Lythic Densifier FAQs

What is concrete?

Concrete is a mixture of portland cement, aggregate (sand or rock), and water. Combining portland cement and water causes a chemical reaction called hydration that hardens the cement paste and binds the aggregates into a sort of artificial stone.

How is concrete formed?

Hydration produces calcium-silicate-hydrates (CSH) crystals that make concrete hard. Excess water in the mix eventually evaporates, leaving behind tiny pores where the water previously took up space.

A by-product of this reaction is calcium hydroxide (Ca[Oh]2), also known as lime. Lime adds no structural value to concrete. Lime born by water can move through the slab and become efflorescence. It is the “dusting” that occurs on concrete that has not been densified.

What is densifying?

Densification is the process of permanently closing pores in the top layer of the slab. Silica added to concrete surface reacts with available calcium hydroxide and produce additional CSH crystals that permanently bond to existing CSH, filling the microscopic pores. The surface is less porous, denser and harder. One of the original uses of densifying was to eliminate "dusting" by tying up lime.

Is there a diffrence in densifiers?

The biggest difference is the method by which silica is delivered to the calcium hydroxide. Originally, alkali-metal compounds called “silicates” were used: sodium-, potassium-, and more recently, lithium-silicate. This older technology works but has many drawbacks for contractor and owner:

high pH levels of working materials (most greater than pH 11)
high alkaline surface residues
potential for whiting on the surface that is difficult to remove
high viscosity requiring time-consuming scrubbing to achieve penetration
labor-intensive application and rinsing
extensive delays for dwell times and drying times
disposal of hazardous slurries creates environmental issues on the job site

How is Lythic Densifier different?

Lythic Densifier is colloidal silica, not a silicate. It is refined nano-particles of highly pure silica suspended in solution. By contrast, silicates include stabilizing agents (sodium or potassium), which actually impede silica reacting with the lime. Colloidal silica is delivered more efficiently to the lime, allowing CSH to be formed quickly and more completely, with less work.

Densifier’s superior efficiency means it is far faster and easier to apply than silicates, radically reducing labor costs and saving money overall on the densifying job.

Characteristics of Lythic Densifier

Low viscosity, allowing quick penetration of the surface
Quick reaction time, within 1-2 minutes
Zero potential for whiting
Does NOT contribute to alkali-silica-reaction (ASR) which can cause swelling and cracking
Low pH of 9
NO high alkali surface residue
NO rinsing required
NO volatile organic compounds (VOC)
Consistent 3-5 nm size particles

Lythic Densifier is the most efficient way to densify, harden, and increase abrasion-resistance of concrete surfaces. Lythic ships as a concentrate, reducing shipping costs. Lythic offers you a faster, cleaner, greener and more profitable way to densify concrete.