A reduction in porosity, with a consequent reduction in permeability, could be an option for increasing the durability of the concrete and preserving its surface characteristics. This research was developed in order to identify a new material to be economically, efficiently and easily applied, as part of the PIC (Polymer Impregnated Concrete) system, so as to reduce the permeability of pre-cast concrete surfaces, thereby, reducing the rate of degradation and increasing overall durability. Addition aims are: a) using materials which do not affect the visual aspect of the concrete, so that the system can be used on monuments and other elements that are exposed to inclement weather; b) developing a new technology that makes use of recycled polymers, thereby contributing both socially and environmentally. Polystyrene is widely used in industry, principally in the packaging sector. This material presents a number of significant features, including: a low water absorption coefficient; a slow aging process; pathogenic innocuousness (i.e. it does not possess substrata for the proliferation of animals and/or microorganisms; among others. On the other hand, in most cases, final disposal of the material is extremely detrimental to the environment: recycling is limited, and there is a real need for alternative applications of waste EPS. The treated test cylinders were subjected to the following tests: water absorption; verification of the treatment depth by ultraviolet and electronic microscope sweeps (MEV); The results were promising and showed a significant reduction in water permeability, reduction in porosity and, consequently, a future reduction in the proliferation of fungus on the surface of the concrete treated with EPS should be demonstrated.
modified concrete; EPS; superficial treatment
