Towards sustainable building materials through lithium silicate densifiers

abstract

English

Nowadays, the building industry entering an era where durability and sustainability of materials are considered more important than high early strength and high speed of construction. From this point of view, surface treatment technology has become an integral part of concrete structures preventing their damage in aggressive environments, which leads to a significant extension of service life. One of the usual inorganic treatment methods is realized with silicate solutions known as waterglasses. It has been proven that their action mechanism lies in the initiation of new C-S-H gel formation that blocks capillary pores in concrete surfaces resulting in increased hardness and impermeability. In most cases, sodium and potassium silicates are referred to as cheap and widely used densifiers. In addition to those already mentioned, the popularity of lithium silicates has been growing in market share. The beneficial effect of lithium-based compounds lies in preventing alkali silica reaction as well as a potentially lower tendency to efflorescence. However, the efficiency of lithium based densifiers is affected by many factors. The aim of this study is to summarize and evaluate the main chemical and physical characteristics, which should be taken into account in their application that will allow unlocking a more effective way for concrete treatment.

lithium silicate, densifier, concrete, surface treatment

KALINA, L.; BÍLEK, V.; SMILEK, J.; ŠOUKAL, F.; TOPOLÁŘ, L.; BÍLÝ, P.; FLÁDR, J.

3. 10. 2022

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