• Mn 2 Mo 3 O 8 fibrous nanoparticles were applied as an innovative surface treatment for pervious concrete paving flags. • Surface modification significantly improved bending strength while preserving the functional permeability of pervious concrete. • Water absorption, porosity, and permeability were markedly reduced, indicating enhanced durability and impermeability. • Microstructural analyses revealed surface densification and pore refinement induced by Mn 2 Mo 3 O 8 nanofibers. • An economic assessment confirmed improved cost efficiency through enhanced performance and extended service life. Pervious concrete is widely used in low traffic pavements due to its high permeability and environmental benefits; however, limited mechanical strength and durability restrict its broader application. This study investigates the effectiveness of Mn 2 Mo 3 O 8 nanofibers as a surface treatment to enhance the performance of pervious concrete paving flags. Mn 2 Mo 3 O 8 with a well defined fibrous and mesoporous structure were synthesized via a hydrothermal assisted sol gel method and applied using four surface treatment techniques: spraying, submerging, double submerging, and brushing. The performance of treated paving flags was evaluated in accordance with EN 1339, including bending strength, breaking load, water absorption, porosity, permeability, abrasion resistance, and slip resistance. Microstructural characterization was conducted using SEM, TEM, XRD, and VSM analyses. Results indicate that Mn 2 Mo 3 O 8 NF surface treatment improves mechanical performance, with immersion based methods showing the most pronounced effects. Quantitatively, immersion treatment increased the minimum bending strength and breaking load by up to approximately 25%, while water absorption, porosity, and permeability were reduced by about 20–40% compared with untreated specimens. Mn 2 Mo 3 O 8 NF surface treatment represents a promising and practical approach for improving the durability and performance of pervious concrete paving systems for low traffic urban infrastructure.
Shi et al. (Mon,) studied this question.