Effects of chemical and mechanical wearing on the cleanability and surface properties of traditional and new surface materials in cattle barns – a laboratory study

The cleanability of floorings and feeding surfaces affects the well-being of animals and even food safety. In addition to factors associated with comfort, such as hardness and friction, floorings should withstand strong chemical and mechanical stresses associated with cleaning and use of the flooring. Different modifications and surface coatings have been developed in order to improve the surface properties of concrete. The primary aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chemical and mechanical wearing on cleanability and surface properties of concrete and its coatings and joint materials. In general, the effect of wear on cleanability and surface properties was moderate with the plastic coatings and but clearly greatest with the jointing materials. Treatment with any of the chemical substances tested decreased the cleanability of jointing materials. In general, NaOH affected the contact angles of all surfaces more than acids. Treatment with the alkali improved the cleanability of polyurethane and epoxy coated surfaces. Treatment with lactic acid somewhat improved the cleanability of the epoxy coated surfaces. Mechanical wear decreased the cleanability of all materials but particularly in the case of joints. The results of this laboratory study will be used for selecting materials for a field study in a cattle barn.