Additives for Industrial Flooring

The use of sodium silicate for industrial flooring treatments has provided significant technical and economic advantages for many decades.

When applied as an impregnation to a concrete surface, silicates react with calcium hydroxide, a byproduct of cement hydration, to produce calcium silicate hydrate.

These compounds form within the cavities and micropores of the concrete, creating a filling, hardening, and sealing effect on the concrete’s surface layer.

By not forming a surface film, the treatment is considered permanent and as durable as the floor itself. Additionally, the consolidating effect creates a dust-proof surface.

Additionally, there is a growing trend towards the use of formulations based on lithium silicate.

Prochin’s R&D laboratory has developed Lithium Silicate L40 for coating, treating, and consolidating concrete floors, as well as for surfaces finished with dusting. Lithium Silicate L40 is an inorganic, colorless liquid with low viscosity, ensuring optimal workability and penetration.

During application, it penetrates the porosities of the treated cementitious surface and reacts with the lime typically produced during the cement hydration phase, forming insoluble, durable silicates that strengthen the cement structure itself, increasing its density.

Due to its structural nature, Lithium Silicate L40 does not form a surface film and, therefore, does not cause peeling, cracking, or scratching on the treated surface. Additionally, it has high resistance to UV rays, making the material suitable for both external and internal applications.

Lihtium Silicate L40 penetrates more effectively than other sodium silicates, ensuring a high level of protection.

After the application of the formulation, irreversible and insoluble bonds are formed with the concrete, ensuring sufficiently short curing times.