Why can waterproof silic impregnant achieve deep hydrophobic modification?
Publish Time: 2025-06-05
In the field of modern building materials and industrial protection, waterproof performance is one of the key factors that determine the service life and functional stability of materials. Faced with problems such as rainwater erosion, moisture penetration, and mold growth, traditional surface waterproof coatings can often only provide short-term protection, but cannot fundamentally solve the problem of water intrusion. In recent years, waterproof silic impregnant, as a new type of reactive organic silane/siloxane composite material, has successfully achieved deep hydrophobic modification of porous silicate materials with its unique molecular structure and chemical reaction mechanism, providing more efficient and lasting waterproof solutions for multiple industries such as construction, transportation, and cultural relics restoration.
1. Molecular structure design: giving deep penetration and reaction ability
The core of waterproof silic impregnant lies in its organic silane/siloxane composite system. This type of compound has an extremely small molecular size and excellent wettability, and can easily penetrate into porous materials such as concrete, masonry, and cement products. Unlike traditional waterproofing agents that only stay on the surface to form a thin film, this impregnant can penetrate into the microporous structure of the substrate and react chemically under appropriate conditions to generate a stable three-dimensional network of silicon-oxygen bonds (Si-O-Si) structure.
This reaction process not only makes the impregnant firmly attached to the inside of the material, but also promotes its own coagulation and solidification, gradually closing the capillary channels and blocking the penetration path of water from the inside. It is precisely because of this "inside-out" waterproofing mechanism that the treated material can maintain a good dry state even if it is exposed to a humid environment for a long time.
2. Reduce surface energy: build a long-lasting hydrophobic barrier
The hydrophobic properties of a material are closely related to its surface energy. The lower the surface energy, the stronger the material's repulsion to water, thus showing a better waterproof effect. The waterproof silic impregnant significantly reduces the surface energy of the substrate through the action of its silicone component, making it reach or approach a superhydrophobic state (contact angle > 110°).
This low surface energy property not only enhances the material's ability to repel rain and stains, but also effectively prevents the adhesion of oily pollutants and graffiti, so it is also widely used in the main component of anti-graffiti coatings. Compared with traditional wax or fluorocarbon resin hydrophobic agents, silicone impregnants have longer weather resistance and higher environmental stability, and are not easily invalidated by ultraviolet radiation or temperature changes.
3. Closed capillary pores: Improve anti-osmotic pressure and durability
Porous silicate materials (such as concrete, limestone, clay bricks, etc.) have a large number of interconnected capillary pores inside. Although these pores give the material a certain degree of air permeability, they also become the main channel for water penetration. After the waterproof silic impregnant penetrates into the material, it will gradually fill and close these capillary pores through its own polymerization reaction to form a dense waterproof layer.
This process will not completely block the air permeability of the material, but retain a certain "breathing" ability, avoiding problems such as bulging and peeling caused by water vapor accumulation. At the same time, this closed structure greatly improves the material's ability to resist osmotic pressure and freeze-thaw cycles, and can still maintain good physical properties in cold areas or extreme climatic conditions.
4. Excellent compatibility and compounding potential
Waterproof silic impregnant can not only be used alone, but also be compounded with other low surface energy materials (such as fluorosilicone compounds, nano-silica, etc.) to further enhance its hydrophobic, anti-fouling and aging resistance. For example, when preparing solvent-based waterproof impregnants or anti-graffiti coatings, the product's construction performance, film quality and final effect can be optimized by adjusting the formula ratio.
In addition, the material has good chemical inertness, will not react adversely with most building materials, and will not affect the color, texture and strength of the original material. It is suitable for scenes with extremely demanding material requirements such as cultural relics protection and historical building repair.
5. Environmental protection and safety, in line with the trend of sustainable development
With the increasing global attention to green building materials and environmentally friendly construction, waterproof silic impregnant has gradually become an ideal choice to replace traditional toxic waterproofing agents due to its non-toxic, harmless and low VOC emission characteristics. It does not contain heavy metals, does not release harmful gases, is friendly to the human body and the ecological environment, and conforms to the current mainstream trend of green development in the construction industry.
The fundamental reason why waterproof silic impregnant can achieve deep hydrophobic modification lies in its unique molecular structure, excellent penetration ability and efficient reaction curing mechanism. It can not only form a stable waterproof barrier inside the material, but also effectively reduce surface energy, close capillary pores, and comprehensively improve the durability and functionality of the material. Whether it is used for new construction or renovation of old buildings, this product shows excellent waterproof performance and broad application prospects.
