Quality control of hydrophobic coatings with an integrated marker element by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

Author(s): G. Wilsch, H. Schalk, K. Bienert, A. Molkenthin, S. Goldschmidt, E. Niederleithinger
Paper category: Conference
Book title: 2nd International conference on Microstructural-related Durability of Cementitious Composites
Editor(s): Guang Ye, K. Van Breugel, Wei Sun, Changwen Miao
Print ISBN: 978-2-35158-129-2
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-123-0
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Pages: 1145 - 1155
Total Pages: 10
Language: English

Abstract: 
Reinforced concrete structures might be affected by environmental influences, like freezethaw effects or corrosion, which eventually induce damage. Most damage processes are triggered by moisture transport if water includes aggressive soluble substances. Protective systems can help to prevent further damage at buildings, if these suffer from poor maintenance or had been built with improper concrete. Hydrophobic coatings can be used for the prevention of such damage, but quantitative on-site quality assurance methods to prove the correct application of these systems are not available until today. A new way to overcome this problem is to integrate marker substances in the coating, which can be detected by spectroscopic methods. The amount of marker substances detected would be a quantitative measure for the effectiveness of the protective agent, assuming the tight bond between marker element and hydrophobic coating. Different types of marker elements have been tested. It can be shown that transition metals are best suited for the task. Currently a LIBS (laser induces breakdown spectroscopy) system is developed for the measurement of penetration depth and content of the hydrophobic coating via the marker element in the peripheral zone of concrete.

Online publication: 2013
Publication Type: full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00