Sealer concrete is applied to concrete to protect it from surface damage, corrosion, and staining. They either block the pores in the concrete to reduce water and salt absorption or form an impermeable layer that prevents the material from passing through.
Research from major concrete authorities, including the American Concrete Institute, the Portland Cement Association, and the National Ready Concrete Association; make sure that most of the concrete damage is caused by surface water intrusion. The most concrete form of concrete damage is the surface scaling of freezing/liquefaction. Other forms of damage include alkali-silica reactions (ASR), chemical intrusion, and corrosion of steel reinforcement.
Video Concrete sealer
Type
In the last decade efforts to protect the concrete have included sealers ranging from candles to linseed oil. Currently, high-quality concrete sealers can block up to 99% surface moisture. There are two main sealer categories: topical sealer (coating) and sealer (reactive) penetrator.
Topical Sealer : Topical sealer can provide visual enhancement and topical protection from stains and chemicals. They require a dry and clean surface during application to obtain adhesion. The topical sealer can change the friction coefficient that can make the substrate slippery when wet - a condition that can be fixed by adding anti-skid material. The life span is generally 1-5 years, although the high-end epoxy/urethane system can last significantly longer.
Penetrating Sealers : The translucent sealer can be applied to a dry or wet surface and must be completely adapted to the porosity of the substrate in order to penetrate the surface and react effectively. The chemical reaction binds the active ingredient in a substrate that blocks surface moisture. Penetrating seals generally do not alter substrate or traction appearance significantly. Age is generally 5 years or older.
Maps Concrete sealer
Chemical primary concrete sealer chemicals commonly used in 2014
Acrylic Resins : Acrylic resins form a topical film membrane on the surface of the substrate. They are available in water-based and solvent-based, affordable, and generally easy to apply formulas. They are notorious for improving perceived visual enhancement (sometimes described as "wet look") and can provide good UV protection for colored substrates. Despite the softest and most durable categories of major sealer categories, price and comfort make acrylic resins an extremely popular choice for decorative concrete such as stamped concrete and exposed aggregates. Acrylic resin is also commonly used as a preservative for new concrete, and many adhere to ASTM C309.
Epoxy/Urethane System: The epoxy/urethane system is also a topical film membrane. They share many of the same characteristics with acrylics, but their performance and lifetime levels are superior and more expensive in proportion to more complex installation requirements. Novolac epoxies are especially noted for chemical resistance and acid resistance. High-end urethra is known to be highly abrasion resistant. Epoxy/urethane systems are often used in demanding applications such as factory flooring, garage flooring, and restaurants, and water-based versions are often used to seal concrete countertops. The epoxy/urethane system is generally applied only to fully-drained concrete, although certain epoxy products may comply with ASTM C309.
Silane : Silane is the smallest molecular compound of sealer available in general. Chemically, silane forms covalent bonds in porous rocks that clump surface pores. Silan is known to be hydrophobic and oleophobic and will only disappear if the surface of the concrete itself runs out. Noted for very low viscosities, silanes are often used to seal solid concrete, such as parking decks, concrete facades, and solid bricks. Silan is generally applied only to fully recovered concrete.
Silicate : Silicate is another small molecular compound ranging from premium lithium silicates to economical sodium silicate. Chemically, silicates form calcium-silicate hydrate crystals that can condense the surface of the concrete and glazed to develop a polished appearance. Silicates are known to be hydrophobic and oleophobic and will only disappear if the surface of the concrete itself is lost. Noted for crystallization, silicates are often used to polish popular concrete floors in large format retail outlets. Silicates can be applied to new and existing concrete, although they do not comply with ASTM C309 as a preservative.
Siliconate : Siliconat is a medium-sized molecular compound. Chemically, Siliconates form a barrier cross-membrane barrier inside the surface of porous concrete and other stones. Silicon is known to be hydrophobic and oleophobic and will only disappear if the surface of the concrete itself is lost. Recorded for extreme water resistance and expensive silicone stains are often used to seal exterior concrete such as roads and driveways, tilt-up walls, porous bricks, and porous rocks. Silicon and organo-silicon have also been proven affective as a preservative for new concrete and certain products can comply with ASTM C309.
Siloxane : Siloxane is the largest molecular compound of commonly available translucent sealers. Although not highly reactive, chemically siloxane forms bonds in porous rocks that clump surface pores. Siloxane is known to be hydrophobic. Noted for large molecular structures, siloxane is often used for sealing exterior concrete, porous concrete blocks and porous bricks. Siloxane is generally applied only to fully recovered concrete.
In short, all major concrete sealer chemicals can have valuable and practical applications. Topical sealers generally require higher standards and maintenance of applications, but decorative appeal and potential stains and chemical resistance can make it a superior choice for many applications. Penetrating sealers should be matched to substrate porosity for durable water retention and protection of freezing/liquefaction.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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