Hydrogels are water-insoluble (incapable of being dissolved) three-dimensional networks of polymer chains capable of holding large amounts of water.
A Silica-based hydrogel is an amorphous and porous form of silicon dioxide (silica), consisting of an irregular 3-dimensional framework of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms with nanometer-scale voids and pores. that contain water. In our case, the water contains the same building that’s required for the development of the backbone of concrete strength and service life; the C-S-H.
The way these hydrogels develop is:
Deteriorated concrete is brought to a water saturated surface dry condition.
The saturated pores contain solutions that are rich in soluble alkalis, chlorides, sulfates, and hydroxides.
EDYSTON is sprayed on the saturated concrete surface.
The nano-particles in the EDYSTON are drawn into the concrete surface through a combination of physical and chemical phenomena.
As the EDYSTON and the cementitious pore solution reach a dynamic equilibrium, the hydrogel starts forming.
Successive application of the EDYSTON increases the rate and volume of the silica hydrogel to fill the pours, voids, and cracks within the deteriorated concrete.
Because of the composition of the silica hydrogel and the pore solution, the building block of concrete strength, the C-S-H, starts to develop and rejuvenate the deteriorated concrete.
