Construction chemicals are the basic components of all types of building projects. Good-quality construction compounds provide durability and strength to the structure. In essence, construction chemicals are the base for the construction industry.
Construction methods and techniques have evolved greatly over the past centuries, all over the world. Previously, the materials and methods for construction were basic, such as simple brick/stone and mortar of some kind. However, as construction technology evolved, the trend of construction additives became more prominent and prevailing. Thanks to this, today we have numerous types of construction chemicals.
Though every construction project needs concrete, sand, cement, brick, stones and other materials their properties are enhanced by using construction chemicals. Chemicals used in construction are specially crafted compounds that improve the overall strength and stability of buildings.
In this blog, we will learn about the different types of construction chemicals and their advantages.
Types Of Construction Chemicals
These are the various types of construction chemicals commonly used in the construction industry worldwide –
Concrete Curing Compounds
Natural and synthetic resins, solvents, and waxes which are highly volatile at room temperature are mostly used as curing compounds for concrete. When curing compounds are sprayed on concrete surfaces the chemical reaction creates a moisture-resistant coating. Usually, white or grey pigments are added to the curing compound to reflect heat. It also helps enhance compound visibility for examining the surface.
However, concrete curing compounds are not suitable for use on surfaces that will have extra layers of paint and concrete, or tiles that need a positive bond. This is true, unless the curing compound’s layer serves as a sufficient base for the extra application.
Waterproofing Agents
Waterproofing agents, as the name suggests, are incredibly useful to enhance a concrete structure’s water-resistant properties. This is especially important for buildings that are frequently exposed to liquids, or rain.
Some of the most common waterproofing compounds are –
- Liquid acrylic elastomeric waterproofing chemicals
- Crystalline waterproofing chemicals
- Cementitious waterproofing chemicals
- Polymer-modified waterproofing chemicals
Most waterproofing chemicals create thin films on the concrete surface and prevent water from penetrating under the surface.
Concrete Floor Hardeners
Floor hardeners are construction additives that are mixed with concrete flooring to make the surface dense and more durable. Apart from this, floor hardeners also help reduce dusting, and improve the surface’s chemical resistance properties. Besides, floor hardeners also make concrete floors more resistant to impact and abrasion.
High quality floor hardeners also have excellent waterproofing properties, which are extremely essential for floors in manufacturing, commercial and industrial buildings. Additionally, floor hardeners significantly lower repair and maintenance costs by making the floor surfaces stronger and more durable.
There are different types of concrete floor hardeners available in the market, such as –
- Metallic, non-metallic, solid and liquid floor hardeners
- Metallic solid floor hardeners are high grade ferrous aggregates
- Liquid floor hardeners contain water, silicate and other chemical solutions
- Pigmented floor hardeners improve the aesthetics of floor surfaces significantly
Polymer Bonding Agents
Polymer bonding agents are aqueous emulsions that contain a special polymer and a chemical additive. This is commonly used as a bonding agent with cement and concrete-based products and for application on interior and exterior surfaces. Polymer bonding agents are also used as a polymer modifier in dry-mix mortars and concretes. This enhances the overall tensile, bonding and flexural strengths.
This bonding compound is highly useful to lay bricks and other masonry blocks. It is also used to cover buildings with skim coats and renders and even adheres to tiles. Additionally, polymer bonding agents in concrete also help improve resistance to chloride and de-icing salt penetration.
Epoxy Anchoring Grouts
Epoxy anchoring grouts have significant advantages over conventional tile grouts. For instance, epoxy grouts are more useful in extreme environments, such as excessive temperatures. They are also highly resistant to spillage and stains, such as from grease, oil, acid and chemicals. Additionally, epoxy anchoring agents are also more durable, and hence more resistant to impact, stain and abrasion as compared to conventional grouts.
Though epoxy grouts are more expensive they are most suitable for use as grouting for machine foundations and industrial equipment, thanks to their strong vibration dampening properties.
Epoxy Coating
Epoxy coating can be solvent-free, oil-based, or water-based. Dual-component epoxy coating can be easily mixed on-site by following the easy instructions provided by the manufacturer. These coatings have excellent thermal and chemical resistance, which makes them well-suited for use in factories and industrial environments.
Epoxy coatings are also extremely hard, durable and have excellent waterproofing capabilities. These coatings do not contain solvents and are commonly used for decorative coatings on floor surfaces.
Surface Retarders
Also known as surface deactivators, these are chemical construction additives that are mixed with fresh concrete to prolong the duration of hardening of surface mortar. As compared to concrete set retarders, these allow the concrete to cure completely without affecting the setting pace or level of strength.
Surface retarders slow down the hydration process to a specific depth, which allows the underlying concrete to harden. It also lets you remove the surface paste afterwards more easily. After exposing the aggregate with high-pressure washing or hosing, you will get a highly consistent depth of aggregate, with lower pop-outs. Once the finishing process is complete and the bleed water is dried, you should immediately apply a surface retarder.
Bonding Aid For Plastering
Bonding aid construction chemicals are usually compounds derived from polyvinyl acetate emulsions. These are non-toxic, non-flammable and non-hazardous water-based compounds that are VOC compliant. The bonding aid for plastering is mostly applied to surfaces before coating with paint to ensure strong and durable coats.
Conclusion
Construction chemicals are specially manufactured chemical compounds that are mixed with concrete, mortar and other construction components to improve certain properties. The different types of construction chemicals help enhance strength, durability, surface finish and resistance to undesirable weather conditions of cement, such as extreme weather and temperatures. In addition, using construction chemicals also helps to lower the overall quantity of water and cement required for construction projects.
The huge variety of construction additives used worldwide is also driving the growth of the construction industry. These chemicals help to improve the overall quality of construction using affordable and reliable chemical products. Make sure to buy construction chemicals from renowned manufacturers, such as Sakshi Chem Sciences Pvt. Ltd. for the best results.