Lithium Silicate Densifier - Bee Chems

1. Lithium Silicate in Concrete: A User's Guide Lithium silicate is a chemical compound that uses lithium to act as a transport agent for silica that is used in a variety of industries. Lithium silicates form a highly stable ratio, low viscosity solution that once dried, is relatively insoluble compared to other silicate compounds. It’s most used for concrete surface treatment, specialty paints and coatings, and refractory ceramic and glazes. Lithium silicates have a higher melting point and are added to sodium and potassium silicates to improve their adhesion properties. Lithium disilicate is used to manufacture crowns in dentistry and as a corrosion inhibitor in the marine industry. It can also be used as a bonding agent in fiberglass. Bee Chems supplies lithium silicates for use as a concrete hardener and sealer. Still, we have stocks of different lithium compounds on hand. How Does Lithium Silicates Work in Concrete Applications? Lithium Silicate is applied to polished concrete floors as a liquid coating. The liquid penetrates between four and five millimeters into the concrete, reacting with calcium hydroxide, a byproduct of mixing the concrete powder with water. The reaction produces calcium silicate, which settles in the concrete’s pores, close to the surface. This reaction makes the surface of the concrete denser, more durable, and more resistant to stains. The appearance and texture of the concrete are also smoother with a silicate coating. Lithium elements act to transport the silica into the concrete. This reaction between the silica and the calcium hydroxide is what improves the properties of the concrete surface. Why should You Use Lithium Silicate in Concrete? You could use sodium and potassium silicates for a similar effect. They also cost less than lithium silicates. There are many reasons that lithium is preferred to sodium or potassium. Here are a few benefits of using lithium silicate in concrete: Lithium silicates only take around six hours to dry, whereas sodium takes about 24 hours to dry Only one coat of lithium silicate is needed

2. Lithium silicates are less soluble when dried. Lithium silicates are less alkaline than alternatives, making them more environmentally friendly Lithium is more reactive than sodium or potassium, so it supports a higher concentration of silica Less residue to dispose of reduces costs If you want to buy lithium silicates, you can check out Bee Chems’ website for more information. The company offers a wide range of construction chemicals to customers across the globe. For many years, the organization is among the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of industrial chemicals to all industries worldwide. In addition to lithium silicates, the company provides a plethora of other chemicals including moisture-free packaging services, as well as a molecular sieve, oxygen absorber packets, pharmaceutical desiccants, molecular sieve, and many more.