Waterproofing Mortar Using Hydraulic Lime and Polymers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current waterproofing methods for porous construction materials, particularly those using Portland cement, face challenges such as high CO2 emissions, shrinkage leading to micro-cracks, and brittleness, as well as the need for solvents and hazardous chemicals in liquid applied membranes, which are undesirable for environmental, health, and safety reasons.
Innovation Solution
A process involving a mixture of natural hydraulic lime, pozzolanic materials, aggregates, and synthetic polymers with a minimal content of Portland cement, applied to porous construction materials to reduce water uptake and enhance adhesion and durability, while minimizing environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If Portland cement is used as binder in waterproofing mortars, then desired waterproofing properties are achieved, but CO2 emissions increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing Portland cement with hydraulic lime as the binder, fundamentally altering the material's chemical properties to achieve lower CO2 emissions while maintaining waterproofing functionality through the hydraulic properties of lime
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite waterproofing mortar composition combining hydraulic lime with pozzolanic materials and synthetic polymers, where the composite structure provides both the waterproofing performance and the environmental benefits of reduced CO2 emissions
2Reliability
If Portland cement is used as binder, then waterproofing properties are achieved, but shrinkage during hardening causes micro-cracks and reduces mechanical strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the binder material from Portland cement to hydraulic lime, which has different hardening characteristics that reduce shrinkage and prevent micro-cracks, thereby improving mechanical strength while maintaining waterproofing performance
3Reliability
If Portland cement is used as binder, then waterproofing properties are achieved, but hardness and brittleness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the binder chemistry from Portland cement to hydraulic lime, fundamentally altering the mechanical properties of the hardened material to reduce hardness and brittleness, making it more suitable for restoration work on weak substrates while preserving waterproofing functionality
4Ease of operation
If liquid applied membranes based on reactive organic binders are used, then easier application is achieved, but solvents and hazardous chemicals are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the binder type from reactive organic binders to inorganic hydraulic lime binders, fundamentally altering the chemistry to eliminate the need for solvents and hazardous chemicals while maintaining liquid applied membrane characteristics and ease of application
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive and hazardous organic chemical systems with a simpler, safer inorganic lime-based system that achieves the same application characteristics without the harmful byproducts
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The process significantly reduces water absorption and capillary water uptake, improves adhesion to cementitious materials, and minimizes shrinkage, leading to less cracking and reduced stress on the construction material, thus providing effective waterproofing with lower environmental footprint.
Implementation Method 1
The compositions are based on hydrated lime and pozzolanic material such as synthetic precipitated silica or silica gel
Implementation Method 2
2 - 30 wt.-% of at least one synthetic polymer
Implementation Method 3
Water is further transported by capillary suction from the surface into the bulk of these materials
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a process for the waterproofing of porous construction materials, said process comprising the steps of - mixing water and a composition C, the composition C comprising, in each case based on the total weight of the composition C, a) 2 - 15 wt.-% of at least one binder selected from natural hydraulic lime (NHL), formulated lime (FL), and hydraulic lime (HL), b) 1 - 20 wt.-% of at least one pozzolanic material, c) 40 - 80 wt.-% of at least one aggregate, d) 2 - 30 wt.-% of at least one synthetic polymer, and wherein the content of Portland cement in said composition C is < 3 wt.-%, - applying the mixture thus obtained to a porous construction material, and - optionally hardening the applied mixture.