LIQUID GLASS FOR CONCRETE

The approach to the properties of concrete and cement mortars has changed significantly with the advent of additives that enhance their performance characteristics. Concrete is often considered an exceptionally strong and stable material; however, this is only partially true. Its primary weakness is its porous structure. It is through these pores that moisture, air, and chemically active substances penetrate the material, which over time leads to degradation and a reduction in the structure's strength.

The key task of concrete additives is to fill this porous structure, providing the material with a higher level of stability and an increased service life. One of the most effective additives is liquid glass—an aqueous-alkaline silicate solution. The use of liquid glass in concrete and cement compositions allows for performance characteristics that are unattainable without such additives.

Due to its viscous, adhesive structure, liquid glass penetrates deep into the pores of the concrete and fills them completely, forming a dense and stable material structure. The advantage of

STEKLOLUKS products lies in the availability of various types of silicate solutions. Depending on the chemical composition, the liquid glass imparts specific types of resistance to the concrete—including resistance to moisture, thermal loads, and aggressive environments.

Concrete without additives possesses a microporous structure. When in contact with moist soil, such a material eventually absorbs moisture, loses its strength, and begins to degrade. This process accelerates in the presence of acids in the water or the development of fungi.

Adding sodium silicate to a concrete mix significantly reduces the porosity and water permeability of the finished material. As a result, the concrete's resistance to acids is increased, and the risk of fungal growth and biological damage is virtually eliminated.

Liquid glass is a non-combustible material capable of withstanding high temperatures, including direct contact with an open flame. When introduced into a concrete composition, it imparts fire-resistant properties to the material.

It is also worth noting that potassium liquid glass, when applied to concrete substrates, does not create surface glare after drying, which is particularly important for exterior work.

The combination of binding properties and thermal stability makes liquid glass a key component in the manufacture of welding electrodes. The dry residue of the silicate solution within the electrode coating significantly influences the stability of the welding process, the characteristics of the deposited metal, and the physicochemical properties of the slag.

Liquid glass facilitates the silicon enrichment of the weld metal through silica-reduction reactions and influences the hydrogen content via the moisture retained in the electrode coating.