CONCRETE HARDENER LITHIUM
Concrete Hardener Lithium is a lithium silicate-based aqueous solution, densifier, hardener and quick protection for concrete and cement surfaces.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Its new formula, with an enhanced lithium concentration, rises from the need of supplying the substrate with quick protection while the silicate is curing, mitigating the risk of penetration and soiling by oily substances, coloured or chemically aggressive aqueous solutions.
Applied on new or existing concrete, it penetrates the porosities and capillaries, chemically reacts with the lime, formed when wetting the cement, to produce insoluble calcium silicate hydrate, thus forming a densified, closed, compact structure to liquids and abrasion, extending the life cycle of the substrate to the maximum.
During the reaction and curing period of the silicate, the surface will anyhow be protected against unwanted absorptions, thanks to the hydrophobic coating applied to the substrate, improving resistance to oils and to salt efflorescence.
Lithium silicate, with a smaller molecular size than the silicates of other alkaline metals, allows Concrete Hardener Lithium to penetrate deeper down. At the same time it seals micropores which, if conducted differently with other silicate metals, would form a slippery and potentially hydrolysable superficial film.
This means that it can be applied in any phase of the grinding cycle, while other types of silicates are preferably laid at more “open” grinding. Another particularity of Concrete Hardener Lithium is the high gloss which, implicit in lithium silicate, together with ideal water resistance, recommends using the product on all those surfaces intended for frequent wet maintenance and cleaning.
FIELDS OF APPLICATION
INCORPORATED TREATMENT OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR CONCRETE SURFACES.
Incorporated treatment of internal, external, new or existing concrete surfaces which need to implement resistance to abrasion and hardness, impermeability to liquids, without compromising permeability to steam and the aesthetic appearance. Especially suitable for high density concrete and when high-quality treatment is required.
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Densifier for new floors.
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Densifier for existing floors.
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Anti-dust treatments.
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Treatment in the grinding of concrete floors.
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When there is a high risk of alkali–silica reactions (ASR), lithium silicate is preferable to sodiumpotassium.
Main environments of use
>Scaffolding >Carparks >Pavements >Loading bays >Hangars >Car dealerships > Shipping terminals >Car repair shops >Office buildings >Bars and Restaurants >Correctional institutions >Retail shops >Shopping centres >Schools >Stadiums >Veterinarian clinics >Common areas >Aisles >Kitchens >Laboratories >Mechanical workshops >Mezzanines >WCs and showers >Production >Logistics >Storage >Distribution facilities >Food processing plants >Textile plants >Wastewater treatment plants >Pharmaceutical industry >Cold rooms / freezers >Bottling areas >Chemical processes, etc.
CONCRETE HARDENER LITHIUM
HOW TO USE
>>ON SEASONED CEMENT:
The surfaces capable of receiving the treatment must be cohesive, dust free, clean and dry, free of contaminating substances that could jeopardise total or partial absorption of the product.
In case of prior treatments with acid substances, perform a neutralising wash with alkaline products.
The temperature of the surfaces to be treated must range from 5°C to 40°C, avoiding intervening when too hot or sunny.
During grinding cycles or on smooth substrates (with low roughness profile), use low pressure nebulizers, spray the product and distribute it evenly with a microfibre cloth, while using industrial mops on surfaces with a rough profile such as brushed concrete. After application as a densifier, wait 6-12 hours before continuing the grinding cycle.
It is necessary that the product does not dry before it has penetrated deeply. If the liquid is slow to absorb and too much remains after 1 hour, remove it with a scrubber dryer. Whereas, if absorption is immediate, adjust the amount in order to keep the substrate damp with product for 20-30 minutes.
>>ON COLOURED CEMENT:
Protects the colour by slightly intensifying tone and shine. Concrete Hardener Lithium’s yield in grinding cycles is 15-20m2/lt, anyhow depending on the roughness and absorption capacity of the substrate in addition to the laying method.
The area can be used within a few hours of treatment, however keeping in mind that the reaction will be completed within 2 weeks.
>>ON FRESH CONCRETE:
Wait until a new casting of concrete reaches sufficient mechanical performance to be able to lay the product.
Treatment as a densifier can be carried out immediately after casting of the cement, after trowelling or smoothing. If a curing compound was applied, remove it before applying Concrete Hardener Lithium.
For indoor jobs on ground cement, Concrete Hardener Lithium can be applied immediately after finishing, and right after cutting the joints and removing grout dust, or in any subsequent moment, at the discretion of the Work Director.
CONCRETE HARDENER LITHIUM
MAIN ADVANTAGES
Very low VOC.
Ready to use solution.
Not film-coating, chemically reacts with the substrate.
No rinsing required.
Reduces the formation of dust. Protects against damage from salt and freezing/thawing.
Easy to use.
Enhances resistance to abrasion.
UV protection.
Reduces efflorescence
Makes the surfaces easy Reduces efflorescence to clean.
Reduces the risk of alkali–silica reactions (ASR)*
* ASR is the reaction between alkali (sodium and potassium) in Portland cement and some siliceous or mineral rocks, such as opaline flint, tense quartz and volcanic glass acid, present in some aggregates. The products of the reaction can cause abnormal expansion and cracking of the concrete in service.
Makes the floor resistant, non-slip, hard and beautiful
It is particularly suitable for high performance surface treatment thanks to its penetrating power in concrete.
The end result of the application is a bright and glossy finish with a high surface hardness, that is also anti-dust and water-repellent.
IMPORTANT WARNINGS
- There are no limitations as to the type of cement surfaces that can be treated with Concrete Hardener Lithium, except for those previously treated.
- Concrete Hardener Lithium does not close or fill up cracks and does not recover honeycomb or structurally instable surfaces.
- Not suitable for asphalt, non-cement or painted surfaces. (Paints and coatings can be applied on top of Concrete Hardener Lithium – follow the instructions of the paint/coating manufacturer for the preparation of the surfaces.
- The pearly effect on the surface is temporary while the reduction of the absorption of oils and watery substances is permanent.
Precautions: - Do not work at temperatures close to 0°C, during and immediately after laying.
- Protect glass and aluminium while laying
- Direct exposure to humidity should be avoided until polymerization has completed.
- The instructions given in this sheet are indicative of an average case history and do not replace the assessment of the professional user who will have to decide on the right product and its best application in relation to the concrete situation.