Lithium Silicate Barrier for Masonry Dry Rot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for combating dry rot in masonry are ineffective, particularly for thick natural stone walls and multi-layer masonry, as they cause damage and cannot be applied to certain types of masonry, and existing treatments lack preventive protection against re-infestation.
Innovation Solution
A mixture of lithium water glass and lithium hydroxide is used to reduce the diameter of capillaries in masonry, preventing dry rot hyphae growth by silicification, allowing for treatment of various masonry types without damaging them and providing long-term preventive protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If borehole impregnation is used to combat dry rot, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but masonry damage occurs due to shaking during drilling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical borehole drilling system with a chemical application system. Instead of mechanically drilling holes and injecting substances under pressure, the invention applies a sprayable composition that chemically penetrates and silicifies the masonry pores, eliminating mechanical damage while achieving treatment effectiveness through chemical action.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and application parameters of the treatment substance. The composition is formulated as a sprayable liquid that can penetrate masonry pores without mechanical assistance, then undergoes chemical transformation (silicification) to form a protective barrier, thereby achieving effective treatment without the damaging mechanical parameters of drilling and high-pressure injection.
2Reliability
If borehole drilling is performed on thick natural stone walls, then dry rot treatment is attempted, but the entire masonry may be destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
For thick natural stone walls where mechanical drilling would be particularly damaging or impossible, the invention substitutes mechanical borehole impregnation with a chemical spray application. The composition penetrates the dense stone matrix through capillary action and chemical affinity, then silicifies within the pores to provide treatment without compromising the structural integrity of the thick masonry.
3Reliability
If conventional sponge blocking agents are used, then some protection is provided, but they do not provide sufficient preventive protection against re-infestation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a composite composition containing water glass (sodium silicate), lithium hydroxide, and boron compounds. These materials work synergistically: water glass provides silicification for pore closure, lithium hydroxide enhances penetration and provides alkaline protection, and boron compounds offer additional fungicidal activity. This composite approach creates long-lasting preventive protection that conventional single-agent sponge blocking agents cannot achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the protective layer by using a composition that undergoes controlled chemical transformation. The water glass and lithium hydroxide react to form lithium silicate, which precipitates and permanently seals the pores, creating a durable protective barrier that maintains its effectiveness for extended periods, thereby extending the duration of preventive protection.
4Reliability
If deep boreholes are drilled in large numbers, then dry rot treatment coverage is improved, but stones flake off and masonry is destroyed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical system of drilling numerous deep boreholes with a chemical spray application system. The composition is applied as a spray that penetrates the masonry surface and treats the affected areas through chemical action, achieving comprehensive treatment coverage without the mechanical disruption that causes stone flaking and detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of treating the masonry as a whole requiring deep penetration through boreholes, the invention segments the treatment approach by applying the composition in multiple spray passes to different areas. This allows thorough treatment coverage to be achieved through distributed surface application rather than concentrated mechanical intrusion, thereby preventing stone damage while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
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 solution effectively prevents dry rot growth in previously inaccessible masonry types, eliminates the need for borehole impregnation, and provides ongoing protection against re-infestation, ensuring the masonry remains dry rot-free for years.
Implementation Method 1
the sponge blocking agent to be applied contains water glass, in particular lithium water glass, and lithium hydroxide, which silicifies in these capillaries and reduces their diameter to such an extent that the hyphae can no longer grow through them
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for combating an active dry rot infestation in masonry. The method is characterized in that a dry rot barrier agent containing lithium silicate and lithium hydroxide is applied to the infested parts of the masonry or to the mortar joints of the infested parts of the masonry. The invention further relates to a dry rot barrier agent designed and intended for combating an active dry rot infestation in masonry.