Construction
In the construction industry, hydrophobic treatments have become essential for protecting building materials against environmental degradation.
During the hydrophobization process, the material's entire cross-section is coated, establishing a robust protective barrier that ensures a long-term material integrity. Comprehensive outdoor weathering trials have validated the effectiveness of this protection and its resilience against environmental challenges.
Effective Hydrophobing Agents
Due to their high specific surface area and their strong water-repellent effect, metallic stearates have proven to be excellent hydrophobing agents for a variety of building materials. Alkaline soaps and combination products have established as suitable hydrophobing agents as well. Additionally, we offer a range of special dispersions that are tailored to specific applications in the construction sector and ensure versatile and targeted solutions for material protection.
Our Brands
COAD, LIGAPHOB®, LIGASTAR® and LIGAFLUID®
Applications
Stucco
Basic stucco is a standard building material that requires an efficient hydrophobization. However, the application criteria for hydrophobing agents are comparatively less complex than for other building materials. It is particularly important that the moisture balance of the material is maintained and that the hydrophobization does not impair the natural breathability.
Our metallic stearates are very suitable for the hydrophobization of stucco as they offer good hydrophobing properties while they don’t exhibit a negative impact on the natural moisture management.
Restoration stucco is an indispensable building material for restoration projects. Their requirements for hydrophobing agents are very high, as water must evaporate from the damaged areas and, at the same time, the intrusion of new water must be prevented.
Our metallic stearates are particularly suitable for this application as they provide the necessary valve effect without affecting the air voids of the system.
ETICS
External thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) are thermal insulation systems consisting of multiple layers. Due to the different materials used in this system, a good wettability of the surface and an efficient hydrophobization are required to ensure durability.
An important component of ETICS are rebars, which pose major challenges in terms of water repellency due to their thin layer thickness. Metallic stearates are common hydrophobing agents for this type of application.
Concrete
For concrete, mixing often takes place in liquid form. This results in different requirements for the hydrophobing agent. A liquid hydrophobing agent is almost indispensable to ensure a low impact on the capillary system and viscosity. A suitable viscosity is particularly important in concrete processing due to the required pumping processes. In addition to a hydrophobic effect, our additives can also have a liquefying effect.
Our dispersions are particularly suitable for these requirements. They are used as hydrophobing agents for non-structural concrete and concrete paving stones. In addition to the hydrophobing effect, these products can also reduce efflorescence.
However, powdered metallic stearates can still be used in the concrete sector. For example, they are used as release agents and formwork agents in the area of concrete filigree ceilings, concrete formwork and other applications.
Construction Brochure
