Study in the Durability of Silane-Based Mortar

Abstract This article investigates the durability properties of mortar containing three types of silanes as integral additives. Compared with the plain mortar, mortar samples with silanes exhibited better performance when subjected to freezing-thawing cycles and chemical and carbonation corrosion. The addition of silanes also results in the formation of chemical bonding across the interface, which is helpful for improving crack resistance. Additionally, mortar samples with γ-Glycidoxypropyl methyldimethoxysilane (GDMMS) show better freezing-thawing resistance and chemical corrosion resistance than do mortar samples with γ-aminopropytriethoxysilane and 3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate, because of the more effective interface between the GDMMS and mortar. For mortar samples with silanes, the effect of the types and quantity of silanes on the crack resistance of mortar and carbonation corrosion is not obvious. Scanning electron microscopy images show that silanes perform the networking and “coupling” effect to hold mortar particles, resulting in the improvement of mortar durability.