The question of environmental impact, and environmental responsibility, is a major one.
Whether you’re working in a sensitive environmental zone, or are concerned about the bigger picture of impact on the planet, we’d like to reassure you of the benefits of using AQURON hydrogel treatments for concrete.
There are four key considerations:
MINIMAL IMPACT FROM MINING
First, you may be wondering about the source of the materials. AQURON is water-based, and its key active ingredient is colloidal silicate. Silicate mainly comes from sand and sandstone. General industrial silica usage has increased in the past 10 years, and the environmental impact of the mining process has come under discussion. It is generally concluded that silica sand mining has minimal environmental impact, and involves virtually no public health risk. Silica sand mining can be done in a safe and environmentally responsible manner with the proper oversight and environmental protections.
There’s a US study on the topic here if you’d like to read further.
NO TOXINS, SAFE FOR THE IMMEDIATE ENVIRONMENT
Next, there’s the application process. The water-borne colloidal silicate is extremely safe for both the environment and for the humans in the vicinity – it has nil VOCs.
Download the VOC certificate
Download the AQURON 2000 potable water certificate
AQURON hydrogel treatments have been successfully used in and around sensitive marine environments, to avoid detrimental effects on the waterways.
AQURON hydrogel treatments will not have any adverse effects on applicators or other personnel in the vicinity.
If you’re in the construction industry … we welcome comparisons with acrylic or chlorinated rubber floor coatings. VOC levels? Pleasant to work with?
NO NEW ELEMENTS IN THE CONCRETE
Thinking about the long-term residual impact of the treatment – Aquron hydrogel treatments do not introduce or create any new element in the concrete which is not already found there. The catalytic process utilises uncured elements within the concrete itself, to create the hydrogel. This means the concrete will have no higher risk, nor be any more difficult to recycle, than if untreated. The result is that no new environmental risk factor is introduced, if and when the structure is demolished.
This compares favourably to industrial coatings or torch-on membranes which typically leach toxins into their surroundings in a post-demolition scenario.
HELPS CONCRETE LAST LONGER
But why speak of demolition? One of the overwhelming benefits of Aquron hydrogel treatment is that it helps the concrete last longer.
- Moisture-borne contaminants are immobilised.
- The reinforcing steel is protected.
- Adverse reactions are arrested.
- The service life of the concrete is preserved or extended.
Yes, the inconvenient truth is that concrete itself contributes up to 5% of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions.
More information on that here.
So – by preserving existing concrete structures, and delaying the need of replacement, AQURON hydrogels are assisting to reduce the new construction concrete required. Bring it on!
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