Why use nanotechnology for protecting and water proofing surfaces? NanoPhos SurfaPore™ Product Line

By Abdullah Alshamrani

BLDGTEC has started distributing NanoPhos materials in the market of Saudi Arabia since 2 years, BLDGTEC has selected to invest in Nano Technology believing that it is the future in the whole world.

BLDGTEC in collaboration with international research Centers starting new Nano Company covering research& development, education and Nano Manufacturing.

The success story with NanoPhos guided us to this vision which is the vision of King Abdullah the King of Saudi Arabia.

This approach is welcomed by the government and by the research centers in Saudi Arabia.

The following article is discussing one field of application which is the surfaces in the construction industry.

What is nanotechnology?

Nanotechnology refers to the scientific field, which deals with very small structures, usually sized below 100 nm. One nanometer (nm) stands for one billionth of a meter (10‐9 m) and it is so small that if earth was one meter in diameter,  then one nanometer  would have been the size of an apple! Nanosized materials reveal unique properties when compared to ordinary, bulk materials or even molecules.  At  NanoPhos,  we  take  advantage  of  these  unique  properties  to  develop

Applications that are user‐friendly, safe, cost effective, but most importantly, to address everyday problems.

Why nanotechnology on my surfaces?

SurfaPore^TM formulations act completely differently, when compared to any two‐component (2K) or silicone based formulations, as they do not create a "plastic film" on the surface applied. For example,  SurfaPore  C  protects  and  waterproofs  surfaces,  by  deeply  penetrating  the  pores  of cement based substrates: Instead of sealing the pores, nanoparticles "dress them", assuring that water  or  other  corroding  factors  are  effectively  repelled  by  chemical  forces.  In  this  manner, protection  is provided  deeply  in the  substrate  which  is therefore  not  affected  by abrasion  or mechanical wear. As nanoparticles do not form polymer chains, SurfaPore modified surfaces can last  longer;  even  after  eight  years  they  exhibit  95%  of  their  original  activity  or  functionality. SurfaPore  modified  surfaces  are more resistant  to the "hard" part of solar light (UV radiation) which does not induce the "yellowing" effect.

It is evident that SurfaPore formulations do not alter the color and the natural appearance of the surfaces modified, as they do not create any film or membrane.

Why is "breathing" so important?

A very important advantage of SurfaPore^TM technology is that modified surfaces can still "breathe" after application. In particular, in case of water leakage or moisture behind the SurfaPore C or R or W modified surfaces, water can evaporate to the environment without accumulating behind the building's surface. This is achieved by the fact that water vapors can still travel outside through the pores of the material. At the same time, water is also blocked from the environment from being transferred inside the material. In this way, building failures (swelling, cracking, warping) are prevented. All in all, SurfaPore^TM modified surfaces remain dry and unchanged in both appearance and mechanical properties.

Can marble and granites be protected from stains?

Frequently, stains can penetrate inside the micro porosity of surfaces and destroy the aesthetic appearance of marbles, granites or unglazed ceramic tiles. NanoPhos' nanoparticles can dress these small pores and seal them permanently. In this manner, our precious  surfaces  can possess  anti‐staining properties and retain their original natural appearance.

General Description of SurfaPore^TM formulations

SurfaPore^TM are water based formulations, developed and produced by NanoPhos SA, in order to provide effective water proofing, stain proofing, protection and "shielding" of building surfaces. As their viscosity is close to that of water, they can be easily applied by roller, brush or spraying. Their unique nanotechnology composition protects surfaces against water, corroding factors and weathering. This assures effectiveness, prolonged lifetime preserving the original, natural appearance. Although SurfaPore^TM formulations are composed of advanced nanotechnology based particles, they are really cost effective.

Safety

SurfaPore^TM formulations are considered not hazardous according to Council Directive 1999/45/EC and  its  subsequent  amendments  ‐  they  are  water  based,  without  hazardous  solvents.  It  is important to note that their Volatile Organic Content (VOC) is far below EU regulations, even for the  year  2010!  Indicatively,  for  SurfaPore^TM  C the  VOC  is 24  g/L  while  the  maximum  EU  VOC content limit value (Directive 2004/42/CE) for ready to use products (category A/c "coatings for exterior walls of mineral substrate", Type WB) is currently 75 g/L and has been set to 40 g/L for 2010. Material Safety Data Sheets are readily available.