Effects of Water Exposure on the Interfacial Bond between an Epoxy Resin Coating and a Concrete Substrate

Interfacial bond properties of six different epoxy resins used to coat submerged concrete structures were investigated. Test variables included coating type, coating equipment, and underwater curing time. Coating thickness and pull-off bond strength were measured using commercially available test equipment. Coating thickness and bond strength varied greatly depending on the manufacturer. The standard (control) coating equipment positively influenced the bond strength compared to other equipment. The effect of curing time on the bond properties was not significant within the range of 24 to 72 h. Lastly, some important considerations for the underwater coating of actual marine and coastal concrete structures were discussed, and suggestions for future research are presented.