EP #093: Colloidal Silica: The Nano-Particles Concrete Dreams About

In this episode, Dr. Jon Belkowitz and Seth discuss colloidal silica and its various applications in the concrete industry. Dr. Jon highlights the differences between colloidal silica and silicates, emphasizing the benefits of using colloidal silica as a densifier and for surface treatments. He also mentions the ongoing efforts to create an ASTM standard for colloidal silica. The conversation touches on the importance of performance testing and the potential long-term impact of using colloidal silica in concrete. Takeaways • Colloidal silica is a controlled suspension of nano-sized particles of silica, typically between 1 and 100 nanometers in diameter. • Colloidal silica is used as a densifier and for surface treatments in the concrete industry. • Silicates, on the other hand, react quickly and create a gel-like surface, which can limit penetration into the concrete. • Using colloidal silica instead of silicates can provide longer-term benefits and reduce the risk of issues like hydrolysis in flooring systems. • The ASTM is working on creating a standard specification for colloidal silica use in concrete, including performance testing. • Colloidal silica offers ease of finishing and can help prevent issues like pinholes in the concrete surface.Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview 03:06 Definition and History of Colloidal Silica 07:16 Differences Between Colloidal Silica and Silicates 13:15 The Importance of Using the Right Materials in Concrete 26:07 Progress Update on ASTM Standard for Colloidal Silica***Did you learn something from this episode? If so, please consider donating to the show to help us continue to provide high-quality content for the concrete industry. Donate here: https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠***Episode References Guest: Dr. Jon Belkowitz | Intelligent Concrete | [email protected] Guest Website:⁠ https://www.intelligent-concrete.com/Producers: Jodi Tandett Donate & Become a Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/support/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Music: Mike Dunton | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.mikeduntonmusic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | Instagram ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Mike_Dunton⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Host: Seth Tandett, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Host LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-tandett/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.concretelogicpodcast.com/ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/concrete-logic-podcast