Cream Emulsion for Improved Water Repellence and Thermal Insulation.” Energ. Build., 43 1560–1565 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Pheng, LS, Wee, D, “Improving Maintenance and Reducing Building Defects Through ISO 9000.” J. Qual. Maint. Eng., 7 (1) 6–24 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Mudarri, D, Fisk, WJ, “Public Health and Economic Impact of Dampness and Mold.” Indoor Air, 17 (3) 226–235 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Delucchi, M, Barbucci, A, Cerisola, G, “Crack-Bridging Ability and Liquid Water Permeability of Protective Coating for Concrete.” Prog. Org. Coat., 33 76–82 (1998)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. De Clercq, H, “Performance of Single Materials Treated with a Water Repellent and Contaminated with a Salt Mix.” In: Silfwerbrand J (ed.) Proceedings of Hydrophobe IV- the 4th International Conference on Water Repellent Treatment of Building Materials. Aedificatio Publishers. 171–184, 2005

  8. Tsakalof, A, Manoudis, P, Karapanagiotis, I, Chryssoulakis, I, Panayiotou, C, “Assessment of Synthetic Polymeric Coatings for the Protection and Preservation of Stone Monuments.” J. Cult. Herit., 8 69–72 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Vicini, S, Margutti, S, Moggi, G, Pedemonte, E, “In Situ Copolymerisation of Ethylmethacrylate and Methylacrylate for the Restoration of Stone Artefacts.” J. Cult. Herit., 2 143–147 (2001)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Poli, T, Toniolo, L, Chiantore, O, “The Protection of Different Italian Marbles with Two Partially Fluorinated Acrylic Copolymers.” Appl. Phys. A, 79 347–351 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Ugor, I, “Surface Characterization of Some Porous Natural Stones Modified with a Waterborne Fluorinated Polysiloxane Agent Under Physical Weathering Conditions.” J. Coat. Technol. Res., 11 (4) 639–649 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Navarrini, W, Diamanti, MV, Sansotera, M, Persico, F, Menghua, W, Magagnin, L, Radice, S, “UV-Resistant Amorphous Fluorinated Coating for Anodized Titanium Surfaces.” Prog. Org. Coat., 74 794–800 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Piacenti, F, Camaiti, M, “Synthesis and Characterization of Fluorinated Polyetheric Amides.” J. Fluorine Chem., 68 227–235 (1994)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Piacenti, F, Camaiti, M, Strepparola, E, Moggi, G, “Recent Developments with Fluoropolymers for Stone Conservation.” J. Fluorine Chem., 58 220 (1992)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Bongiovanni, R, Nelson, ARJ, Vitale, A, Bernardi, E, “Ultra-Thin Films Based on Random Copolymers Containing Perfluoropolyether Side Chains.” Thin Solid Films, 520 5627–5632 (2012)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. De Ferri, L, Lottici, PP, Lorenzi, A, Montenero, A, Salvioli-Marianid, E, “Study of Silica Nanoparticles–Polysiloxane Hydrophobic Treatments for Stone-Based Monument Protection.” J. Cult. Herit., 12 (4) 356–363 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Constancio, C, Franco, L, Russo, A, Anjinho, C, Pires, J, Vaz, MF, Carvalho, AP, “Studies on Polymeric Conservation Treatments of Ceramic Tiles with Paraloid B-72 and Two Alkoxysilanes.” J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 116 2833–2839 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  18. Manoudis, P, Papadopoulou, S, Karapanagiotis, I, Tsakalof, A, Zuburtikudis, I, Panayiotou, C, “Polymer-Silica Nanoparticles Composite Films as Protective Coatings for Stone-Based Monuments.” J. Phys.: Conf. Series, 61 1361–1365 (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  19. Esposito Coircione, C, Striani, R, Frigione, M, “Novel Hydrophobic Free-Solvent UV-Cured Hybrid Organic–inorganic Methacrylic-Based Coatings for Porous Stones.” Prog. Org. Coat., 77 (4) 803–812 (2014)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Pagliolico, SL, Ozzello, ED, Sassi, G, Bongiovanni, R, “Characterization of a Hybrid Nano-Silica Waterborne Polyurethane Coating for Clay Bricks.” J. Coat. Technol. Res., 13 (2) 267–276 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Fabbri, P, Messori, M, Montecchi, M, Pilati, F, Taurino, R, Tonelli, C, Toselli, M, “Surface Properties of Fluorinated Hybrid Coatings.” J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 102 1483–1488 (2006)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Messori, M, Toselli, M, Pilati, F, Fabbri, P, Montecchi, L, Nannarone, M, Tonelli, C, “Perfluoropolyether-Based Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Coatings: Preparation and Surface Characterization.” Surf. Coat. Int. B: Coat. Trans., 88 (B4) 231–316 (2005)

    Google Scholar 

  23. Bongiovanni, R, Sangermano, M, Medici, A, Tonelli, C, Rizza, G, “Nanostructured Hybrid Networks Based on Highly Fluorinated Acrylates.” J. Sol-Gel Sci. Tecn., 52 291–298 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Rovnaníková, P, “Environmental Deterioration of Materials.” In: Moncmanova, A (ed.) WIT Transactions on State-of-the-Art in Science and Engineering 28. WIT Press, Ashurst (2007)

    Google Scholar 

  25. Künzel, HM, “Regendaten für Berechnung des Feuchtetransports,” Fraunhofer Institut für auphysik, Mitteilung 265, (1994)

  26. Hall, C, Kam Ming Tse, T, “Water Movement in Porous Building Materials–VII. The Sorptivity of Mortars.” Build. Envir., 21 101–108 (1986)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Straube, JF, Burnett, EFP, “Simplified Prediction of Driving Rain on Buildings.” Proc. of the International Building Physics Conf., 375–382 (2000)

  28. Sanders, C, “Comparison of the ‘British Standard’ and ‘French’ methods for estimating driving rain impacts on walls.” IEA Annex 41 meeting Glasgow, Report A41-T3-UK-04-2 (2004)

  29. Ontario Association of Architects. Technical Practice Bulletin E.1. Exterior Wall Design: OAA Rain Penetration Control Practice Guide, June (2002)

  30. Blocken, B, Carmeliet, J, “Overview of Three State-of-the-Art Wind-Driven Rain Assessment Models and Comparison Based on Model Theory.” Build. Environ., 45 (3) 691–703 (2010)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. UNI EN 771-1. “Specification for Masonry Units–Part 1: Clay Masonry Units” (2011)

  32. UNI EN 15801:2010. “Conservation of Cultural Property–Test Methods–Determination of Water Absorption by Capillarity.” (2010)

  33. Solvay Solexis Inc. Product data sheet. Fluorolink Surface Treatment Agents (2002)

  34. EN16581:2014, ‘‘Conservation of Cultural Property—Surface Protection for Porous Inorganic Materials—Laboratory Test Methods for the Evaluation of the Performance of Water Repellent Products.’’ (2014)

  35. ISO JCGM 100:2008 “Evaluation of Measurement Data—Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement. Joint Committee for Guides in Metrology.” (2008)

  36. Sassi, G, Bernocco, M, Sassi, M, “Uncertainty of the Diffusion Measurements on Scaffolds for Cell Growth.” In: Diffusion and Defect Data, Solid State Data. Part A, Defect and Diffusion Forum Vol. 312–315, pp. 770–775 (2011)

  37. ARPA (Regional Agency for the Environmental Protection) VALLE D’AOSTA. Data from the measuring station of Donnas (Aosta, Italy) of the Regional Air Quality Monitoring Network, Italy, (2016)

  38. UNI EN 15802:2010. “Conservation of Cultural Property–Test Methods–Determination of Static Contact Angle.” (2010)

  39. ISO 2813:1994. “Paints and Varnishes–Determination of Specular Gloss of Non-Metallic Paint Films at 20 Degrees, 60 Degrees and 85 Degrees.” (1994)

  40. UNI EN 623-4:2005. “Advanced Technical Ceramics–Monolithic Ceramics–General and Textural Properties–Part 4: Determination of Surface Roughness.” (2005)

  41. Matziaris, K, Stefanidou, M, Karagiannis, G, “Impregnation and Superhydrophobicity of Coated Porous Low-Fired Clay Building Materials.” Prog. Org. Coat., 72 181–192 (2011)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Mukhopadhyaya, P, Kumaran, K, Normandin, N, Goudreau, P, “Effect of Surface Temperature on Water Absorption Coefficient of Building Materials.” J. Therm. Envel. Build. Sci., 26 (2) 179–195 (2002)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Cultrone, G, Sebastia, E, Ortega Huertas, M, “Durability of Masonry Systems: A Laboratory Study.” Constr. Build. Mater., 21 40–51 (2007)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Groot, CJWP, Gunneweg, JTM, “The Influence of Materials Characteristics and Workmanship on Rain Penetration in Historic Fired Clay Brick Masonry.” HERON, 44 (2) 63–78 (2010)

    Google Scholar 

  45. van Hees, RPJ, Brocken, HJP, “Damage Development to Treated Brick Masonry in a Long-Term Salt Crystallisation Test.” Constr. Build. Mater., 18 331–338 (2004)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  46. Stefanidou, M, Karozou, A, “Testing the Effectiveness of Protective Coatings on Traditional Bricks.” Constr. Build. Mater., 111 482–487 (2016)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  47. Gummerson, RJ, Hall, C, Hoff, WD, “The Suction Rate and the Sorptivity of Bricks.” Brit. Ceram. Trans. J., 80 150–152 (1981)

    Google Scholar 

  48. Raimondo, M, Dondi, M, Gardini, D, Guarini, G, Mazzanti, F, “Predicting the Initial Rate of Water Absorption in Clay Bricks.” Constr. Build. Mater., 23 2623–2630 (2009)

    Article  Google Scholar 

  49. Siegesmund, S, Snethlage, R, Stone in Architecture: Properties, Durability, 5th ed. SpringerVerlag, Berlin (2014)

    Book  Google Scholar 

  50. Marmur, A, “Penetration and Displacement in Capillary Systems.” In: Schrader, ME, Loeb, GI (eds.) Modern Approaches to Wettability. Springer, New York (1992)

    Google Scholar 

  51. Della Volpe, C, Penati, A, Peruzzi, R, Siboni, S, Toniolo, L, Colombo, C, “The Combined Effect of Roughness and Heterogeneity on Contact Angles: The Case of Polymer Coating for Stone Protection.” Adhes. Sci. Technol., 14 (2) 273–299 (2000)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Laterizi San Grato S.r. l. (Pralormo, Torino, Italy) for providing bricks and ARPA VDA—Regional Agency for the Environmental Protection of Aosta Valley (Saint-Christophe—Aosta, Italy) for providing meteorological data.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Politecnico di Torino, Dept of Applied Science and Technology, C.so Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129, Turin, Italy

    Simonetta Lucia Pagliolico, Elena Daniela Ozzello, Guido Sassi & Roberta Bongiovanni

  2. Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica (INRIM), Strada delle Cacce, 91, 10135, Turin, Italy

    Guido Sassi

Authors
  1. Simonetta Lucia Pagliolico
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Elena Daniela Ozzello
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Guido Sassi
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Roberta Bongiovanni
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Simonetta Lucia Pagliolico.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Pagliolico, S.L., Ozzello, E.D., Sassi, G. et al. Testing organic and organic–inorganic fluorinated hybrid coatings as protective materials for clay bricks. J Coat Technol Res 16, 81–92 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-018-0102-3

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-018-0102-3

Keywords

Search

Navigation