Publication result detail

Effect of Alkali Nitrates on the Formation of Silicate Gel Applied in the Surface Treatment of Cementitious Materials

SEDLAČÍK, M.; MARKUSÍK, D.; CÁBA, V.; BÍLEK, V.; SMILEK, J.; KALINA, L.

Original Title

Effect of Alkali Nitrates on the Formation of Silicate Gel Applied in the Surface Treatment of Cementitious Materials

English Title

Effect of Alkali Nitrates on the Formation of Silicate Gel Applied in the Surface Treatment of Cementitious Materials

Type

WoS Article

Original Abstract

Increasing the durability and extending the lifespan of existing concrete structures are critical challenges in modern infrastructure maintenance. Lithium silicates have emerged as effective concrete densifiers due to their ability to improve surface hardness and resistance to degradation. However, their practical application is often hindered by difficulties in controlling the gelation process, which is crucial for their performance. This study explored the potential of alkali nitrates as gelation agents for lithium silicate systems. Multifaceted investigation of the gelation and ripening processes was conducted to provide deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms. Selected lithium silicate systems were then used to treat cementitious samples to evaluate their performance as concrete densifiers. Prepared silicate systems proved to be structurally stable and able to significantly reduce water penetration, especially in the early stages of water immersion.

English abstract

Increasing the durability and extending the lifespan of existing concrete structures are critical challenges in modern infrastructure maintenance. Lithium silicates have emerged as effective concrete densifiers due to their ability to improve surface hardness and resistance to degradation. However, their practical application is often hindered by difficulties in controlling the gelation process, which is crucial for their performance. This study explored the potential of alkali nitrates as gelation agents for lithium silicate systems. Multifaceted investigation of the gelation and ripening processes was conducted to provide deeper insights into the underlying mechanisms. Selected lithium silicate systems were then used to treat cementitious samples to evaluate their performance as concrete densifiers. Prepared silicate systems proved to be structurally stable and able to significantly reduce water penetration, especially in the early stages of water immersion.

Keywords

concrete densifier, silicate gel, gelation process, surface treatment

Key words in English

concrete densifier, silicate gel, gelation process, surface treatment

Authors

SEDLAČÍK, M.; MARKUSÍK, D.; CÁBA, V.; BÍLEK, V.; SMILEK, J.; KALINA, L.

Released

08.05.2026

Publisher

Mdpi

Periodical

Buildings

Volume

16

Number

10

State

Swiss Confederation

Pages count

19

URL

BibTex

@article{BUT211802,
  author="Martin {Sedlačík} and David {Markusík} and Vladislav {Cába} and Vlastimil {Bílek} and Jiří {Smilek} and Lukáš {Kalina}",
  title="Effect of Alkali Nitrates on the Formation of Silicate Gel Applied in the Surface Treatment of Cementitious Materials",
  journal="Buildings",
  year="2026",
  volume="16",
  number="10",
  pages="19",
  doi="10.3390/buildings16101869",
  url="https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/16/10/1869"
}