Lithium impregnations for concrete

Concrete can benefit from a specific treatment called lithium impregnations, which can improve both its appearance and longevity. This ground-breaking solution is becoming more and more well-liked in the building sector thanks to its exceptional capacity to deeply penetrate concrete surfaces and offer advantages over conventional sealers and coatings. These treatments help to decrease dusting, improve surface hardness, and lengthen the life of the concrete structure by incorporating lithium compounds into the concrete.

The ability of lithium impregnations to effectively mitigate problems such as alkali-silica reaction (ASR), a prevalent issue that can eventually lead to concrete deterioration and cracking, is one of its main advantages. When alkali hydroxides in the concrete react with reactive silica in the aggregates, it causes expansion and cracking, or ASR. By counteracting this reaction, lithium treatments help maintain the structural integrity of concrete components.

Lithium impregnations not only increase durability but also enhance the visual appeal of concrete surfaces. They can give the concrete a more consistent look and bring out its inherent color, which makes it a desirable choice for both functional and ornamental uses. Lithium impregnations provide a flexible and efficient way to protect and improve concrete, whether they are used in commercial buildings, industrial settings, or residential projects.

What are they used for?

When pouring concrete screed, lithium impregnation is actively used in the final step. This material protects against grease, oil, and gasoline while also eliminating surface dust and providing waterproofing. Because industrial flooring is frequently exposed to mechanical loads and aggressive influences, this type of impregnation is typically used to treat business floors. Dusting that happens when concrete cracks appear due to partial destruction is stopped by a lithium-based protector. Consequently, it gets rid of the negative effects that dust has on equipment and worker health.

There is a wide variety of impregnations available on the market today. Since each of them has unique qualities, there is a vast range of applications for them. There are protectors available with functional or ornamental qualities that can be utilized in the building of homes.

Concrete lithium impregnations are a creative way to extend the life and resilience of concrete surfaces. These treatments help to prevent problems like alkali-silica reaction (ASR), which over time can lead to cracks and structural damage by deeply penetrating the concrete. Lithium compounds are a great option for long-term maintenance and protection of concrete structures because they not only strengthen concrete but also shield it from the elements. The advantages and uses of lithium impregnations are examined in this article, which provides useful information for both professionals and homeowners.

Principle of operation

Comprising complex polyilicates, the tread is based on lithium. The porous structure of concrete stone is readily penetrated by these substances. Chalk and portlandite react to form calcium hydrosilicate, a solid that is resistant to chemicals and has a microcrystalline, less frequently lamellar structure. The cement is strengthened and compacted by such a potent binding agent, enhancing its resistance to impacts. Throughout the stone’s whole service life, impregnation is effective. The stage at which the treatment is administered is irrelevant. Even old concrete or stone floors are compatible with the protector.

Advantages of impregnations

There are numerous benefits to using lithium instead of other comparable materials:

1. The protector is impregnated as deeply as possible, protecting the concrete structure itself.
2. Full consumption of lithium eliminates the possibility of the formation of by-products that can destroy concrete from the inside.
3. The resulting calcium hydraulic worship fills the voids of sand cement, which strengthens the structure, gives it moisture resistance.
4. Lithium works throughout the entire volume of screeds, so there are no "weak zones".
5. Modern lithium silicate protectors can be used not only for servicing industrial buildings. If you add a mineral dye to the composition, the lithium silicate hardener will solve the problem of surface decoration.
6. Economical consumption allows you to treat 10-15 sq.m of concrete screed with one liter of solution.

Examples of manufacturers

There are numerous reputable companies that produce lithium impregnations. Of which, the following are notable:

• US company "Crete Colors". The company"s range includes C2 Hard impregnations to increase the hydrophobicity of cement and reinforced concrete surfaces, to protect against dust formation. Protectors C2 Seal, C2 Gloss are included in the group of hardening compounds with decorative properties.
• Russian company "LITSIL", which produces the same name strengthening solutions that increase the hardness of loose concrete, and also gives them fire resistance.
• A company from Belgium “PENTRA”, which produces products for treating old and new surfaces in crowded areas. The impregnation of this brand is characterized by the high-tech properties of the Superpol product category.

Along with international brands, Russian goods—a list and description of their key attributes are provided below—are particularly well-liked.

Pentra-Protect

The product is meant to be used for surface treatment in service areas, manufacturing facilities, and parking lots. Piers and roads are laid using the protector.

Pentra-Protect effectively protects against stains, greasy materials, and flammable substances thanks to its good oil-repellent qualities. Treated surfaces are resistant to the effects of moisture, water pollutants, and microorganisms because of their water repellency property. Without altering the concrete’s external characteristics, the composition permeates the surface completely and leaves no trace. Following treatment, the surface retains its breathability and becomes easier to maintain.

Lithurin

A liquid hardener Additionally, lithurin deeply penetrates the stone, binding and solidifying its structure. A balanced water-based mixture doesn’t produce a film or change color. The surface thickens, becomes more resilient to wear and tear and light chemical exposure, and gains anti-slip and water-repellent qualities. Lithurin is thus used in food industry facilities. Neither the environment nor human health are harmed by the hardener. It is applied to surfaces made of various materials and at any age. One unique quality of Lithurin is that it self-polises—that is, the more wear the floor receives, the better it looks.

There are numerous uses for impregnation. The strengthening solution is available for processing public spaces (stores, malls, airports, train and bus stations, garages, parking lots, warehouses, basements), in addition to the premises of the food industry.

FloorHard Lithium

The FloorHard Lithium hardener’s quick action is one of its features. The property that is free of dust manifests itself after a day, gains intensity after a week, and reaches its maximum set of properties after six months. FloorHard Lithium is used to treat commercial buildings such as markets, shopping centers, warehouses, and open and underground parking lots. Both recently laid and mature concrete can be impregnated.

Concrete is resistant to abrasion, dust, chemicals, abrasive materials, mechanical impacts, low temperatures, and moisture thanks to the hardener. It is simple to polish and maintain the treated surface.

Other hardeners

Products like Ashford Formula, Liqui-Hard, Liqui-Hard Ultra, Alkali Silica Reaction ASR, Isomat BI-100, and other compounds, both domestic and foreign, are equally popular.

Concrete impregnations with lithium provide a contemporary solution to numerous typical problems encountered during concrete construction and upkeep. Lithium compounds fortify concrete by deeply penetrating its surface and enhancing its resistance to water, chemicals, and wear. Surfaces exposed to abrasive conditions, like outdoor pavements and industrial floors, benefit greatly from this treatment.

Lithium impregnations, in contrast to conventional silicate-based hardeners, lessen the possibility of efflorescence, a prevalent issue in which salts leak out and leave behind white deposits on the surface of the concrete. Because of this, lithium treatments are advantageous both practically and aesthetically, maintaining surfaces’ homogeneity and cleanliness.

Moreover, the application procedure is simple and frequently only needs one application to produce durable results. Over time, this efficiency saves money because there is less need for regular maintenance or additional protective coatings.

All things considered, lithium impregnations offer a dependable and effective means of improving the toughness and aesthetics of concrete. This technology offers a workable and efficient way to increase the lifespan of concrete structures, whether they are being built new or renovated.

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