Description
Liquid glass is a very popular material that is sold in the form of a viscous solution of sodium and potassium silicate. This substance is actively used in various areas of production, ranging from the pulp and paper industry to construction work.
Characteristics and properties of liquid glass
Liquid glass can act as:
– hydrophobic insulator (repels moisture, eliminates its harmful effects on building materials);
– antiseptic (prevents the growth of bacteria);
– hardener (can be used to fill pores on uneven surfaces);
– antistatic (removes static electricity);
– fire resistant material.
Main characteristics of liquid glass
-The material easily penetrates into the smallest cracks and pores, completely filling them, it is perfectly applied to concrete and wooden surfaces;
-using a mortar allows you to create a reliable waterproofing layer;
-has low consumption and low cost. The price of such a material is much lower than that of other waterproofing agents and impregnations;
-durability – service life of more than 5 years;
-excellently withstands exposure to high humidity.
With the help of an additional layer of liquid glass or as it is also called silicate glue, it is possible to significantly extend the life of the impregnation.
It is important to consider that applying the solution requires specialized skills, the material dries quickly. In addition, liquid glass cannot be applied to brick surfaces. This is due to the fact that the substances that make up the silicate adhesive destroy the porous structure of the brick.
Application of liquid glass
Liquid glass is often used for surface treatment as an antiseptic. The product has unique antibacterial properties.
Silicate glue is able to prevent the development of new microorganisms and destroy old colonies of microbes. Therefore, glass is used for application to the surface of the wall before painting or wallpapering. The solution is able to increase the fire resistance and moisture resistance of wood, concrete and paper. Therefore, the substance is often used in the artistic processing of wood.
The scope of use of liquid glass is not limited to surface treatment and the paper and pulp industry. Silicate glue is necessary in the manufacture of materials for sealing pipes. Impregnation of decorative fabrics with liquid glass makes it possible to increase their resistance to high temperatures and fire. The substance is used when performing work on laying PVC and linoleum tiles. The composition is suitable for the restoration of damaged porcelain and glass.
Recently, silicate glue has begun to be used for the manufacture of self-leveling volumetric floors and in art design. Another area of application is the processing of tree trunks after pruning or grafting. In addition, the material is needed in needlework.
Liquid glass for waterproofing
The hydrophobic properties of liquid glass make it an excellent material for creating a protective layer against moisture. It is often used to treat the walls of attics and basements. Liquid glass can be used for both external and internal finishing of concrete surfaces to protect against moisture. The composition is used for waterproofing the walls of wells. In this case, the work on applying liquid glass is carried out in two stages. Initially, a thin layer of silicate glue is formed on the surface. A cement-sand mixture is applied on top of the resulting film, which is also mixed with liquid glass.
The material is suitable for pool waterproofing. Moreover, the treatment of the internal walls of the structure with a solution will prevent their destruction under the influence of the liquid contained in it, and the exterior finish is required to protect against groundwater. In this case, the composition must be applied in a thick layer, processing in several stages is also possible.
Proportions of liquid glass in concrete for waterproofing
The addition of liquid glass to concrete products gives them unexpected properties. The most important of these are the increase in moisture resistance, and even water resistance of the final product. When erecting underground structures or pouring building foundations in wet areas, these properties cannot be underestimated. In addition to moisture resistance, liquid glass also increases concrete heat resistance and increases resistance to the appearance of fungal and mold stains.
Increasing the moisture resistance of concrete with liquid glass is a fairly common phenomenon in construction. To obtain the optimal effect, it is enough to add silicate glue at the rate of 1 liter for every 10 liters of ready-made concrete mortar. The moisture resistance of concrete will increase many times and it can be used in the construction of underground facilities, basements, walls of wells and other structures subject to constant exposure to high humidity.
It is important to add liquid glass to concrete correctly. If this measure is not observed, you can get brittle concrete, which will crack very quickly and lose all its qualities, turning into a pile of rubble.
Wide range of technical fluids, chemical raw materials and technical chemicals.
Security
Signal word – Danger
Stickers (Pictogram) – GHS07, GHS05
Hazard statements –
H315 – Causes skin irritation.
H318 – Causes serious eye damage.
Precautionary statements –
P280 – Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye/face protection
P302 + P352 – IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of soap and water.
P305 + P351 + P338 – IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if you have them and this is easy to do. Continue rinsing
P310 – Immediately call a POISON CENTER or doctor/physician
