Effect of Water-Based Epoxy Resin Coating on the Mechanical Behavior of Carbon Textile Reinforced Concrete

While the integration of fibers in concrete is not novel, the application and use of continuous fabric-like textiles represent a more recent development. Carbon-based textiles stand out for their superior mechanical properties, demonstrating high strength and durability when combined with cementitious matrices. Coatings applications in multifilament yarn textile reinforcements are crucial to enhance adhesion and facilitate effective stress transfer between the fabric and the cementitious matrix, ensuring long-term durability and structural integrity for the Textile Reinforced Concrete (TRC). Although epoxy resin is commonly employed as it results in excellent TRC mechanical performance, its hydrophobic nature poses challenges in achieving strong chemical adhesion, potentially leading to issues such as delamination between the textile reinforcement and the matrix. In this context, water-dispersed epoxy emerges as a promising alternative, mitigating hydrophobicity and enhancing chemical adhesion, thus improving the overall integrity of the composite. Continued research on the use of this alternative coating at a material level regarding their suitability for a structural application remains to be investigated. Thus, this study aims to assess the impact of a water-dispersed epoxy resin compared to a commercially available epoxy resin on the mechanical behavior of carbon TRC through direct tensile tests. The evaluation focuses on the assessment of its viability for future practical applications.