Concrete Polishing Silicates
Silicates, in relation to concrete, typically refer to silicate-based concrete densifiers or hardeners. These are chemical compounds that contain silicon and oxygen and are used to treat concrete surfaces to improve their durability, hardness, and resistance to wear and dusting.
How Silicates Help with Polishing
Silicates are another small molecular compound ranging from premium lithium-based silicates to more economical sodium-based silicates. Chemically, silicates react to the calcium hydroxide to form calcium-silicate hydrate crystals which fill in the pores to densify and strengthen the concrete structure.
Typically, they are used when burnishing to develop a solid, less porous, polished appearance. Silicates are cheap and will increase the strength of concrete by up to 50%. They are often advertised as a concrete sealer due to their ability to reduce the porosity of concrete, however, they do not modify the surface tension within or create a hydrophobic or oleophobic property on the surface.
If applied incorrectly, silicates can over-react and cause difficult-to-remove white blushing. To remove this blushing, it can sometimes require grinding down the concrete with heavy equipment.
Concrete Polishing Silicates
silicate-based concrete densifiers are chemical compounds that react with the calcium hydroxide in concrete to form calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) crystals. This reaction densifies the concrete, reduces dusting, and improves its durability and resistance to wear. Silicate densifiers are valuable for enhancing the performance and longevity of concrete surfaces, making them an essential component of concrete maintenance and surface treatment.
Chemistry
Silicate-based concrete densifiers are typically composed of potassium or sodium silicate compounds. These compounds contain silicon (Si), oxygen (O), and other elements. When applied to concrete, they react with the calcium hydroxide (lime) present in the concrete.
Reaction
The key mechanism of silicate-based densifiers involves a chemical reaction between the silicate ions and the calcium hydroxide in the concrete. This reaction results in the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) crystals within the concrete's pores and capillaries.
Densification
The CSH crystals produced during the reaction fill the voids and spaces within the concrete, increasing its density and reducing its porosity. This densification process enhances the concrete's hardness, strength, and resistance to abrasion and wear.
Dust Reduction
One of the primary benefits of silicate-based densifiers is their ability to significantly reduce dusting from concrete surfaces. By filling the pores and binding loose particles, they prevent the release of fine dust, which can be a common issue with untreated concrete.
Improved Durability
Silicate-based densifiers enhance the durability and longevity of concrete surfaces. They make the concrete more resistant to wear, impact, and other forms of mechanical stress.
Resistance to Moisture
While the primary focus of silicate densifiers is on densification and dust reduction, they also provide some level of water and moisture resistance by reducing the porosity of the concrete surface.
Application
Silicate-based densifiers are applied to prepared concrete surfaces through spraying, rolling, or brushing. They are typically followed by a curing period to allow the chemical reaction to complete and the densification process to reach its maximum potential.
Use Cases
Silicate-based concrete densifiers are commonly used in various applications, including industrial floors, commercial facilities, warehouses, retail spaces, and other areas where durable and low-dusting concrete surfaces are essential.
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