Waterproof impregnation of ceramic brick with emulsions of low voc content

Abstract

The aim of the research presented in the paper was to evaluate the feasibility of using hydrophobizing preparations based on organosilicon compounds for impregnation of ceramic bricks. The process of surface hydrophobization both using solvents and water substances was analyzed. The effectiveness of four preparations which differed in terms of hydrolytic polycondensation degree, viscosity and concentration, as these are the factors that are decisive as far as the end result of hydrophobization is concerned. The following laboratory tests were performed: the analysis of physical properties of the tested materials, water drop absorption test, water absorption by weight of the hydrophobized samples, water vapour diffusion, frost resistance, the analysis of silica gel properties in electron microscopy. Based on the results of the above mentioned, the analysis of effectiveness and desirability of hydrophobization using emulsion with a low VOC content was carried out.