Improvement of Building Materials Performance by Sol-Gel Derived Coatings

Abstract

Different multicomponent solutions have been developed by which building materials were coated. After drying and annealing, the coatings convert into silicate based glassy films. TEOS or fumed silica were used as silica carriers and by adding lead compounds also low melting compositions were prepared. In some cases it proved to be convenient to adjust the viscosity of the solutions by additions of suitable organic polymers. The heat treatment was done either in an electric furnace or by means of a special acetylene burner. The produced films can protect building materials against corrosion, may reduce the absorption and permeation of water or improve abrasion resistance.