Low pH compositions for hardening concrete and associated methods
AssigneeArris Technologies, LLC
InventorsDal N. Hills, Kent Barrus
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A composition for hardening concrete that has a pH of less than 10, and may have a pH of 8 or less. Thus, the hardening composition may be free of or substantially free of alkaline materials. The hardening composition is water-based and includes silica particles and an aluminum-based (e.g., alumina, etc.) stabilizer, which may be present on portions of the surfaces of the silica particles. In use, the hardening composition is applied to the surface of concrete, either alone, with curing compounds, or as part of a polishing process. Any residue that remains on the treated surface may simply be swept, blown, or sprayed away.
Claims46
A method for hardening concrete, comprising:
- applying a hardening composition having a pH of less than 10 and comprising colloidal silica and a stabilizer comprising aluminum or aluminum oxide to a finished surface of the concrete, the colloidal silica penetrating into the finished surface of the concrete and reacting with calcium hydroxide beneath the finished surface of the concrete,
- without leaving a residue of the hardening composition on the finished surface of the concrete.
A method for hardening or densifying a hardened cementitious substrate, comprising:
- applying a colloidal silica to a hardened surface of the hardened cementitious substrate;
- enabling the colloidal silica to penetrate the hardened surface;
- and
- enabling the colloidal silica to react with calcium hydroxide beneath the hardened surface to increase a hardness of the hardened surface,
- with no residue of the colloidal silica on the hardened surface.
A method for finishing concrete, comprising:
- applying a hardening composition to a surface of uncured, fresh concrete, the hardening composition including colloidal silica;
- the colloidal silica of the hardening composition reacting with calcium hydroxide at the surface;
- and
- polishing the surface, with no residue of the hardening composition on the surface.
A method for treating a surface of concrete, comprising:
- applying a hardening composition to a surface of concrete, the hardening composition consisting of:
- colloidal silica;
- a stabilizer selected from the group consisting of aluminum and alumina;
- surfactant;
- and
- water.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.