Fabrication of superhydrophobicity on foamed concrete surface by GO/silane coating

•Superhydrophobic surface of foamed concrete was achieved by GO/silane coating.•Water sorptivity of was reduced about 97.2%.•Superhydrophobic surface due to the rough structure and the low surface energy. Foamed concrete is a lightweight building material, but its high water absorption is one of its main disadvantages. The objective of this study was to fabricate, characterize and evaluate a GO/silane superhydrophobic coatings on foamed concrete surface. The results showed that the water contact angle of the foamed concrete was 165.5° and water can roll off from the surface easily. Superhydrophobic modification improves waterproof properties of the foamed concrete obviously, the water sorptivity was reduced about 97.2%. SEM results showed that the superhydrophobic surface was mainly due to the rough structure brought by GO and the low surface energy brought by silane.