DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v27i4.157

Keywords: Waterproofing; failure analysis; thermogravimetric analysis; differential scanning calorimetry; Fourier-transform infrared

Abstract

The failure of waterproofing in residential buildings in Malaysia has become a serious problem that may result in structural damage and unsafe conditions. Thus, investigation into the factors that contribute to the failure of waterproofing is essential in reducing failure rates. This study was conducted to analyse failed waterproofing in comparison to successful waterproofing through evaluation of chemical and thermal properties using optical microscopy (OM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Two types of samples were studied, namely fibre-reinforced liquid-applied waterproofing and liquid-applied waterproofing. These waterproofing samples were extracted from two different locations (i.e., at non-leaking and leaking areas). FTIR results revealed that both the leaking and non-leaking fibre-reinforced liquid-applied waterproofing samples exhibited similar absorption bands but had slightly different absorption intensities. The decomposition temperatures, T_d, were 397 °C (non-leaking sample) and 422 °C (leaking sample), while the glass transition temperatures, T_g, were 13 °C (non-leaking sample) and 9 °C (non-leaking sample). For the liquid-applied waterproofing samples, the FTIR absorbance spectrum of the leaking sample was different from that of the non-leaking sample. The waterproofing thickness values were 912 ± 40 µm (non-leaking sample) and 130 ± 40 µm (leaking sample), T_g values were 35 °C (non-leaking sample) and 52 °C (non-leaking sample), while the thermal decomposition of the leaking sample was significantly different from that of the non-leaking sample. Based on this data, inconsistencies in the quality of the waterproofing and improper installation techniques may have caused the failure. This study contributes physicochemical and thermal characterization techniques to the failure analysis of polymer-based waterproofing materials, offering guidance for waterproofing industry players towards enhancement of quality control processes and adherence to guidelines and standards.