Is it possible to treat chipboard with Liquid Glass • Composition for fire protection

To answer this question, we will not delve into the theory of polymer chemistry or history. We want to make our answer as clear as possible so that it is understandable to most of our regular readers and site guests. Let's start with the definition and main characteristics of the material in question.

So, after the reaction of silicic acid with sodium or potassium silicate, a viscous, transparent mass is obtained, sometimes with a whitish or greenish tint. In the open air, this mass quickly hardens to form a glass-like polymer, the formula of which you can easily find on Wikipedia. The characteristics of this polymer include:

• hydrophobicity – the frozen material does not allow moisture to pass through;
• solubility – the uncured mass dissolves easily in clean water;
• stickiness – the mass has high adhesion to a wide variety of surfaces; – silicates have excellent disinfectant properties;
• heat resistance - the frozen substance is not afraid of high temperatures and open flames;
• strength - the mass is sufficiently strong in compression;
• antistatic – the resulting film does not accumulate static electricity;
• thermal insulation qualities - the polymer does not transfer heat well.

Important! There are many recipes floating around the internet for making liquid glass at home. We looked at some of them and came to the conclusion that you still won’t be able to make something comparable in quality and cost to factory-made material manufactured in accordance with GOST.

Expert opinion

Strebizh Viktor Fedorovich, leading construction foreman

We have already touched on some aspects of the use of silicate solutions, but in order to answer the question posed fully, we will talk separately about where liquid glass is used. If you want to clarify something, please contact me!

Liquid glass: application, use, characteristics

1. Sodium. This is the cheapest and most common variety, known under the trade name “stationery glue”.
2. Potassium. A less common variety, which has higher resistance to acids and water after hardening, but also a higher price.
3. Lithium. The rarest type, used in electrode spraying for electric arc welding.
4. Nano-ceramics. This is a variety with the addition of particles of aluminum or titanium oxides, which form sparingly soluble silicates. Used for car body treatment.

Pros and cons of liquid glass

In this chapter we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the material in question. Let's start with the advantages.

1. It dissolves in ordinary water and can serve as an additive to a wide variety of building mixtures that are mixed with water.
2. Penetrates deep into concrete and wood, fills cracks and pores, resulting in good waterproofing.
3. It has optimal density, the hardened material is lightweight and does not load building structures.
4. It has a favorable price compared to other adhesives and concrete additives.
5. Increases the strength of porous substrates such as plaster, concrete floors, slab ceilings, blind areas.
6. It is an excellent adhesive due to its high adhesion and stickiness to various materials, including metal, concrete, wood and paper.
7. It has antiseptic properties and fights well against fungal, mold and bacterial infections.
8. The material is characterized by fire-resistant qualities, which is widely used in some areas, such as the production of fire retardants and various impregnations, ferrous metallurgy, etc.

Important! Here are the advantages and disadvantages of the material made in accordance with GOST 13078-81. There may be other varieties of soluble silicates whose characteristics are enhanced by metal oxides and other additives.

Which is better: heated floors or radiators?

Warm floorBatteries

1. The film formed on the surface is not very durable and may crack over time.
2. Poorly compatible with brick. The porous surface of the brick absorbs the substance and begins to collapse.
3. Significantly speeds up the hardening time of building mixtures, which requires certain skill during their subsequent installation.
4. The film formed on the surface does not allow the application of varnishes, paints and other similar coatings.
5. It does not combine well with most organic compounds; the coating is matte or does not adhere at all.

Attention! It is interesting to know that one of the unobvious advantages of silicates is their environmental friendliness. Thus, cuts on tree branches and wells are treated with liquid glass, which is a consequence of this feature.

Pouring the flooring

In bathrooms, showers, bath rooms and indoor swimming pools, which are characterized by constant humidity and wet floors, flooring can be made using liquid glass. To fill the floor you need:

• if wooden floors are laid, then first make a concrete screed;
• pour the silicate solution onto the dry surface in equal portions;
• level the glue layer with a wide spatula;
• carry out final leveling of the layer with a thickness of 3-5 mm using a squeegee;
• After the silicate layer has dried, apply a finishing varnish (polyurethane or epoxy is better).

By the way, taking into account the non-toxicity of the material, its heat and water resistance, it can be used to treat a steam room, which is most often made of wood and can be subject to deformation with constant exposure to moist hot air without proper care.

Expert opinion

Strebizh Viktor Fedorovich, leading construction foreman

Remember that it is important to maintain the correct proportions and not to overdo it with the amount of glue, otherwise your solution will crack and be unviable. If you want to clarify something, please contact me!

Liquid glass: types, application instructions, application for waterproofing

1. Hydrophobic (water-repellent). Thanks to this property, liquid glass is used to treat surfaces exposed to prolonged contact with liquid, including wood products. As a result of impregnation, they will not be subject to swelling and deformation.
2. Antiseptic. This property allows the use of silicate glue for protective impregnation of walls against such negative manifestations as mold and mildew.
3. Fireproof. Impregnating floors and walls with liquid glass increases the fire safety of the room.
4. Antistatic. The material eliminates electrification and does not provoke the occurrence of static electricity.
5. Acid-resistant. Impregnation with a silicate solution helps protect the surface from exposure to chemicals.
6. Eco-friendly. This material does not emit substances harmful to the human body.

Varieties and properties

Liquid glass is an aqueous solution of potassium, sodium or lithium silicate with the addition of modifiers. The scope of application of the product depends on its main substance:

• sodium is used for the production of construction adhesives and waterproofing solutions;
• potassium is used for the preparation of acid-resistant concrete and cement mortars;
• lithium is suitable for strengthening treatment of concrete floor bases followed by polishing.

The silicate compound looks like a thick yellow or gray liquid, it is odorless and does not emit toxic substances. The solvent is water. Treating concrete with liquid glass makes it possible to improve its resistance to external influences.

Recommendations for selection

Silicate glue is offered both in pure form and as part of ready-made finishing mixtures and impregnations in hardware (construction) stores. It is not difficult to buy liquid glass in a small volume at a retail outlet; It is better to order a large batch directly from the manufacturers. When choosing silicate glue, pay attention to:

• Type and purpose .
• Information on the packaging . Must include composition, brand name, shelf life, legal address of the manufacturer, instructions for use.
• Appearance . If the packaging is transparent, the solution can be assessed visually; it should not contain impurities.
• Price . The price of liquid glass depends on the volume of purchase and the main parameters (modulus and density). Liquid glass (solution) is cheaper in price than dry glass (concentrate).
• Selection of containers . Liquid glass is offered in containers of 1-5 kg, as well as in canisters of 10-20 kg, and barrels of 200 liters. Any container must be airtight.

Application areas of liquid glass

Housing systems are used in general construction work and for solving everyday problems. It is usually used to provide the following types of work:

• to ensure waterproofing of swimming pools, concrete screeds, foundations, basements, sewer pipes and wells;
• to enhance the refractory properties of mortars for masonry stoves;
• in order to protect concrete and wood products from rotting and mold formation;
• used as an additive in coloring compositions to obtain increased strength and fire-resistant characteristics;
• for gluing PVC plates and linoleum;
• for clogging open pores of damaged trees;
• for the purpose of restoring glass, wood and plastic products;
• for processing the car body;
• for organizing self-leveling floors.

Expert opinion

Strebizh Viktor Fedorovich, leading construction foreman

decorative finishing of premises using suspended ceilings, mirror and ceramic tiles, stained glass and panels; If you want to clarify something, please contact me!

Liquid glass: what it is, how to use it, characteristics and application in construction and everyday life

• this material helps to quickly repair small cracks in concrete products and wood building structures;
• coating with liquid glass makes it possible to obtain a durable film that helps waterproof any surface;
• material consumption is low, while the cost of liquid glass is affordable for most categories of the population, so it can be used for work at home;
• if used correctly, the coating service life will be at least five years;
• Liquid glass for waterproofing can be used in places with unstable humidity levels.

Mixing instructions

In order to properly prepare a mixture with the addition of ZhS, you should follow the recommendations developed for compositions used to perform certain types of surface treatment and repair.

The dry components of the solution are mixed separately, and the liquid solution is also diluted separately with water. Add the dry components to the aqueous solution gradually, mixing the layers. If you want to make the mixture more plastic, increase the volume of water.

Subsequent application of liquid glass to the treated areas should be carried out taking into account finishing technologies.

Wood protection

Hygroscopic wooden structures especially require proper protection. Unlike concrete, when in contact with wood, silicate glue is not absorbed into it, but forms an outer protective layer. Therefore, for proper treatment of wood with liquid glass, preliminary preparation is especially important. The wood is not only cleaned of dust and dirt, but additionally cleaned with sandpaper. This technique allows you to create a smoother surface and better adhesion (and, therefore, durability) of the film.

Silicate glue is applied to surfaces that are not planned to be painted, since the wood becomes mirror-smooth and cannot be painted. Places regularly exposed to dampness (basement, rafters, beams) are ideal candidates for the use of liquid glass; The composition is used taking into account the following recommendations:

• The composition, diluted with water in the required proportion, is applied to the treated and cleaned surface in at least two layers.

• For high-quality waterproofing, the thickness of the finished film must be at least 100 microns.
• The best result is obtained if the composition is applied at a temperature of +20 to +40°C , with a wide brush or roller.

Necessary tools and materials for waterproofing

In order to treat floors with liquid glass, you will not need many materials and tools:

• brush and spatula - for applying the composition;
• directly the liquid glass itself;
• water, if you need to dilute the composition;
• rags - to remove drops of the composition that fall where they should not;
• container - for pouring liquid glass in order to achieve ease of use;
• degreaser - will be needed for pre-treatment of the subfloor;
• broom, dustpan, vacuum cleaner and other cleaning equipment - to clean the surface being treated.

Advice! When working with liquid glass, it is recommended to wear old clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty, as well as gloves and a mask. So these items should also be prepared in advance.

Expert opinion

Strebizh Viktor Fedorovich, leading construction foreman

To obtain a high-quality primer for concrete, you need to combine cement and glass in a ratio of 1 to 1, which can significantly strengthen the base. If you want to clarify something, please contact me!

Waterproofing composition

• protection of rough foundations from water exposure;
• protection of plastered surfaces;
• improving the properties of the concrete mixture used to create swimming pools;
• protection of seams between building materials;
• creation of paint and varnish products;
• imparting antiseptic properties to coatings and materials;
• use as a hardener additive;
• corrosion protection;
• reducing the fire hazardous properties of materials.

How to treat the surface → Room decoration → How to choose the right paint → Surface treatment technologies → Leveling and finishing the walls → Selecting and applying a primer → Removal from the surface → Stretch ceilings and technologies → Reviews and testimonials

Ensuring safety precautions

The glue is non-toxic, non-flammable and non-explosive. The prepared mixtures are stored in a dry, cool place at a positive temperature of 5 to 40 degrees.

Safety precautions and precautions Source beton-house.com

Silicate glass is frost-resistant and can withstand temperatures down to minus 34 degrees. The material can withstand 5 freeze/thaw cycles without losing its consumer properties. Should not be placed near heating devices or operating equipment. Residues must be disposed of correctly - do not pour into water bodies, soil or sewers.