Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.4
2.8
Journals
Coatings
Special Issues
Surface Treatments and Coatings for Asphalt and Concrete
share announcement

Surface Treatments and Coatings for Asphalt and Concrete

A special issue of Coatings (ISSN 2079-6412). This special issue belongs to the section "Functional Polymer Coatings and Films".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 14 November 2025 | Viewed by 4465

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Yongcheng Ji

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Civil Engineering and Transportation, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Interests: civil engineering materials; green bridges in cold regions; solid waste recycling and reuse
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Jun Wang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil, Environmental, and Construction Engineering, University of Hawaii at Manoa, 2540 Dole Street, Holmes Hall 383, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
Interests: advancing infrastructure sustainability, with expertise in simulating infrastructure behavior under multi-hazard conditions; utilizing machine learning for structural health monitoring, and developing innovative repair techniques with advanced materials

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Asphalt and recycled concrete, as indispensable construction materials for modern buildings and infrastructure, support many structures, from roads to bridges and buildings, thanks to their high strength, durability, and flexibility. However, the long-term exposure of these materials to the natural environment can lead to surface degradation, such as aging and cracking of asphalt and the corrosion of recycled concrete, thereby affecting the stability and lifespan of the overall structure. Therefore, the development of surface treatment and coating technologies has become crucial for extending the service life of these materials. For asphalt, surface treatment technologies range from rejuvenators to restore flexibility to adding overlay materials to enhance waterproofing and abrasion resistance. For concrete, it involves the application of anticorrosive coatings such as epoxy resins, polyurethanes, and FRP (Fiber-Reinforced Polymer), which form a protective barrier effectively isolating the intrusion of moisture, oxygen, and harmful chemicals, thus enhancing the durability of the structure. The selection and application of these coatings require consideration of material chemical compatibility, adhesion, weatherability, balance, ease of construction, and cost-effectiveness.

To delve deeper into this field, we plan to publish a Special Issue on surface treatment and coatings for asphalt and concrete. The aim is to bring together the latest research findings from researchers and promote technological innovation.

The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  • Interface performance of asphalt and recycled concrete;
  • Latest advancements in corrosion-resistant coatings for materials;
  • Development and application of high-performance and environmentally friendly coatings;
  • Ev durability and long-term performance prediction of coatings;
  • Surface treatment strategies for special environments (e.g., extreme climates, cold regions, marine environments).

We would like to express our sincere thanks to Dr. Long Liu from Anyang Institute of Technology, China, for his time and effort in contributing to this Special Issue.

Dr. Yongcheng Ji
Dr. Jun Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Coatings is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • protective corrosion coatings
  • extreme environments
  • performance modeling
  • recycled concrete
  • asphalt
  • fiber-reinforced polymer

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (7 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

26 pages, 3081 KiB  
Article
Numerical Evaluation of Modified Mortar Coatings for Thermal Protection of Reinforced Concrete and Steel Structures Under Standardized Fire Exposure
by Fabrício Longhi Bolina, Arthur S. Henn, Débora Bretas Silva and Eduardo Cesar Pachla
Coatings 2025, 15(7), 806; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15070806 - 9 Jul 2025
Viewed by 223
Abstract
This study investigates the thermal performance of 23 different mortar types, each containing different mixes, properties, and additives. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to collect experimental data on the thermal properties of these mortars, which were then used in a numerical analysis [...] Read more.
This study investigates the thermal performance of 23 different mortar types, each containing different mixes, properties, and additives. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to collect experimental data on the thermal properties of these mortars, which were then used in a numerical analysis through thermal finite element modeling. The results showed that all mortar types contributed to reducing the internal temperature of structural steel and reinforced concrete elements, with performance primarily influenced by key factors such as the mortar’s thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, thermal diffusivity, and coating thickness. In particular, the mortar with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) as a slag substitute and the mortar with expanded perlite replacing sand showed the highest thermal protection and achieved a temperature reduction on the order of 100%. In contrast, mortars containing 30% vermiculite or 15% light expanded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) as a sand substitute showed the lowest thermal performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Treatments and Coatings for Asphalt and Concrete)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3861 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Rheological Impact of USP Warm Mix Modifier on Asphalt Binder
by Yali Liu, Jingfei Ping, Hao Guo, Yikai Kang and Yali Ye
Coatings 2025, 15(7), 784; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15070784 - 3 Jul 2025
Viewed by 407
Abstract
USP (usual temperature pitch)-modified asphalt optimizes its rheological properties through reactions between the modifier and the asphalt. This significantly enhances the high- and low-temperature adaptability and environmental friendliness of asphalt. It has now become an important research direction in the field of highway [...] Read more.
USP (usual temperature pitch)-modified asphalt optimizes its rheological properties through reactions between the modifier and the asphalt. This significantly enhances the high- and low-temperature adaptability and environmental friendliness of asphalt. It has now become an important research direction in the field of highway engineering. This article systematically investigates the impact of different dosages of USP warm mix modifier on asphalt binders through rheological and microstructural analysis. Base asphalt and SBS-modified asphalt were blended with USP at varying ratios. Conventional tests (penetration, softening point, ductility) were combined with dynamic shear rheometry (DSR, AASHTO T315) and bending beam rheometry (BBR, AASHTO T313) to characterize temperature/frequency-dependent viscoelasticity. High-temperature performance was quantified via multiple stress creep recovery (MSCR, ASTM D7405), while fluorescence microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy elucidated modification mechanisms. Key findings reveal that (1) optimal USP thresholds exist at 4.0% for base asphalt and 4.5% for SBS modified asphalt, beyond which the rutting resistance factor (G*/sin δ) decreases by 20–31% due to plasticization effects; (2) USP significantly improves low-temperature flexibility, reducing creep stiffness at −12 °C by 38% (USP-modified) and 35% (USP/SBS composite) versus controls; (3) infrared spectroscopy displays that no new characteristic peaks appeared in the functional group region of 4000–1300 cm−1 for the two types of modified asphalt after the incorporation of USP, indicating that no chemical changes occurred in the asphalt; and (4) fluorescence imaging confirmed that the incorporation of USP led to disintegration of the spatial network structure of the control asphalt, explaining the reason for the deterioration of high-temperature performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Treatments and Coatings for Asphalt and Concrete)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 7576 KiB  
Article
Study on the Damage Evolution Mechanism of FRP-Reinforced Concrete Subjected to Coupled Acid–Freeze Erosion
by Fei Li, Wei Li, Shenghao Jin, Dayang Wang, Peifeng Cheng and Meitong Piao
Coatings 2025, 15(7), 759; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15070759 - 26 Jun 2025
Viewed by 426
Abstract
Plain concrete specimens and FRP(Fiber Reinforced Polymer)-reinforced concrete specimens were fabricated to investigate concrete’s mechanical and surface degradation behaviors reinforced with carbon, basalt, glass, and aramid fiber-reinforced polymer under coupled sulfuric acid and freeze–thaw cycles. The compressive strength of fully wrapped FRP cylindrical [...] Read more.
Plain concrete specimens and FRP(Fiber Reinforced Polymer)-reinforced concrete specimens were fabricated to investigate concrete’s mechanical and surface degradation behaviors reinforced with carbon, basalt, glass, and aramid fiber-reinforced polymer under coupled sulfuric acid and freeze–thaw cycles. The compressive strength of fully wrapped FRP cylindrical specimens and the flexural load capacity of prismatic specimens with FRP reinforced to the pre-cracked surface, along with the dynamic elastic modulus and mass loss, were evaluated before and after acid–freeze cycles. The degradation mechanism of the specimens was elucidated through analysis of surface morphological changes captured in photographs, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) data. The experimental results revealed that after 50 cycles of coupled acid–freeze erosion, the plain cylindrical concrete specimens showed a mass gain of 0.01 kg. In contrast, after 100 cycles, a significant mass loss of 0.082 kg was recorded. The FRP-reinforced specimens initially demonstrated mass loss trends comparable to those of the plain concrete specimens. However, in the later stages, the FRP confinement effectively mitigated the surface spalling of the concrete, leading to a reversal in mass loss and subsequent mass gain. Notably, the GFRP(Glassfiber Reinforced Polymer)-reinforced specimens exhibited the most significant mass gain of 1.653%. During the initial 50 cycles of acid–freeze erosion, the prismatic and cylindrical specimens demonstrated comparable degradation patterns. However, in the subsequent stages, FRP reduced the exposed surface area-to-volume ratio of the specimens in contact with the acid solution, resulting in a marked improvement in their structural integrity. After 100 cycles of acid–freeze erosion, the compressive strength loss rate and flexural load capacity loss rate followed the ascending order: CFRP-reinforced < BFRP(Basalt Fiber Reinforced Polymer)-reinforced < AFRP(Aramid Fiber Reinforced Polymer)-reinforced < GFRP-reinforced < plain specimens. Conversely, the ductility ranking from highest to lowest was AFRP/GFRP > control group > BFRP/CFRP. A probabilistic analysis model was established to complement the experimental findings, encompassing the quantification of hazard levels and reliability indices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Treatments and Coatings for Asphalt and Concrete)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 12386 KiB  
Article
Interfacial Damage Mechanisms and Performance Prediction in Recycled Aggregate Concrete
by Siyu Zhang, Yongcheng Ji and Xiangwei Hao
Coatings 2025, 15(4), 441; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15040441 - 8 Apr 2025
Viewed by 511
Abstract
To address the growing demand for sustainable construction and efficient recycling of waste concrete resources, this study investigates the interfacial performance and mechanical property prediction of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) under varying recycled aggregate (RA) replacement ratios (r = 0%, 30%, 60%, 100%). [...] Read more.
To address the growing demand for sustainable construction and efficient recycling of waste concrete resources, this study investigates the interfacial performance and mechanical property prediction of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) under varying recycled aggregate (RA) replacement ratios (r = 0%, 30%, 60%, 100%). A comprehensive experimental program was implemented, including uniaxial compression tests and microscopic characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), to evaluate the macro- and microscale damage evolution and interfacial transition zone (ITZ) properties of RAC. Based on Weibull’s statistical strength theory, a constitutive model for RAC under compression was developed, and a two-dimensional random aggregate model was implemented in Abaqus to simulate the damage initiation and propagation processes at different replacement ratios. The results demonstrate that the compressive strength of RAC decreases as the RA replacement ratio increases, while the optimal interfacial and mechanical performance is achieved at a 30% replacement ratio. The study reveals that failure in RAC initiates at the ITZ between the recycled aggregates and cement matrix, subsequently propagating to complete structural failure. The proposed constitutive model accurately predicts the stress–strain behavior of RAC across different replacement ratios, showing excellent agreement with experimental data. These findings provide valuable insights into the interfacial performance and failure mechanisms of RAC, offering a theoretical foundation for optimizing the design and application of recycled aggregate concrete in sustainable engineering projects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Treatments and Coatings for Asphalt and Concrete)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 5372 KiB  
Article
Self-Crosslinking Waterborne Acrylate Modified Emulsified Asphalt via DAAM-ADH: A Dual-Enhanced Solution for Pavement Performance
by Jianhui Xu, Zhaoyi He, Haiying Li, Shutong Tang, Jie Wang, Jing Dang and Yuanyuan Li
Coatings 2025, 15(4), 420; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15040420 - 1 Apr 2025
Viewed by 378
Abstract
Emulsified asphalt is widely used for pavement maintenance due to its ease of application. However, its use is limited by poor high-temperature stability and low bonding strength. This study attempted to prepare a self-crosslinking waterborne acrylate (SWA)-type admixture using a diacetone acrylamide (DAAM)-adipic [...] Read more.
Emulsified asphalt is widely used for pavement maintenance due to its ease of application. However, its use is limited by poor high-temperature stability and low bonding strength. This study attempted to prepare a self-crosslinking waterborne acrylate (SWA)-type admixture using a diacetone acrylamide (DAAM)-adipic dihydrazide (ADH) crosslinking system and applied it to emulsified asphalt to ultimately obtain self-crosslinking waterborne acrylate-modified emulsified asphalt (AMEA). The research explored the effects of SWA on the fundamental properties, rheological characteristics, microscopic morphology, and bonding performance of AMEA. Results indicated that SWA undergoes self-crosslinking reactions during the demulsification process, forming a continuous and stable network structure that significantly enhances the strength of emulsified asphalt while improving softening point and high-temperature stability. Rheological analysis revealed that within the 10–15 phr dosage range, the influence of frequency on emulsified asphalt was minimized, with notable improvements in high-temperature elastic recovery and deformation resistance. Particularly when the dosage exceeds 10 phr, the material demonstrates adaptability to high-traffic environments. Pull-off tests demonstrated that SWA can increase the interlayer bonding strength of emulsified asphalt by over 50%. However, SWA exhibits some negative impact on the low-temperature ductility of emulsified asphalt, necessitating cautious dosage control during application. This novel self-crosslinking waterborne acrylate-modified emulsified asphalt, with its excellent bonding performance and superior high-temperature stability, emerges as a crucial material choice for pavement preventive maintenance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Treatments and Coatings for Asphalt and Concrete)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1902 KiB  
Article
Research on TPS-SBS Composite-Modified Asphalt with High Viscosity and High Elasticity in Cold Regions
by Dong Wang, Decheng Feng, Zhiguo Chen, Zengxin Liu, Wenhui Zhang, Junwen Lei, Dongdong Yao, Junyan Yi and Zhongshi Pei
Coatings 2025, 15(1), 108; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15010108 - 19 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1024
Abstract
Considering the harsh service environment of asphalt pavements in cold regions, there is an urgent need to develop high-viscosity, and high-elasticity modified asphalt. This study focuses on the composite modification effects of SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) and TPS (TAFPACK-Super) modifiers. A multivariate regression analysis model [...] Read more.
Considering the harsh service environment of asphalt pavements in cold regions, there is an urgent need to develop high-viscosity, and high-elasticity modified asphalt. This study focuses on the composite modification effects of SBS (Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene) and TPS (TAFPACK-Super) modifiers. A multivariate regression analysis model was established to evaluate the effects of different external additive proportions on the properties of high-viscosity and high-elasticity modified asphalt, including softening point, penetration, ductility, and dynamic viscosity. The results indicate that the constructed quadratic nonlinear regression models exhibit excellent goodness of fit (0.929, 0.994, 0.882, and 0.939), verifying their reliability. The model further elucidates the influence patterns of different materials on asphalt properties: SBS has the greatest impact on the softening point and dynamic viscosity, TPS significantly enhances ductility, while aromatic oil primarily affects penetration. By considering performance and cost, an optimized formulation for TPS-SBS composite-modified asphalt was determined: 9% SBS, 1% TPS, and 3% aromatic oil. Validation tests demonstrate that the modified asphalt prepared with the optimal formulation meets all performance criteria, with a dynamic viscosity of 55.32 × 104 Pa·s at 60 °C. Additionally, this composite-modified asphalt exhibits excellent aging resistance, construction workability, and high-temperature stability, providing scientific support and reference for the development of durable asphalt pavements in cold regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Treatments and Coatings for Asphalt and Concrete)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 9876 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Fatigue Performance in Reinforced Concrete Beams Strengthened with Engineered Cementitious Composite Layers and Steel Plates
by Dongsheng Lei, Long Liu, Xingpeng Ma, Mingdi Luo and Yanfen Gong
Coatings 2025, 15(1), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15010054 - 6 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1102
Abstract
Reinforcing concrete beams with adhesive steel plates is a widely adopted method for enhancing structural performance. However, its ability to significantly improve the load-carrying capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) beams is constrained and often leads to “over-reinforced” failure. To overcome these limitations, this [...] Read more.
Reinforcing concrete beams with adhesive steel plates is a widely adopted method for enhancing structural performance. However, its ability to significantly improve the load-carrying capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) beams is constrained and often leads to “over-reinforced” failure. To overcome these limitations, this study introduces a novel composite reinforcement strategy that integrates steel plates in the tensile zone with Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) layers in the compression zone of RC beams. Static and fatigue tests were conducted on the reinforced beams, and a finite element model was developed to perform nonlinear analyses of their structural behavior under cyclic loading. The model incorporates the nonlinear material properties of concrete and rebar, enabling accurate simulation of material degradation under cyclic conditions. The model’s accuracy was validated through comparison with experimental data, demonstrating its effectiveness in analyzing the structural performance of RC beams under cyclic loading. Furthermore, a parametric study demonstrated that increasing the thickness of steel plates and ECC layers substantially improves the beams’ ductility and load-carrying capacity. These findings provide effective reinforcement strategies and offer valuable technical insights for engineering design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Surface Treatments and Coatings for Asphalt and Concrete)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-7
Back to TopTop