Abstract
The present work evaluated the UVA and UVB radiation reflection of concrete after the application of a surface polyphenol coating. Measurements of the UVA, UVB and visible light reflections of a solution containing dissolved polyphenol at three different concentrations (0·2, 0·4, and 0·8 mg mL−1) were performed. The reduction of reflection achieved after the coating application was compared with the value obtained by a non-coated concrete surface, indicating 58·66% less UVB reflection for an angle of 58°. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations provided information on the presence and distribution of quercetin. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy analyses showed the changes of quercetin after the application to concrete. The results of this study are essential in the designing of concrete coatings aimed at increasing the amount of environmental energy absorption through the reduction of UV radiation reflection by concrete surfaces.