Dust-control impregnation for concrete (concrete floors): selection, properties, review of the most popular compositions

Concrete floors are a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces due to their durability and versatility. However, one common issue with concrete surfaces is the production of dust, which can be a nuisance and a health concern. To tackle this problem, dust-control impregnations offer an effective solution, helping to maintain cleaner and safer environments.

With so many options on the market, selecting the best dust-control impregnation for your concrete floor can be a little confusing. Every composition has unique qualities and advantages that are suited to various situations and demands. Knowing what to look for in these products is crucial to making sure you choose the one that best suits your unique needs.

The main characteristics of dust-control impregnations, such as their mechanism of action, modes of application, and advantages, will be discussed in this article. Additionally, we’ll examine a few of the most well-known compositions currently in use, emphasizing their special qualities and potency. By the time you’re done, you’ll know more about how to use the proper dust-control impregnation to maintain the best possible condition for your concrete floors.

Need for impregnations

The degree of cement hydration determines the strength characteristics of concrete because of its porous structure. The process exacerbates the material’s performance properties by causing moisture and air to form in the pores. Two issues have emerged as a result of micropores:

1. Insufficient hydrophobicity, as a result of which condensate begins to seep through the pores.
2. Poor density, negatively affecting strength indicators.

By using specific tools, the aforementioned drawbacks can be removed and the concrete product can be made monolithic.

1. Efficient insulation from the negative impact of chemicals, precipitation and other factors.
2. Improvement of strength properties and durability.
3. Removal of dust from the surface.
4. Restoration of old concrete products and extension of their service life.
5. Ensuring a presentable appearance of the floor covering.

Classification

The two groups of current impregnations are separated based on composition:

1. Polymer-based – organic.
2. Based on silicate components – inorganic.

The first kind of impregnations function according to this principle: water-repellent qualities are imparted to the material by binding additives that enter its pores and shield it from the damaging effects of an aggressive environment. Additionally, the composition strengthens the coating and keeps cement dust from showing up.

Rather than encasing micropores, silica agents initiate a chemical reaction with molecules. As a result, the pores become waterproof and resistant to various influences.

Acrylic compositions

Concrete floor impregnation with acrylic is distinguished by its good quality and reasonable cost. In addition to isolating the material from ultraviolet radiation, it offers improved protection against moisture and chlorides. The surface that has been processed doesn’t fade and can look presentable for a considerable amount of time.

These kinds of money are required to clean the flooring of cement dust. Due to their brief service life, the immunization needs to be updated every two to three years.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane impregnation is more efficient than the prior kind. She carries out these duties:

1. Removes dust from the surface.
2. Provides resistance to chemicals.
3. Increases water resistance.
4. Improves strength.
5. Extends coating life.

These compositions can be used to treat brick products, tiles, concrete floors, and cement screeds. Because active ingredients can reach a depth of 6 mm, they offer the highest level of defense against harmful elements. Impregnation is appropriate for outdoor and indoor use.

Following application of the product, the floor exhibits the following qualities of performance:

1. The strength of the concrete surface increases to the M600 standard, even if lower series were initially used.
2. Wear resistance increases by 8-10 times, impact resistance by 2 times.
3. The material becomes moisture resistant and is not afraid of direct contact with chemical reagents.
4. The problem of cement dust is completely eliminated.
5. Surface care becomes simple and fast.

The following benefits also help to explain why polyurethane-based impregnations are so popular:

1. Easy to apply.
2. Affordable cost of surface treatment equipment.
3. Fast drying times.

Epoxy

Concrete floor epoxy impregnations can be colored or colorless. Since exterior finishing leaves a layer of yellowish spots on the surface, they are only utilized for interior work. Two components make up the composition of these products:

1. Hardener.
2. Epoxy resin.

Additives such as phenols and tertiary amines play the role of the hardener. The amounts and recipe may change based on how widely the impregnation is used.

The epoxy version offers the following benefits over the other types:

1. Increased strength.
2. Resistance to abrasive processes.
3. Lack of water permeability.
4. Minimal shrinkage.
5. Possibility of organizing durable floor coverings with an attractive appearance.

Epoxy products exhibit stability towards chemical reagents, but they do not release an offensive odor while in use. Swimming pools, basement walls, food industry buildings, and buildings situated in regions with elevated groundwater levels are the primary locations where these impregnations are utilized.

For concrete floors to remain hygienic, long-lasting, and secure in both commercial and residential settings, dust-control impregnation is necessary. This article examines the different dust-control treatment options available, outlining their salient features and efficacy. We’ll examine the most well-liked compositions available and offer helpful advice to help you select the one that best suits your requirements. This guide covers all the information you need to make an informed decision about dust-control impregnation for your concrete floors, from cost-effectiveness to ease of application.

Functional properties

The following characteristics can be used to describe impregnation for concrete floors:

1. Strengthening.
2. Moisture repellent.
3. Removing dust.
4. Surface painting.

Strengthening

Silicate additives and inorganic compounds are used in the production of these impregnations. They operate on the tenet of deep penetration and alter the material’s structure rather than applying a protective layer to the concrete’s surface. This characteristic makes the impregnation extremely resistant to wear and free from peeling issues.

For a very long time, potassium and sodium silicates served as the foundation for the creation of reinforcing compounds. Lithium additives are present in modern equivalents, which reduce the possibility of efflorescence on concrete. Such impregnation gives floor coverings excellent resistance to mechanical stress and dust protection.

The material’s strength properties can be enhanced by two to three times with the aid of deep impregnation.

Water-repellent

These kinds of compositions can enter micropores and voids in a concrete product, increasing its resistance to moisture and the subsequent elements:

1. Fungal organisms, mold.
2. Precipitation containing salt and acids.
3. Ultraviolet radiation.

Structures outside have a higher level of frost resistance when they are impregnated with water-repellent material. Although the composition can help prevent internal condensation in the building, it is unable to address the issue of groundwater seeping into the building’s foundation. The problem requires several waterproofing projects to be completed.

Dust-repellent

These types of products are used to shield dust-prone outdoor structures and to arrange open floor coverings that are exposed to large loads. Certain operational properties that are lacking in other kinds of impregnations are linked to a broad range of applications.

The following is a list of the roles played by dust control compounds:

1. Fight against cement dust.
2. Improving wear resistance and extending service life.
3. Protection against deformation, exposure to acids, alkalis and oils.
4. Easy maintenance of floor coverings.

Coloring compounds

Products made of concrete can be painted using regular paint or a specific impregnation. Since the first option has a short service life, the surface will eventually deform and crack when subjected to different loads.

No matter the weight, colored compounds can pierce concrete up to a depth of 3 mm, keeping the floor looking good for a considerable amount of time. But the material requires another coat of an agent that repels water.

Overview of impregnations from different manufacturers

There is a wide range of concrete impregnations available for purchase, but only a few models are deserving of consideration.

Hardening primer for concrete floors Protector

The product is designed to increase the material’s resistance to chemicals and remove dust from its surface. For a variety of uses, impregnation is required when building concrete surfaces. Among them are:

1. Floor coverings.
2. Street paths.
3. Runways.

A 20-liter container with the composition is sold at a price of 1.8 thousand. rubles. The material consumption rates are relatively low, so it can be considered an economical solution.

Hardening – Retroplate

The product is used to restore old floors with a mosaic surface, remove dust from low-grade concrete (less than M300), and increase its strength.

Prior to beginning any processing with such a composition, take note of the following characteristics:

1. Impregnation is not intended for uncured concrete (waiting time is about 2 weeks).
2. Application of the composition is allowed at a temperature of at least +5 ° C.

One liter of this kind of impregnation costs 400 rubles.

Organic – Protexil

These concrete floor impregnating solutions are designed for use in industrial buildings. In addition to offering strong defense against hostile impacts, it possesses the following qualities:

1. Penetration depth – 5-10 mm.
2. Consumption – 0.3 l per 1 m2.
3. Operating temperature – within -40 … + 80 ° C.
4. Drying interval – up to 6 hours at a temperature of + 20 ° C.

A liter of impregnation costs between 175-295 rubles for floors.

Universal – Monolith 20-M

Since the product is water-based, it complies with all environmental safety regulations and is not flammable.

Consequently, the concrete product is affected by the impregnating agent in the following ways:

1. Improves the moisture resistance of the material by 3 grades.
2. Raises the degree of wear resistance and strength by 30%.
3. Eliminates the problem of concrete warping and cracking.
4. Removes dust from the surface.
5. Provides good adhesion.
6. Increases resistance to organic acids and petroleum products.

For every square meter of product area, 3–5 liters of impregnation are needed.

Aquastone

The product’s purpose is to clear dust off the surface of screeds made of cement-sand mixtures and concrete pavement. Deep penetration and an enhanced level of strength and hardness are guaranteed by the impregnation. One liter costs 240 rubles.

Aquasol

The purpose of this concrete floor impregnation is to protect the building from moisture and precipitation. One liter of the material costs 210 rubles.

Epoxol

The purpose of this epoxy water-dispersion impregnation is to strengthen concrete structures and shield them from damage. It can help you increase your strength and resistance to heavy loads by two to three times. Epoxy is used on wet concrete and is essential for the food and pharmaceutical industries, hospitals, and public structures. Product volume: 1 liter, or 380 rubles.

Ashford Formula

The product strengthens concrete coatings and is made of water-based silicate polymers. The material costs 110 rubles per liter.

Topic	Details
Selection	Choose a dust-control impregnation based on the type of concrete, usage area, and desired durability. Look for products specifically designed for concrete floors.
Properties	Good impregnations reduce dust, enhance surface hardness, and improve resistance to stains and wear. They should also be easy to apply and quick to dry.
Popular Compositions	1. Silicate-based: Penetrates deeply and reacts with concrete. 2. Acrylic-based: Forms a protective film on the surface. 3. Epoxy-based: Provides high durability and chemical resistance.

To keep a space tidy and safe, concrete floors must be impregnated with the appropriate dust-control material. By penetrating the concrete surface, these treatments lessen dust production and increase floor durability. They are therefore a sensible option for commercial, residential, and industrial settings.

Numerous dust-control impregnations have different advantages, like increased wear resistance, simpler maintenance, and better looks. Sodium silicate, lithium silicate, and solutions based on acrylic are popular products. Because of their distinct qualities, each kind is appropriate for a given set of circumstances and applications.

Take into account aspects such as traffic volume, chemical exposure, and how often the floor is used when choosing a dust-control impregnation. Evaluation of the application’s simplicity and long-term effectiveness is also crucial. You can choose the best product for your needs by speaking with a concrete specialist.

All things considered, dust-control impregnations are a wise investment for maintaining a dust-free atmosphere and prolonging the life of concrete floors. You can improve the practicality and aesthetics of your space by making an informed decision by being aware of the options available and their corresponding advantages.

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