The Benefits of Lithium Densifiers

As time has passed and the understanding of densification improved, naturally, the chemical make up of liquid densifiers has also improved. In years past, Magnesium, Sodium or Potassium liquid densifiers were used as single silicate densifiers. Each type delivered the required benefits of a densifier but each type also had it's disadvantages, whether it be time consuming in applying the product or having to thoroughly rinse the floor and dispose of the excess & in some cases, the reaction being too expansive which leads to cracking in the concrete.

Lower viscosity and alkalinity allows C² lithium hardeners to achieve deeper and more complete penetration. This creates a denser, harder bond, leaving far fewer un-reacted calcium hydroxide molecules with a wider distribution of lithium particles during absorption.

Smaller molecules of lithium make the reaction more even and consistent, creating a denser surface. On the other hand, sodium and potassium densifiers react inconsistently and irregularly, leaving clusters of calcium hydroxide, reacted and un-reacted, spread throughout the concrete surface resulting in a weaker, irregular bond. This is the basis for a potential problem if moisture should penetrate into the concrete substrate, initiating an Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR).

C² lithium hardeners react with calcium elements in concrete, building strong and very stable silicate structures, maximizing and extending lithium reactivity. C² lithium hardeners also react with calcium hydroxide covering the substrate, forming complex tri-calcium silicate compounds that keep moisture out. These compounds block the micro pores in concrete, practically eliminating moisture absorption into the concrete substrate. Although these reactions are common to most surface densifiers, C² lithium hardeners react more completely and evenly than sodium and potassium.

There is an argument to qualify Sodium & Potassium densifiers delivering higher gloss levels due the the silicate nesting in at the top line of the substrate, the C2 Hard Blend densifier will solve this problem by enabling multi level densification, the Lithium taking care of the large part of the process and the Potassium offering top line silicate for gloss & repellency.

With all that said, not many densifiers will work effectively unless they are applied correctly, so always observe the process of applying to the point of rejection, keep damp for 15-20 minutes (topping up if necessary) and preferably, leaving overnight before commencing polishing.