Applications
Concrete sealing
Cement admixture (Shotcrete accelerator)
Refractory cements
Acid-resistant cements
Oil well cements
Recommended products:
Sodium Silicate
Potassium Silicate
Sodium Metasilicates
Powdered Silicate
How it works: Liquid silicates are used extensively as
penetrating concrete sealers. The silica reacts with free
calcium in the concrete and forms calcium silicate hydrate. This results in a
concrete surface that is more abrasion-resistant, more chemically resistant,
harder and less permeable. Potassium silicate can be used to prevent whitish
blooming, or efflorescence.
As a cement admixture, liquid or powdered silicates are
added to cements to accelerate the set. Liquid silicates used in shotcreting or
gunning provide immediate set.
Liquid and powdered silicates are also used in manufacturing
refractory and chemically-resistant bricks,
mortars, and gunning mixes. The silicates serves as a binder and as a source of
alkali and silica to enhance heat resistant properties.
Because oil well cements have a relatively high water content, metasilicates
are added to help prevent segregation of the solids from the water.
Recommended literature:
Characterization of Silicate Sealers on Concrete
Sodium Silicate Applications for Cement and Concrete
PQ® Soluble Silicates in Refractory and
Chemical-Resistant Cements
Refractory Specialties and the Properties of Potassium Silicates
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