Liquid Glass in Construction

Silicate materials hold a special place in the modern construction industry due to a unique combination of performance characteristics and cost-effectiveness. Among them, a product consisting of an aqueous alkaline solution of sodium or potassium silicates deserves particular attention. This material possesses a complex of valuable properties that make it indispensable for solving a wide range of tasks in the construction and renovation of buildings and structures.

The material is based on sodium silicates (Na_2O \cdot SiO_2) or potassium silicates (K_2O \cdot SiO_2) dissolved in water. The manufacturing process involves fusing quartz sand with soda ash or potash, followed by dissolving the resulting silicate "lump" in water under pressure.
The performance characteristics are determined by the chemical structure of the substance:

• High adhesive capacity: the material bonds strongly to mineral substrates (concrete, brick, plaster, stone) due to chemical interaction.
• Crystallization process: polymerization of silicates occurs upon contact with air ($CO_2$) or salts in the substrate. The resulting insoluble crystals tightly fill pores and microcracks.
• Hydrophobic properties: the formed film creates a reliable barrier against water and moisture penetration.
• Fire resistance: the silicate film is non-combustible and slows down the heating of the protected substrate.
• Chemical inertness: resistance to acids, oils, and various aggressive environments.
• Antiseptic effect: the created alkaline environment inhibits the development of mold, fungi, and moss.

These characteristics form the basis for the practical application of the material in various fields of construction activity.

Waterproofing Works
One of the most common directions of use is the creation of waterproof barriers.

• Coating waterproofing: a concentrated solution or a mixture with cement and sand (ratios of 1:1 or 1:2) is applied with a brush or spatula to the surfaces of foundations, plinths, walls, basement floors, concrete water tanks (including swimming pools), and wells. The resulting film effectively blocks capillary moisture absorption and groundwater penetration.
• Penetrating waterproofing: a solution diluted with water in a ratio of 1:5 to 1:10 is applied to a pre-moistened concrete or brick substrate. The liquid is drawn into the capillaries where it crystallizes, forming a waterproof layer at depth. This method is especially effective for repairing old structures and sealing joints, seams, and cracks.

Modification of Concrete and Cement Mortars
Incorporating it into concrete mixes serves two main purposes:

• Increasing water resistance: the additive significantly increases the resistance of concrete and cement-sand products (foundation blocks, paving tiles, screeds in wet areas) to the effects of water and moisture.
• Accelerating setting: the material acts as a powerful hardening accelerator. This is critical when eliminating pressurized leaks in concrete structures or performing work in water-saturated soils or at low air temperatures.

Important technical constraints:

• The optimal dosage is 3–10% of the cement mass. Exceeding this dosage (especially above 5% for load-bearing structures) leads to excessive concrete brittleness and a sharp decrease in its compressive strength.
• Concrete with this additive is not recommended for reinforcement with steel bars due to accelerated metal corrosion in the alkaline silicate environment.

Fire Protection and Antiseptic Treatment
Unique properties find application in material protection:

• Fire protection: due to its non-combustibility and ability to form a heat-resistant barrier, formulations based on this material are used for impregnating wooden structures (rafter systems, battens, flooring elements) and fabric materials. Impregnation slows down ignition and flame spread.
• Antiseptic treatment: the high alkalinity of the solution suppresses the development of biological agents. Impregnating wood or mineral surfaces with a solution (often in a 1:1 ratio with water) creates an environment that prevents the growth of fungi, mold, and moss.

Besides the main directions, the material is applied for:

• Bonding of materials: for joining sheet materials (cardboard, cellulose), ceramics, and glass.
• Production of acid-resistant mortars and concretes: in combination with finely ground acid-resistant filler (quartz sand, andesite) and a hardener (sodium fluorosilicate) to protect structures from aggressive chemical environments.
• Stabilization of weak soils: injection of the solution to stabilize silty and sandy soils before construction.
• Sealing: treatment of joints and seams in various structures.

Surface Preparation Before applying the composition, surfaces must be thoroughly prepared: cleaned of dust, dirt, oil stains, and flaking elements. It is recommended to treat concrete substrates with wire brushes to open the pores. Highly absorbent surfaces should be pre-moistened to ensure an even distribution of the composition.
Preparation of Working Solutions Solutions of various concentrations are used for different purposes:

• For penetrating waterproofing: water ratio of 1:5 – 1:10
• For antiseptic treatment: ratio of 1:1 – 1:3
• For fire protection: ratio of 1:2 – 1:4
• For concrete additives: 3–10% of the cement mass

When preparing solutions, the silicate composition should be added to the water while stirring constantly, rather than the other way around.
Application Methods Depending on the surface being treated and the tasks at hand, various application methods are used:

• Brush application: for small areas and hard-to-reach places.
• Roller application: for flat surfaces of medium area.
• Spraying: for large areas and facade works.
• Dipping: for treating small wooden and metal elements.

Working with Concrete Structures
When used as a concrete additive, dosage must be strictly observed. Exceeding the recommended limits leads to a significant reduction in the concrete's strength characteristics. For load-bearing structures, the optimal dosage is considered to be 3–5% of the cement mass. When preparing mortars with the additive, the substantial reduction in setting time must be taken into account. Working batches should be prepared in quantities that can be used within 20–30 minutes.
Waterproofing Works
For reliable waterproofing, it is recommended to apply the composition in 2–3 layers with intermediate drying. Each subsequent layer is applied after the previous one has dried (typically within 2–4 hours, depending on temperature and humidity). When waterproofing swimming pools and drinking water reservoirs, compositions that comply with sanitary and hygienic standards must be used.
Fire Retardant Treatment
To achieve the required fire resistance class for wooden structures, it is necessary to ensure sufficient consumption of the composition—typically 400–600 g/m². The treatment is carried out in two stages with intermediate drying. Once dry, the fire-retardant coating can be painted with latex or silicate paints that are compatible with an alkaline environment.

When working with concentrated compositions, it is necessary to use personal protective equipment: rubber gloves, safety goggles, and protective clothing. In case of contact with skin or eyes, immediately rinse the affected area with plenty of water.

The material should be stored in hermetically sealed containers at temperatures above freezing. Freezing followed by thawing may lead to changes in the product's properties.

The use of silicate compositions in construction allows for significant cost savings compared to the use of specialized polymer materials. Furthermore, in several categories (fire resistance, durability, UV resistance), silicate compositions outperform many polymer counterparts.

The optimal economic effect is achieved through the integrated use of the material to solve several tasks simultaneously: waterproofing, reinforcement, and antiseptic treatment.

Modern trends in the development of construction materials point toward a growing interest in environmentally safe and energy-efficient solutions. Silicate compositions fully meet these requirements, which determines the prospects for their continued application in the construction industry.

Ongoing research is focused on creating modified silicate compositions with enhanced characteristics: increased elasticity, improved adhesion to various substrates, and resistance to cyclic freeze-thaw behavior.

Silicate compositions remains a high-demand material in construction practice due to their unique combination of performance characteristics, accessibility, and environmental safety. Proper application, taking into account technological features, allows for the effective resolution of a wide range of tasks in waterproofing, fire protection, and enhancing the durability of building structures.

The competent use of this material requires an understanding of its chemical nature, mechanism of action, and technological constraints. Adherence to recommendations regarding the preparation of working solutions, application methods, and safety measures ensures optimal results in construction practice.

In the practice of STEKLOLUX, such compositions are selected based on the operating conditions and the specific requirements of each project.