Pentra-Sil - Lithium Technologies

Advanced Lithium Chemistry for Concrete

What makes Pentra-Products™ so unique?

Lithium based technology! For decades older densifiers have used sodium and potassium based products. No other surface densifier utilizes the sophisticated lithium chemistry that Pentra-Products™ use.

Non-expansive: Older sodium and potassium silicates form an expansive alkali-silica gel to seal the floor. This is why even properly finished and cured concrete can develop crazing or map cracking after the application of sodium and potassium products. Lithium's reaction in concrete is non-expansive, so it won't contribute to crazing or map cracking.

Less water soluble:

Lithium silicates do not absorb water like sodium and potassium products can. The resulting structure is more water resistant and easier to maintain.

Better penetration:

Lithium ions are smaller than sodium and potassium ions so they penetrate concrete better. Lithium reacts more evenly throughout the surface zone. Sodium and potassium tend to react more aggressively and unevenly, leaving clumps of reacted and un-reacted calcium scattered throughout the surface zone.

What is the chemistry behind Pentra-Products?

Pentra-Products™ react with calcium compounds in the concrete to form insoluble silicate structures that strengthen the substrate. In addition, Pentra-Products™ also react with calcium hydroxide, which lines the microscopic capillary channels in the concrete to form insoluble complex tricalcium silicate compounds. These tricalcium silicate compounds block the capillaries and pores and virtually eliminate moisture absorption into the substrate.

These reactions are somewhat similar in all surface densifiers; however, the degree to which these reactions occur can vary widely. Pentra-Products™ utilize high tech chemistry to control, slow down, extend and maximize the reactivity of the lithium with the calcium, resulting in fewer un-reacted calcium compounds.

What is ASR?

ASR is an enormous worldwide problem. In simple terms, Alkali + Silica + Moisture = ASR (Alkali Silica Reactivity). Silica in the aggregate reacts with alkalies in hydrated cement to from a gel that expands when water is introduced. When this reaction occurs, huge pressures are produced that cause cracks to develop in concrete, cracks that lead to accelerated deterioration of the surface protective layer. These cracks and micro-cracks allow water to penetrate the substrate, causing corrosion of reinforcing steel, freeze thaw damage, and other problems.

How does Pentra-Sil™ help?

The lithium in Pentra-Sil™ and Pentra-Sil 244+™ helps shut down ASR related reactions in the surface. These products also help keep moisture out of the substrate, and without moisture, the ASR reaction cannot occur. In addition, Pentra-Sil™ and Pentra-Sil 244+™ are the only surface densifiers that do not add sodium or potassium to the surface - sodium and potassium can contribute directly to an ASR problem.

Are Pentra-Products™ environmentally friendly?

In a word, yes.