Liquid glass for concrete: why it is used, proportions for preparing the solution, mixing technology

Sodium silicate, commonly referred to as liquid glass, is a multipurpose substance that has been used in many different construction applications, particularly for improving concrete. Because of its special qualities that increase the longevity and functionality of concrete structures, this material is highly prized. When applied properly, liquid glass can greatly improve the durability, strength, and water resistance of concrete surfaces.

The ability of liquid glass to function as a sealant is one of the main justifications for its use in concrete. By filling in pores and penetrating the concrete, it forms a waterproof barrier. This aids in preventing water infiltration, which over time may cause structural damage and cracks. Furthermore, concrete’s chemical resistance can be strengthened by liquid glass, which makes it more appropriate for commercial and industrial environments where exposure to abrasive materials is frequent.

Proper attention to proportion is necessary when preparing a solution with liquid glass. The key to the mixture’s efficacy is striking the ideal ratio between the liquid glass and other ingredients, like cement and water. One part liquid glass to four parts water is the typical mixture ratio, but this can change based on the project’s particular needs. To ensure that the final concrete has the desired qualities, exact instructions must be followed.

Another important consideration when using liquid glass in concrete is mixing technology. To guarantee even distribution, the liquid glass solution and concrete mix must be thoroughly blended during the process. Efficient mixing methods optimize the advantages of liquid glass, producing a robust and durable concrete surface. Builders can produce concrete structures that are more resilient and long-lasting by learning and using these techniques.

Foundation waterproofing with liquid glass

Any building’s foundation is more vulnerable to damage than other concrete constructions. Destructive processes are accelerated by precipitation, abrupt temperature changes, flooding by groundwater and melt water, and precipitation. As a result, waterproofing the building’s foundation is required.

Liquid glass impregnation helps shield the concrete structure by providing surface and upper layer waterproofing.

Features of liquid glass

The material’s primary ingredient is moisture-resistant sodium silicate. It has some flowability and resembles clear, colorless crystals, but the material is packed somewhat moistened by the manufacturers.

When the composition interacts with carbon dioxide, a chemical reaction occurs that causes it to harden and solidify into amorphous silicon oxide.

This material’s primary characteristic is an improvement in the treated surface’s waterproofing capabilities. This is because the viscous material can create a strong film even when it enters the tiniest pores in the structure. When cracks are clogged, a water barrier forms around the building, preventing moisture from penetrating and destroying it.

Because of its superior qualities, liquid glass is mostly used in the construction of swimming pools and concrete foundations.

Pros and cons of use

Among the composition’s benefits are:

1. Increased adhesion forces. Glass has a high speed of adhesion to the surface.
2. Formation of a durable film. When the material is applied to the surface, the resulting film is waterproof and durable. The integrity of the structure helps fill all the unevenness of the concrete.
3. Good fluidity. The use of plasticizers helps increase the viscosity of the substance and allows it to penetrate into the cracks of the structure.
4. Economy. A small number of ingredients is enough to prepare the mixture.
5. Affordable price. With high quality characteristics, the preparation of liquid glass is a relatively inexpensive process.

A concrete structure made with liquid glass also hardens more quickly and is more resistant to heat and wear.

This substance has a number of drawbacks despite its benefits, such as:

1. Limited scope of use. The composition is not used anywhere except for concrete and wooden surfaces, and only accessible surfaces are subject to processing.
2. Cannot be used as a stand-alone material. The substance itself cannot be used due to its increased fragility after hardening, so it is added as a component to the concrete mixture.
3. Difficulty of application. Due to the accelerated hardening process (approximately up to 5-6 minutes), the material should be used immediately, otherwise it will become useless.

When preparing the composition, it is necessary to take into account the hardening rate and try not to exceed the maximum permissible concentration of liquid glass. Otherwise, the quality of concrete may be greatly reduced.

Preparation of silicate mortar – tools and consumables

You will require the following supplies and equipment to prepare the composition:

• cement;
• river sand;
• silicate powder;
• water;
• a bucket for measuring parts of the components;
• drill with a screw nozzle;
• brush, sponge, roller or spray gun;
• Cesting capacity.

Sand should be sieved to prevent clay particles from entering and degrading the silicate mixture’s quality. The water used for kneading needs to be clear, free of sediment and debris.

Sodium silicate, commonly referred to as liquid glass, is a multipurpose additive that improves the qualities of concrete. It increases the durability and water resistance of concrete by acting as an adhesive, waterproofer, and sealant. To guarantee the efficacy of a liquid glass solution, the right ratios and mixing methods are essential. Generally speaking, one part liquid glass to five parts water is advised, however this can change based on the particular use. For the best results, the liquid glass must be distributed evenly throughout the concrete, which can only be achieved by thorough mixing that results in a uniform consistency.

The proportions of the components when using liquid glass

Sand and cement are added after the silicate powder has been diluted and mixed with a tiny amount of water and any necessary additives or plasticizers.

It is wise to consider the composition’s intended use when creating it: in some situations, the material should be viscous but liquid, and in others, thick and plastic.

Liquid glass and cement – proportions

The accuracy of the proportions required for preparation must be followed; these depend on the intended use of the composition.

Surface priming employs this kind of solution. The lack of sand is what makes the material unique.

The following will be the proportions:

• cement – 1 part;
• silicate powder – 1 part;
• water – ¼ part of the silicate mixture.

Prior to adding the cement mortar to the moistened silicate, mix the cement and water in a 1:0.5 ratio. It is necessary to continuously stir the mass. It’s also advised to add the components in the prescribed order.

In order to waterproof the pool bowl, a mixture of cement and silicate in the following ratios needs to be made:

• cement – 10 parts;
• silicate – 1 part.

Should you intend to use liquid glass in concrete for residential use, you should incorporate the material up to 10% of the mass of the concrete.

It is advised against adding more silicate material to the concrete than 3% of the total composition when doing so, as this will reduce the concrete’s strength properties.

Proportions: cement – sand – liquid glass

The cement-silicate mixture’s characteristics alter when sand is added. Therefore, in order to control the volume of components, it is essential to understand the purpose of the solution.

Concrete is mixed with the following proportion of ingredients to improve its waterproofing properties:

• sand – 2.5 parts;
• cement – 1 part;
• water – ½ part cement;
• silicate glue – 15% of the total volume.

In this instance, the concrete surface is coated with a waterproof plaster.

The following mixture is made in order to create protective coatings for wells:

• sand – 1 part;
• cement – 1 part;
• liquid glass – 1 part.

When the ratio is right, the mixture will have the consistency of thick, viscous sour cream.

It is advised to prepare a mixture in the following proportion in order to create compounds that are fire-resistant:

• sand – 4 parts;
• cement – 1.5 parts;
• silicate – 1.5 parts;
• water – ¼ of the total volume of the composition.

The following ratio of composition is prepared for sealing joints and cracks:

• sand – 1 part;
• cement – 3 parts;
• silicate – 1 part;
• water – until a viscous thick consistency is obtained.

It is always advised to use cement that is at least M400 graded in order to improve composition quality.

Sodium silicate, commonly referred to as liquid glass, has several advantages when utilized in concrete applications. It is a well-liked option for both commercial and residential projects due to its capacity to increase the strength and longevity of concrete. Liquid glass can help improve water resistance and shield the structure from chemical damage when added to concrete.

It’s important to use the right amounts when making the solution. One part liquid glass to three parts water is usually a good mix ratio. This guarantees that the solution performs at its best and is neither too thick nor too runny. Take your time to thoroughly blend the ingredients because proper mixing is essential to getting the desired results.

It is simple to combine concrete and liquid glass. Making sure the mixture is evenly distributed, begin by adding the liquid glass solution to the dry concrete mix. Add water a little at a time, stirring constantly, until the desired consistency is reached. When the mixture is finished, it should be smooth and workable and ready to be applied or poured into molds.

To sum up, the enhancing properties of liquid glass make it a valuable addition to concrete. Your concrete structures’ longevity and quality can be greatly increased by using the proper proportions and mixing methods. Whether you’re working on a large-scale construction project or a small DIY project, knowing how to use liquid glass effectively can significantly impact the outcome.

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