Strength and Hydrophobicity of Superhydrophobic Concrete Based on Hydration Products and Surface Microstructure: Influence of Curing Temperature, Humidity, and Mesh-Coating

The interplay between curing conditions and performance in superhydrophobic cementitious materials remains a critical challenge, wherein hydrophobic agent incorporation enhances hydrophobicity but often compromises mechanical strength. This study aimed to investigate the effects of curing humidity and temperature on compressive strength and contact angle and clarify the influence of surface texture on hydrophobicity. SEM-EDS, FTIR, XRD, TG, and AFM were employed to analyze the specimens. Our results showed that curing temperature positively impacts material properties, whereas excessive curing humidity enhances compressive strength but negatively affects superhydrophobicity. Additionally, micro- and nanoscale coarse structures were found to be beneficial for improving superhydrophobicity. This study offers valuable insights into the most efficient mechanism through which to optimize the preparation process for desirable properties in superhydrophobic cementitious materials.