Concrete Flooring: Concrete Densifier

Hërmetix is a colloidal silica based densifier for concrete polishing systems that transforms ordinary concrete surfaces into exceptionally durable, attractive, colorful floors. Concrete surfaces benefit from the Hërmetix densifier, displaying an attractive floor finish with exceptional durability. It is recommended for concrete floors where beauty, durability and use of environmentally friendly materials are important. Concrete surfaces treated with Hërmetix densifier achieve stunning visual and functional rejuvenation transforming them into colorful and expressive wear surfaces.

typical application areas

• Big box stores
• Warehouses / Distribution centers
• Shopping malls / Retail stores
• Factory floors
• Public buildings, schools
• Government and Private office buildings
• Residences - Lofts, studios, contemporary living spaces

Densifiers that are used in concrete flooring typically are solutions of silicates that react with the calcium hydroxide is produced during the cement hydration process. Sometimes called liquid hardeners, they impregnate the surface of a cured concrete slab with silica, the basic element of quartz. They essentially complete the hydration process by turning this material into calcium silicate hydrate (CSH), strengthening the concrete mix.

The colloidal silica in Hërmetix is suspended in an aqueous phase and stabilized electrostatically. It is a concentrated mono-dispersion with particle sizes ranging from approximately 5 to 100 nanometers in diameter. The very-very fine particle size distribution in Hërmetix allows for rapid surface penetration, and the irregular variations in the surface area make rapid bonding with calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)₂] in the concrete possible. It can be applied to freshly-poured concrete slabs as soon as it sets, while the concrete is still wet. It will also perform brilliantly with concrete slabs that are decades old.

Advantages

• Hërmetix has more reactive sites, so it goes to work quickly, within 1-2 minutes
• No brooming or working the material required
• It penetrates deeply and reacts more efficiently.
• No overnight curing required
• No caustic gel to scrub off; nothing to dispose off; the only residue may be a small amount of safe powder that can be vacuumed off during polishing phase
• No whitening potential
• Non-hazardous; zero VOC
• Low pH (~8.7) — safe to handle
• Does not trap free, migrating moisture in concrete slab
• Increases floor reflectivity, helping to reduce facility lighting and energy needs
• Fills the pore structure of the surface layer, making it denser and harder
• Increases stain and abrasion resistance
  

application

1. Use 1 part of Hermetic densifier to 4 parts of potable water

2. Apply with pump sprayer to saturation, a maximum rate of 500ft²/ga. Keep applying to maintain saturation, approximately 15 minutes.

3. Let the concrete surface dry, approximately one hour, and commence with polishing/burnishing process.

4. Excess material dries to a non-crystalline powder that can be swept with a broom.

Hërmetix shield

Hermetic shield is a finishing conditioner applied after polishing the concrete surface. It introduced additional Colloidal Silica to the slab, along with a thin, clear polymer layer that gives extra protection to the concrete surface. It brings out the color in integrally pigmented, stained or dyed concrete.

Hermetic shield provides extra protection against accidental staining from spills. It is particularly useful against mild acids (e.g., environments where food is handled or served).

Application

1. Use 1 part Hermetic shield to 1 part potable water

2. Apply with pump sprayer at a maximum rate of 2000 ft²/ga and work in with a micro-fiber mop

3. After two coats, use high speed burnishing to increase the shine

How Does Polished Concrete Contribute to LEED^® Points?

EQ Credit 3.2: Construction IAQ Management Plan: Before Occupancy
Polished concrete minimizes the surface area where dust, pollutants and other VOCs can be trapped, facilitating the building flush-out process. In addition Hërmetix densifier contributes zero VOCs, making it easier to meet the requirements for Option 2: Air testing

EQ Credit 4.3: Flooring systems
Polished concrete floors have the potential to earn a point under this credit, which requires:

• All hard surface flooring must be certified as compliant with the FloorScore ^® standard by an independent third-party
• And concrete finishes must meet the requirements of South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Rule 1113, Architectural Coatings
• Or all flooring products will meet the requirements of the California Department of Public Health Standard Practice for the Testing of Volatile Organic Emissions
  
  

Possible Innovation Credits
Hërmetix has several advantages that could be included in an application for innovation credits:

• Increased light reflectivity of polished concrete flooring
• Reduced jobsite waste
• Does not produce caustic residue
• Transportation-related energy consumption reduced by shipping as concentrate