Last Updated on April 4, 2024 by Admin
Waterproofing is essential for providing a controlled environment in constructing a building envelope. Water-resistant and occasionally waterproof roof covering materials, siding, foundations, and penetrations through these surfaces are required. This article discusses nanotechnology’s uses, advantages, and limitations in waterproofing.
Waterproofing of high quality is critical for avoiding structural damage and maintaining a healthy, comfortable atmosphere. Technology and the need for waterproofing have evolved throughout time. Building contractors must provide their customers with longer-lasting, high-performance solutions to be competitive as the sector grows.
The building sector saw technological advancements in waterproofing materials from the late 1990s to the 2010s, including integral waterproofing systems and modern membrane materials.
There have been technological improvements in waterproofing products and systems; manufacturers are putting innovative, long-lasting, and eco-friendly solutions into the market with the environment, safety, and health as top priorities.
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Table of Contents
What is Nano Technology in Waterproofing?
Nanotechnology is no longer merely a potential research area. Nanotechnology research has increased in recent years, and nanotechnology has been applied to various typical uses. Many nanotech solutions have found their way into everyday life, with ceramic coating for waterproofing being one of the most notable.
The surface layer of a nano-coating is hydrophobic (water repellent) and oleophobic (oil repellent), repelling water, oil, dirt, and other dry particles. In dry surface applications, superhydrophobic coatings are used. Some plant leaves, such as the lotus leaf and insect wings, contain these naturally.
The surface layer of a nano-coating is hydrophobic (water repellent) and oleophobic (oil repellent), repelling water, oil, dirt, and other dry particles. In dry surface applications, superhydrophobic coatings are used. Some plant leaves, such as the lotus leaf and insect wings, contain these naturally.
An eco-friendly Nano coating with high hydrophobicity can be put on objects to make them watertight for the long term. The product is anti-corrosive and oxidation resistant, anti-icing, UV resistant, high temperature resistant, and chemical compound resistant. It may be used on various surfaces and has self-cleaning qualities when it rains.
Nanocoatings do not affect the color of the surface they are applied to. They can’t be seen with the naked eye. Nanex Nanotechnologists are now using nature as inspiration to develop a new waterproofing coating. Nanex drew inspiration for its covering from the qualities of the lotus plant.
This is an excellent example of Nanotechnology in waterproofing. Lotus plants grow in muddy, semi-aquatic settings, yet their leaves are water-repellent and have self-cleaning surfaces so that they may stay dirt-free.
Nanex coatings function similarly to a lotus leaf. When a water droplet hits the surface of a lotus leaf, it forms a nearly perfect sphere that easily rolls away. The water gathers up and transports away any debris or dust as it rolls down the leaf, resulting in a self-cleaning surface.
The coating coats every fiber of the original fabric and creates nanostructures on the cloth’s surface. Whwaterfallslls on the surface, the nanostructures trap air. Because the attractive forces between the water molecules are more significant than the attractive forces between the water and the surface, a droplet develops that slides off the surface, carrying any dirt with it.
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How does it work?
It works like when nanoparticles are put to a surface, they self-organize to produce a coating that adheres to the surface. The nanoparticles blend well with the surface as long as they are smooth and non-absorbent.
The coating’s anti-adhesive properties are fully developed after 1 or 2 days. Liquids and foreign particles cannot cling to the surface after this stage and are rejected. All liquids, soil fungus, lichen, algae, and moss, are included.
While foreign matter cannot cling to the surface, nano-coating does not affect the treated surface’s look, texture, or breathability. This is the case because the nano-coating is only a few nanometres thick.
It’s worth noting that nanotechnology isn’t a brand-new or novel technology. Instead, it has been put to the test for years with incremental improvements. Nano waterproofing technology is currently well advanced in its properties and application expertise.
Nanotechnology enables advanced yet minimum property adjustment. resolving frequent difficulties in a more sophisticated and straightforward manner
This is accomplished using our unique solution, a water-based liquid composition that repels water and protects surfaces such as cement, plaster ceilings, wood, and other materials from moisture.
This liquid seeps into the tiny capillaries, invisible even under a microscope, pushing all contained moisture to evaporate via the pores.
The process for NanoTech Waterproofing:
Waterproofing based on nanotechnology uses monomeric water repellent chemicals that can penetrate several millimeters into the substrate’s core. Nanotechnology foundation waterproofing chemicals are very stable and do not alter chemically after 2000 hours of UV testing, indicating that they protect most substrate structures.
TECHNICAL DETAILS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY-BASED WATERPROOFING COMPOUNDS:
- Flash Point – >100oC, non-flammable
- Specific Gravity (25oC) – 1.05-1.10
- Viscosity (25oC) – 500-800 CPS
- Solubility – Mixable with water
- Dilution – One-part waterproofing compound with ten parts water/solvent (horizontal surface) One-part waterproofing compound with 20 Parts water/solvent (Vertical Surface)
- Suitable for – Concrete, Exposed aggregates, Brick, Mortar, Plaster, Limestone, Sandstone, Granite, Tile, Grout, Cement sheets
- Water repellence Mechanism- By Nano level hydroboration
- Diluents – Water/solvent
- Ensure protection – As Micro level crack filler.
- Weathering Cycle – UV exposure according to ASTM G-154 (21 hours), followed by rain showers (1 hour) and drying at 110oC (2 hours)
- Life – >15 years
Advantages of Nanotechnology material for waterproofing
Without any hacking to the surface
Waterproof your bathroom, balcony, or concrete flat roof without hammering, knocking, or drilling noises.
No toxicity in the solution
The Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS), one of Southeast Asia’s most well-established environmental standards, has approved the solution.
Free of any dust particles
Save yourself the time and effort of cleaning up after rectification work. During the application, you and your loved ones are not required to leave the premises.
Free from Odour
You may relax once the job is done because our solution doesn’t emit any unpleasant odors that persist long after drying.
A quick application
Due to a highly disciplined crew and quick-drying materials, it can be done by providing prompt service. On-site services can be completed in less than 24 hours!
Stopping Leaks Immediately
Do you have a persistent water leak that won’t go away? We have a proven track record of assisting businesses in resolving persistent water leakage issues.
Effectiveness of Nanotechnology-Based Waterproofing compounds:
Based on nanotechnology, Monomeric waterproofing chemicals are the most common type. They can easily penetrate the substrates’ pores. The molecules move through the pore’s branches inside the substrate due to their small size.
They are usually applied as a water solution; however additional solvents may be used if the manufacturer specifies. As seen below, such waterproofing chemicals are particularly effective in covering the surface and providing deep penetration:
- They can endure the hydraulic pressure caused by heavy rainfall brought on by strong winds.
- They protect microcracks.
- They also protect structures against water damage caused by abrasion from heavy traffic or natural surface deterioration.
- Prevents rusting of the reinforcement.
Limitations of Nanotechnology-Based Waterproofing compounds:
Further, there are some limitations while utilizing Nanotechnology for waterproofing in construction.
- These are not recommended for frozen or frosted surfaces, and the sealer should not be applied below 500°F or subjected to freezing conditions during the first 24 hours of drying.
- After mixing, waterproofing materials should be used within 24 hours.
- These compounds should not be used on surfaces that have been previously sealed or painted.
- These should not be used in windy or forecasts rain within the next two hours.
- Please do not apply to concrete until it has attained 80 percent design strength and is dry.
Common Areas waterproofed by Nanotechnology.
Work of waterproofing can be done effectively in these areas:
- Bathroom or Toilet
- Concrete Slab Flat roof or balcony
- Car Porch
- Exterior Walls
- Kitchen Area
- Raft/Foundation area
- Retaining walls
- Basement area
- Lift Block
Conclusion
To summarise, nanotechnology is disruptive and has the potential to make significant advances, whereas traditional techniques can only make incremental improvements at most. Nanotechnology isn’t exactly a new technology; instead, it’s extrapolating existing technologies to a new scale, where traditional tools and principles no longer apply.
New nanomaterial generations will emerge, bringing new and possibly unanticipated challenges. Nanotechnology is the way advanced development will be in the future.
In addition, firms such as Constrotech, Zydex Industries, S. M. Adhesives, and the Innovation Centre for Applied Nanotechnology have begun to use Nanotechnology in the waterproofing industry.
