Effect of Graphene Oxide on Liquid Water-Based Waterproofing Bituminous Membranes

Polymers (Basel). 2022 May 30;14(11):2221. doi: 10.3390/polym14112221.

Abstract

In this work, innovative graphene oxide-doped waterproofing bituminous membranes, also called roof bituminous membranes, were prepared and characterized in terms of physicochemical and vapor transport properties. The results showed that the introduction of a small amount of GO increased the mechanical resistance of the doped membranes compared to the native one. Moreover, the addition of the GO leads to a remarkable chemical stability of the membranes when exposed to UV radiation and high temperatures. Furthermore, a decrease in water vapor permeation was observed when GO was present in the membrane matrix compared to native bituminous membranes, demonstrating that an addition of GO can boost the waterproofing properties of these bituminous membranes.

Keywords: graphene oxide (GO); liquid bituminous waterproofing; mechanical properties; resistance to aging; water vapor transport.

Grants and funding

This research was funded by HA ITALIA S.p.A, Viale della Scienza 78, 36100 Vicenza, Italy.