A review of research on multifunctional silicate coatings: structure performance relationship from mechanism of action to building applications

Research Overview: According to a review article published in Volume 133 of the Journal of Building Engineering (December 1, 2026), authors Zhi Li, Yumin Duan, Zikang Chen, Jiahui Chen, Shaoqian Zhang, and Xiaoxu Wu systematically reviewed the mechanism of action, structure performance relationship, and advanced application directions of multifunctional silicate coatings. The article organizes existing research in the form of a review, focusing on establishing a correlation framework between “mechanism structure performance application” rather than reporting a single new formula.

Technical positioning of silicate coatings

The silicate system is based on inorganic silicon oxygen network as the film-forming foundation, and is usually classified as inorganic or semi inorganic coating route in construction and home decoration scenes.

. Compared with conventional organic lotion coatings, these materials have obvious differences in film forming mechanism, interface bonding mode and long-term performance evolution, so their formula design cannot simply apply the experience of organic coatings. The emphasis on the “mechanism” and “structure performance relationship” in the review is precisely the analytical path proposed to address this difference: first, clarify the film formation and curing behavior of the coating on the substrate surface, then discuss how the microstructure determines the macroscopic performance, and finally fall into specific application requirements.

The key meaning of the structure performance relationship

The article takes the structure performance relationship as the core clue, which means that the performance of silicate coatings is not determined by a single component, but depends on the comprehensive effect of factors such as the structural integrity, pore characteristics, and interface bonding state of the silicon oxygen network.

. For construction and home decoration applications, the value of this approach lies in the fact that performance optimization needs to be regulated at the structural level, rather than simply adjusting the dosage of a certain additive. For technicians engaged in the research and development of coatings for building materials, such frameworks can help determine which structural parameters deserve priority attention in the early stages of formulation.

Significance for the polymer additive industry

Although silicate coatings are mainly composed of inorganic networks, they often need to be compounded with organic components in actual building coatings and home decoration coating formulations to improve film-forming properties, flexibility, and construction adaptability.

. This leaves room for additives such as antioxidants and light stabilizers to play a role: organic components may undergo oxidative degradation and photoaging under outdoor exposure conditions, thereby affecting the overall durability of the coating. The structure performance analysis framework established in this review provides a reference for determining at which structural level additives should be involved.

In scenarios such as PVC profiles and exterior wall coatings that are exposed to ultraviolet radiation and humid environments for a long time,weather resistance and stabilityare common performance requirements.. The research approach of silicate coatings suggests that weather resistance should be regarded as an external manifestation of structural stability, rather than an isolated indicator. Similarly, in home decoration materials such as sealants and waterproof coatings, the stability of interface bonding and network structure also determines the service life. Evaluating the effects of light stabilizers and other additives within the overall structural framework is more meaningful than simply comparing the amount added.

Application directions and industry insights

The review takes “advanced applications” as the starting point, indicating that the research on multifunctional silicate coatings is expanding from single protective functions to composite functions.

. For the construction and home decoration materials industry, this means that the evaluation system for coating formulations needs to be expanded synchronously: in addition to conventional mechanical and appearance indicators, attention should also be paid to the long-term performance changes brought about by structural evolution. For polymer additive suppliers, understanding this framework helps to more accurately position the role of products in inorganic organic composite systems, avoiding treating additives simply as “additives” and ignoring their interaction with the matrix structure. It should be pointed out that this article is a review in nature, and its value lies in integrating existing research and extracting patterns. Specific formula parameters and engineering validation data still need to be further verified in conjunction with original research literature.

Information source:Multifunctional silicate coatings: mechanisms, structure-properties and advanced applications， Organized by Herun Chemical.