Mechanism of formation of microstructure of thin-layer coating based on Portland cement

Coatings based on mineral binders with inorganic hollow microfillers are effective thermal insulation materials. However, they have poor physical and mechanical characteristics, and this prevents from their extensive practical use. The purpose of the work is to develop the composition of a thin-layer thermal insulation coating based on Portland cement with addition of a complex additive intended to improve its physical and mechanical properties. The use of this additive facilitated the additional on-surface synthesis of microspheres of crystalline hydrates in the form of aggregate gels, ettringite needles and laminar structures, as well as the compacting of the structure of a thin-layer thermal insulation coating with crystalline hydrates formed during the clinker aluminate phase. These structural changes contributed to the improvement of physical and mechanical parameters of the thermal insulation coating.