Hydrophobic Impregnation
A comparison of capillary water uptake: the untreated substrate absorbs water (left picture). When hydrophobic impregnation is applied, the water beads off (right picture).
With SILRES® BS, WACKER offers hydrophobic impregnations that siliconize the pores of mineral substrates. Unlike film-forming coatings, organosilicon-based water-repellent agents do not block pores, and so maintain the breathabilityof the substrate. At the same time, water can no longer penetrate into capillaries in liquid form, since, as a polar liquid, it is unable to interact with the non-polar hydrophobic surface.
Benefits:
SILRES® BS has a good penetration depth. Because it is not film-forming, water vapor can escape.
Reduction of capillary water uptake by at least 80%:
Extremely long-lasting protection from water due to:
Film-forming systems (coating and impregnation) will not be permeable to water vapor. Water penetrates at damaged areas and causes further deterioration.
Pre-Impregnation of Construction Materials
Hydrophobic impregnation with SILRES® BS protects clay-based building materials and bricks against efflorescence, allowing them to remain breathable. Application is very easy: the clay products are simply dipped in or sprayed with the hydrophobization agent.
How hydrophobic treatment of open pore, heavy clay ceramic works - SILRES® BS protects against water, salts and grime. Water vapor can escape despite the water-repellent hydrophobic impregnating agent.