Atomic Insight into Durability and Interfacial Stability of Novel Hydrophobic Composite in Concrete Alkaline Environment for Marine Engineering

Ao Zhou; Kexuan Li; Zechuan Yu; Guangzhao Yang; Tiejun Liu

doi:10.1016/j.eng.2025.12.020

Engineering ›› :202512020 DOI: 10.1016/j.eng.2025.12.020

Research

research-article

Atomic Insight into Durability and Interfacial Stability of Novel Hydrophobic Composite in Concrete Alkaline Environment for Marine Engineering

Author information +

History +

PDF (4878KB)

Abstract

The integrity of organic-inorganic interface determines the performance of composite material systems, such as concrete reinforced with basalt fiber reinforced polymer. The integrity of the interface, which depends on the epoxy resin, may be degraded in harsh environments such as in seawater and concrete alkaline environments. In this study, a novel resin cross-linked with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was developed to enhance the performance of composite material in harsh environments. The long-term mechanical strength of the composite (after modification to enhance its hydrophobicity) increased by 20% in concrete alkaline environments, based on micro-and macro-experiments. This improvement is attributed to cross-linking between PDMS and epoxy molecules and the formation of PDMS phase-separated circular domains, which achieve dynamic equilibrium and simultaneously enhance the densification and hydrophobicity. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that PDMS reinforces interface adhesion and significantly improves the corrosion resistance by facilitating covalent bond formation at the resin-fiber and even resin-concrete interfaces. This study provides a feasible strategy and atomic insights for durability enhancement of composite with similar organic-inorganic interfaces in concrete structures, thus advancing the safety and service life in marine engineering.

Keywords

Polydimethylsiloxane / Hydrophobic modification / Concrete alkaline environment / Degradation mechanism

Cite this article

Download citation ▾

Ao Zhou, Kexuan Li, Zechuan Yu, Guangzhao Yang, Tiejun Liu. Atomic Insight into Durability and Interfacial Stability of Novel Hydrophobic Composite in Concrete Alkaline Environment for Marine Engineering. Engineering 202512020 DOI:10.1016/j.eng.2025.12.020

登录浏览全文

4963

注册一个新账户忘记密码

References

Publishing order | Descend order by publishing year | Descend order by cited within

[1]	Lyu C, Yu C, Lu C, Pan L, Li W, Liu J. Long-term performance and microstructural characterization of dam concrete in the three gorges project. Engineering 2024; 33:237-62.

[2]	Quaranta E, Davies P. Emerging and innovative materials for hydropower engineering applications: turbines, bearings, sealing, dams and waterways, and ocean power. Engineering 2022; 8:148-58.

[3]	Wang HH, Huo S, Chevali V, Hall W, Offringa A, Song P, et al. Carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics: GROM materials to manufacturing and applications. Adv Mater 2025; 37(27):2418709.

[4]	Chen Z, Yu T, Yang Z, Wei Z, Li Y, Yang W, et al. Superior mechanical behavior and flame retardancy FRP via a distribution controllable 1D/2D hybrid nanoclay synergistic toughening strategy. Engineering 2024; 40:166-78.

[5]	Xu Z, Wu M, Ye Q, Chen D, Liu K, Bai H. Spinning from nature: engineered preparation and application of high-performance bio-based fibers. Engineering 2022; 14:100-12.

[6]	Feng GY, Zhu DJ, Guo SC, Rahman MZ, Jin ZQ, Shi CJ. A review on mechanical properties and deterioration mechanisms of FRP bars under severe environmental and loading conditions. Cem Concr Compos 2022; 134:104758.

[7]	Zhang W, Li S, Wei D, Shi Y, Lu T, Zhang Z, et al. A fluorine-free and high-robustness photothermal self-healing superhydrophobic coating with long-term anticorrosion and antibacterial performances. J Mater Sci Technol 2025; 210:284-98.

[8]	Zhou A, Chow CL, Lau D. Structural behavior of GFRP reinforced concrete columns under the influence of chloride at casting and service stages. Compos Part B Eng 2018; 136:1-9.

[9]	Zhou A, Büyüköztürk O, Lau D. Debonding of concrete-epoxy interface under the coupled effect of moisture and sustained load. Cem Concr Compos 2017; 80:287-97.

[10]	Yoo SJ, Lee OS, Parr JLM, Yoon YS. Degradation of flexural bond of CFRP bar in UHPFRC after exposure to elevated temperature. Cem Concr Compos 2024; 152:105627.

[11]	Azzam A, Bassuoni MT, Shalaby A. Performance of nano silica-modified cementitious composites reinforced with basalt fiber pellets under alkaline and salt-frost exposures. Cem Concr Compos 2022; 134:104761.

[12]	Li KX, Liu TJ, Zhang B, Zhou A, Han SW. Axial compressive behavior of low-alkalinity seawater sea-sand concrete column reinforced with hydrophobic longitudinal SFCBs and FRP hoops. Eng Struct 2024; 315:118446.

[13]	Zhang L, Gao C, Zhong L, Zhu L, Chen H, Hou Y, et al. Robust photothermal superhydrophobic coatings with dual-size micro/nano structure enhance anti-/de-icing and chemical resistance properties. Chem Eng J 2022; 446:137461.

[14]	Zhao Y, Xu T, Hu JM. A robust, room-temperature curable and molecular-level superhydrophobic coating with excellent antibacterial and antifouling properties. Chem Eng J 2022; 450:136557.

[15]	Dong Z, Wu G, Lian J. Experimental study on the durability of FRP bars reinforced concrete beams in simulated ocean environment. Sci Eng Compos Mater 2018; 25(6):1123-34.

[16]	Dong Z, Wu G, Zhao X, Zhu H, Lian J. Durability test on the flexural performance of seawater sea-sand concrete beams completely reinforced with FRP bars. Constr Build Mater 2018; 192:671-82.

[17]	Zhou A, Qin R, Chow CL, Lau D. Structural performance of FRP confined seawater concrete columns under chloride environment. Compos Struct 2019; 216:12-9.

[18]	Yi Y, Zhu D, Guo S, Li S, Feng G, Liu Z, et al. Development of a low-alkalinity seawater sea sand concrete for enhanced compatibility with BFRP bar in the marine environment. Cem Concr Compos 2022; 134:104778.

[19]	Padmaraj NH, Vijaya KM, Dayananda P. Experimental investigation on fatigue behaviour of glass/epoxy quasi-isotropic laminate composites under different ageing conditions. Int J Fatigue 2021; 143:105992.

[20]	Ferdous W, Manalo A, Yu P, Salih C, Abousnina R, Heyer T, et al. Tensile fatigue behavior of polyester and vinyl ester based GFRP laminates—a comparative evaluation. Polymers 2021; 13(3):386.

[21]	Zang X, Cao X, Zheng W, Zhu T, Lei Y, Huang J, et al. Meniscus inspired flexible superhydrophobic coating with remarkable erosion resistance for pipeline gas transmission. Chem Eng J 2023; 451:138573.

[22]	Dong Z, Zhu H, Hang Y, Liu G, Jin W. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite membrane fabricated on the inner surface of a ceramic hollow fiber: from single-channel to multi-channel. Engineering 2020; 6(1):89-99.

[23]	Shen Y, Li K, Chen H, Wu Z, Wang Z. Superhydrophobic F-SiO₂@PDMS composite coatings prepared by a two-step spraying method for the interface erosion mechanism and anti-corrosive applications. Chem Eng J 2021; 413:127455.

[24]	Zhou Z, Tan S, Sun W, Guan X, Xu T, Ji G. A cost-effective photothermal superhydrophobic coating with micro-and nano-graded structures for efficient solar energy harvesting. J Mater Sci Technol 2024; 198:158-65.

[25]	Zhang W, Li S, Wei D, Zheng Z, Han Z, Liu Y. Fluorine-free, robust and self-healing superhydrophobic surfaces with anticorrosion and antibacterial performances. J Mater Sci Technol 2024; 186:231-43.

[26]	Guo Y, Zhao H, Zhang C, Zhao G. Super photothermal/electrothermal response and anti-icing/deicing capability of superhydrophobic multi-walled carbon nanotubes/epoxy coating. Chem Eng J 2024; 497:154383.

[27]	Lu J, Yuan M, Di X, Yuan Q, Ni L, Luo Y, et al. Fast, non-carbonized, ambient-drying PVA/CNF@GO foam: towards super-broadband microwave absorption and structural strength enhancement in aramid honeycomb. Chem Eng J 2024; 489:151385.

[28]	Romo-Uribe A, Arcos-Casarrubias JA, Reyes-Mayer A, Guardian-Tapia R. PDMS nanodomains in DGEBA epoxy induce high flexibility and toughness. Polym Plast Technol Eng 2017; 56(1):96-107.

[29]	Dogan D, Ruthmann S, Seewald O, Bremser W. Tuning of antifouling active PDMS domains tethered to epoxy/amine surface. Prog Org Coat 2022; 170:106977.

[30]	Yang G, Wu Y, Li H, Gao N, Jin M, Hu Z, et al. Effect of shrinkage-reducing polycarboxylate admixture on cracking behavior of ultra-high strength mortar. Cem Concr Compos 2021; 122:104117.

[31]	Li K, Zhou A, Liu T, Zou D, Yu Z. Long-term performance and deterioration mechanism of novel hydrophobic coated fiber reinforced composite in marine environment. Compos A Appl Sci Manuf 2025; 190:108716.

[32]	Standardization Administration of the People’s Republic of China. GB/T 2567-2021: Test methods for properties of resin casting body. Chinese standard. Beijing: Standards Press of China; 2021. Chinese.

[33]	ASTM D1141-98(2021): Standard practice for the preparation of substitute ocean water. American standard. West Conshohocken: ASTM International; 2021.

[34]	Standardization Administration of the People’s Republic of China. GB/T 34551-2017: Test method for alkali resistance of glass fiber reinforced polymer bars in high temperature condition. Chinese standard. Beijing: Standards Press of China; 2017. Chinese.

[35]	ASTM D5229/D5229M-20: Standard test method for moisture absorption properties and equilibrium conditioning of polymer matrix composite materials. American standard. West Conshohocken: ASTM International; 2020.

[36]	Zhou A, Tam LH, Yu ZC, Lau DV. Effect of moisture on the mechanical properties of CFRP-wood composite: an experimental and atomistic investigation. Compos Part B Eng 2015; 71:63-73.

[37]	Zhao P, Tong Y, Ma N, Han B, Dong X, Qi M. Molecular dynamics simulations and experimental studies of the microstructure and mechanical properties of a silicone oil/functionalized ionic liquid-based magnetorheological fluid. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022; 14(8):10987-97.

[38]	Zhou A, Qiu QW, Chow CL, Lau D. Interfacial performance of aramid, basalt and carbon fiber reinforced polymer bonded concrete exposed to high temperature. Compos A Appl Sci Manuf 2020; 131:105802.

[39]	Liu TJ, Li KX, Zhou A, Yu ZC, Qin RY, Zou DJ. Atomic insight into the functionalization of cellulose nanofiber on durability of epoxy nanocomposites. Nano Res 2023; 16(2):3256-66.

[40]	Zhou A, Yu Z, Wei H, Tam LH, Liu T, Zou D. Understanding the toughening mechanism of silane coupling agents in the interfacial bonding in steel fiber-reinforced cementitious composites. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2020; 12(39):44163-71.

[41]	Park S, Khalili-Araghi F, Tajkhorshid E, Schulten K. Free energy calculation from steered molecular dynamics simulations using Jarzynski’s equality. J Chem Phys 2003; 119(6):3559-66.

[42]	Zhou A, Kang J, Qin R, Hao H, Liu T, Yu Z. Weaving the next-level structure of calcium silicate hydrate at the submicron scale via a remapping algorithm from coarse-grained to all-atom model. Cem Concr Res 2024; 180:107501.

[43]	Zhang B, Duan J, Huang Y, Hou B. Double layered superhydrophobic PDMS-candle soot coating with durable corrosion resistance and thermal-mechanical robustness. J Mater Sci Technol 2021; 71:1-11.

[44]	Chen W, Xu B, Tang Q, Qian S, Bian D, Li H. Preparation and properties of PDMS surface coating for ultra-low friction characteristics. Langmuir 2023; 39(41):14605-15.

[45]	Bi S, Xu K, Shao G, Yang K, Tian J. Mechanically robust antifouling coating with dual-functional antifouling strategy by infiltrating PDMS into plasma-sprayed porous Al₂O₃-Cu coating. J Mater Sci Technol 2023; 159:125-37.

[46]	Kwon JM, Kim WJ, Nam KW, Park SH. Interface nanoarchitectonics of epoxy-siloxane functionalized silica for icephobic and mechanically robust superhydrophobic coating. Appl Surf Sci 2025; 712:164141.

[47]	Liu S, Liu S, Wang Q, Zuo Z, Liang X. Design and synthesis of robust superhydrophobic coating based on epoxy resin and polydimethylsiloxane interpenetrated polymer network. Prog Org Coat 2023; 175:107336.

[48]	Zhang J, Zhang P, Hu Z, Li C, Cui X, Yan B. A fluorinated MXene-doped superhydrophobic coating with mechanochemical robustness, repairable wettability and photothermal conversion for highly efficient anti/de-icing. Chem Eng J 2024; 498:155499.

[49]	Hou N, Guo Q, Zaïri F, Ding N. Mode I crack propagation in polydimethylsiloxane-short carbon fiber composites. Compos Struct 2025; 352:118682.

[50]	Romo-Uribe A, Santiago-Santiago K, Reyes-Mayer A, Aguilar-Franco M. Functional PDMS enhanced strain at fracture and toughness of DGEBA epoxy resin. Eur Polym J 2017; 89:101-18.

[51]	Wan YJ, Tang LC, Gong LX, Yan D, Li YB, Wu LB, et al. Grafting of epoxy chains onto graphene oxide for epoxy composites with improved mechanical and thermal properties. Carbon 2014; 69:467-80.

[52]	Wang Y, Cai Y, Zhang H, Zhou J, Zhou S, Chen Y, et al. Mechanical and thermal degradation behavior of high-performance PDMS elastomer based on epoxy/silicone hybrid network. Polymer (Guildf) 2021; 236:124299.

[53]	Oh CB, Kim BJ, Lee MY. Synergistic interlaminar strengthening of unidirectional carbon fiber-reinforced composites using carbon nanofiber-modified sizing on the surface of PET interleaves. Compos Part B Eng 2023; 264:110929.

[54]	Jiang X, Zhou C, Su J, Tang S, Li N. Innovative droplet manipulation techniques on F-L@KH550/HDTMS/PDMS/SiO₂ superhydrophobic surfaces with excellent corrosion resistance using femtosecond laser and chemical modifications. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2025; 707:135960.

[55]	Liao D, Gu T, Liu J, Chen S, Zhao F, Len S, et al. Degradation behavior and ageing mechanism of E-glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin composite pipes under accelerated thermal ageing conditions. Compos Part B Eng 2024; 270:111131.

[56]	Sales RCM, Diniz MF, Dutra RCL, Thim GP, Dibbern-Brunelli D. Study of curing process of glass fiber and epoxy resin composite by FT-NIR, photoacoustic spectroscopy and luminescence spectroscopy. J Mater Sci 2011; 46(6):1814-23.

[57]	Kapridaki C, Maravelaki-Kalaitzaki P. TiO₂-SiO₂-PDMS nano-composite hydrophobic coating with self-cleaning properties for marble protection. Prog Org Coat 2013; 76(2-3):400-10.

[58]	Sun J, Chen Y, Li J, Su J, Huang S, Zhang Y, et al. Synthesis of transparent and flexible superhydrophobic PDMS-EP/SiO₂ coating with excellent mechanical and chemical durability. Appl Surf Sci 2025; 707:163586.

[59]	Kim J, Kang S, Seong I, Jeon JW, Lee D, Kim JH, et al. Advancing CFRP durability: interfacial and weathering performance of epoxy and acrylic matrices. Compos Part B Eng 2025; 297:112315.

[60]	Harle SM. Durability and long-term performance of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites: a review. Structures. 2024; 60:105881.

[61]	Rosa IC, Firmo JP, Correia JR, Mazzuca P. Influence of elevated temperatures on the bond behaviour of ribbed GFRP bars in concrete. Cem Concr Compos 2021; 122:104119.

[62]	Zhao Q, Zhao XL, Zhang D, Duan L. Effects of exposure in seawater sea-sand concrete pore solution on fatigue performance of carbon FRP bars. Compos Sci Technol 2024; 247:110418.

[63]	Starkova O, Aiello MA, Aniskevich A. Long-term moisture diffusion in vinylester resin and CFRP rebars: a 20-year case study. Compos Sci Technol 2023; 242:110167.

[64]	Li Z, Furmanski J, Lepech MD. Micromechanics modeling and homogenization of glass fiber reinforced polymer composites subject to synergistic deterioration. Compos Sci Technol 2021; 203:108629.

[65]	Liu Y, Wang H, Ding H, Wang H, Bi Y. Effect of hygrothermal aging on compression behavior of CFRP material with different layups. Compos Part B Eng 2024; 270:111134.

[66]	Litherland KL, Oakley DR, Proctor BA. The use of accelerated ageing procedures to predict the long term strength of GRC composites. Cem Concr Res 1981; 11(3):455-66.

[67]	Huang J, Aboutaha R. Environmental reduction factors for GFRP bars used as concrete reinforcement: new scientific approach. J Compos Constr 2010; 14(5):479-86.

[68]	Bank LC, Gentry TR, Thompson BP, Russell JS. A model specification for FRP composites for civil engineering structures. Constr Build Mater 2003; 17(6-7):405-37.

[69]	Chen Y, Davalos JF, Ray I. Durability prediction for GFRP reinforcing bars using short-term data of accelerated aging tests. J Compos Constr 2006; 10(4):279-86.

[70]	Lu Z, Li Y, Xie J. Durability of BFRP bars wrapped in seawater sea sand concrete. Compos Struct 2021; 255:112935.

[71]	Lu C, Ni M, Chu T, He L. Comparative investigation on tensile performance of FRP bars after exposure to water, seawater, and alkaline solutions. J Mater Civ Eng 2020; 32(7):04020170.

[72]	Wang Z, Zhao XL, Xian G, Wu G, Singh Raman RK, Al-Saadi S, et al. Long-term durability of basalt-and glass-fibre reinforced polymer (BFRP/GFRP) bars in seawater and sea sand concrete environment. Constr Build Mater 2017; 139:467-89.

[73]	Guo X, Xiong C, Jin Z, Pang B. A review on mechanical properties of FRP bars subjected to seawater sea sand concrete environmental effects. J Build Eng 2022; 58:105038.

[74]	Chen Y, Davalos JF, Ray I, Kim HY. Accelerated aging tests for evaluations of durability performance of FRP reinforcing bars for concrete structures. Compos Struct 2007; 78(1):101-11.

[75]	Lu Z, Xian G, Li H. Effects of elevated temperatures on the mechanical properties of basalt fibers and BFRP plates. Constr Build Mater 2016; 127:1029-36.

[76]	Micelli F, Nanni A. Durability of FRP rods for concrete structures. Constr Build Mater 2004; 18(7):491-503.

[77]	Ma L, Liu H, Wen X, Szymańska K, Mijowska E, Hao C, et al. Polyhydric SiO₂ coating assistant to graft organophosphorus onto glass fabric for simultaneously improving flame retardancy and mechanical properties of epoxy resin composites. Compos Part B Eng 2022; 243:110176.