Techniques to Reduce Efflorescence in Construction
Efflorescence—the crystalline salt deposits that form on masonry surfaces—affects up to 85% of concrete structures in humid environments. These deposits not only compromise aesthetic appearance but can indicate deeper moisture transport issues, with salt crystallization pressures reaching 2000 psi in confined pores, potentially contributing to material degradation.
The fundamental challenge lies in controlling moisture movement and ion transport through porous construction materials while maintaining essential material properties like strength, durability, and breathability.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including hydrophobic surface treatments with silane-based additives, low-alkali mortar formulations, and composite structures with engineered moisture transport layers. These and other approaches offer practical strategies for preventing efflorescence during construction and remediation of existing structures.
1. Waterproof Coating Formulation with Styrene-Acrylic Emulsion and Silane-Based Additives for Efflorescence Resistance and Pore Blocking
ASIAN PAINTS LTD, 2024
A multi-functional water-based waterproofing coating formulation that addresses both waterproofing and efflorescence issues in damp surfaces. The formulation combines a hydrophobic styrene-acrylic emulsion with a hydrolysable silane-based water-absorbing material, along with specific additives for anti-efflorescence and pore blocking properties. The formulation achieves superior waterproofing performance, including excellent resistance to efflorescence, while enabling crack bridging through its unique blend of emulsion and additive components.
2. Concrete Surface Treatment with Metal Salt and Polymer Solution for Controlled Ion Concentration and Precipitation
GUANGDONG WENKE GREENTECH CO LTD, 2024
A treatment for preventing efflorescence in concrete surfaces, particularly in garden stones, by controlling the concentration of metal ions. The treatment involves a combination of a metal salt solution and a specific polymer solution, where the metal salt solution contains a controlled amount of metal ions and a polymer solution with a specific ratio of polymer to metal salt. The polymer solution forms a protective barrier on the stone surface, while the metal salt solution reacts with carbon dioxide to precipitate calcium carbonate, preventing efflorescence formation. The treatment maintains a stable pH range and ensures effective ion exchange between the metal ions and the polymer, thereby preventing efflorescence formation.
3. Low-Alkali Masonry Mortar Composition with Quartz Sand and Anti-Efflorescence Agent
SHANGHAI BUILDING DECORATION ENG GROUP CO LTD, 2021
A low-alkali masonry mortar for preventing efflorescence in clear water brick walls, comprising a low-alkali cement, quartz sand, cellulose acid, and an anti-efflorescence agent. The mortar contains a specific proportion of these components, which work together to prevent efflorescence by controlling water migration through the mortar pores, cutting off the efflorescence path, and inhibiting the formation of free salt and alkali ion clusters.
4. Wall Finishing Mortar with Calcium Silicate Binder and Low-Alkalinity Cementing Material
BEIJING SANKESHU NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2021
A novel, efflorescence-free, low-alkalinity, high-fire-resistant interior and exterior wall finishing mortar and preparation method that addresses traditional decorative mortar limitations. The innovative mortar combines a calcium silicate-based binder with a specialized, low-alkalinity cementing material that prevents efflorescence formation through controlled hydration and chemical reactions. This proprietary blend enables a scratch-free, 60-minute application time, while maintaining exceptional durability and thermal resistance.
5. Composite Brick Structure with Hydrophobic Surface Layer and Hydrophilic Base Layer
SHANXI DADI HUAJI BUILDING MATERIAL TECH CO LTD, 2021
A method to prevent efflorescence on permeable bricks by integrating a hydrophobic surface layer with a hydrophilic base layer. The surface layer is composed of a water-repellent coating and aggregate particles, while the base layer contains cement, aggregates, and a hydrophilic binder. The hydrophobic surface layer prevents water from penetrating the brick while the hydrophilic base layer maintains water permeability. This integrated approach enables the brick to maintain its water-repellent properties while preventing efflorescence.
6. Method for Treating Efflorescence Using Emulsion Formulation with Acrylic Emulsion and Acidic Silica Sol
JINAN FIRST CONSTRUCTION GROUP CO LTD, 2019
A method for treating efflorescence in building exterior wall facing layers that eliminates the need for temporary removal and reapplication. The method involves a unique emulsion formulation combining acrylic emulsion, acidic silica sol, ethylene glycol, lauryl alcohol, silicone oil, 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol, and water. This formulation creates a stable, non-reactive surface treatment that prevents efflorescence while maintaining the original finish quality. The treatment process is environmentally friendly and non-toxic, ensuring worker safety during construction.
7. Construction Method with Dry Hanging System Incorporating Reinforced Core and Waterproofing Layer for Efflorescence Prevention at Wall Corners
XINWEI MA, 2018
A construction method for preventing efflorescence at the corners of building walls, particularly in load-bearing structures. The method involves a two-step approach: (1) preparation of the building envelope, particularly during the construction phase, to prevent water infiltration through the foundation and walls. (2) a specialized dry hanging system is implemented, where the wall structure is built with a reinforced core, bearing members, and sound-absorbing layers. The dry hanging system incorporates a waterproofing layer, specifically designed to prevent alkali efflorescence at the corner joints, through a combination of chemical treatment, resin bonding, and fiber mesh reinforcement.
8. Plastic Tile Incorporating Aluminum-Composite Panels with Weather-Resistant Coatings
YANG SHEN, 2018
A plastic tile with enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal for exterior wall facades. The tile combines aluminum-plastic composite panels with advanced weather-resistant coatings, resulting in a premium facade material that balances performance, aesthetics, and cost-effectiveness.
9. Method for Manufacturing Aluminum-Plastic Composite Panels with Controlled Thickness, Density, and Texture
YANG SHEN, 2018
A method for preparing aluminum-plastic composite panels for exterior wall facing applications. The method involves a controlled manufacturing process that incorporates specific design parameters to enhance the panel's durability and aesthetic appeal. The process involves precise control over the manufacturing parameters such as panel thickness, density, and texture, which are optimized to balance performance requirements with aesthetic considerations.
10. Permeable Brick Comprising Multi-Component Self-Cleaning Composition
MAANSHAN GUANGLIFANG AZULEJO CO LTD, 2017
A self-cleaning permeable brick that prevents rainwater from entering the drainage system while maintaining structural integrity. The brick combines a novel combination of materials to address conventional issues of rainwater absorption, surface cracking, and gas emissions. The brick consists of sodium stearate, titanium dioxide, water glass, ethanol, silver ammonia solution, ethyl acetate, activated carbon, gangue powder, polyacrylate, waste fabric, aeolian sand, polytetrafluoroethylene emulsion, epoxy resin, and curing agent. These components work together to create a self-cleaning surface that prevents rainwater from penetrating the drainage system while maintaining the brick's structural integrity.
11. Aqueous Copolymer Solution of Styrene, Butadiene, and Vinyl Acetate for Concrete Dispersant Agent
COATEX SAS, 2009
A dispersant agent for concrete that reduces efflorescence through a novel copolymer solution. The agent comprises an aqueous solution of a hydrosoluble copolymer containing monomers from styrene, butadiene, and vinyl acetate polymers. The copolymer solution is used as an additive in cement matrices, where it enhances rheological properties while maintaining compressive strength at 28 days. This additive effectively prevents both primary and secondary efflorescence in concrete, particularly when used in concentrations between 0.1% to 1.5% by weight of cement.
12. Ceramic Additive Comprising Barium Carbonate and Sodium Carbonate for Neutralizing Water-Soluble Compounds in Brick Manufacturing
; NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY KHARKIV POLYTECHNICAL INSTITUTE, NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY KHARKIV POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE, ; KHARKIV POLYTECHNICAL INSTITUTE NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY, 2008
A ceramic additive for reducing salt formation on finished products during manufacturing, particularly in brick production. The additive combines barium carbonate with sodium carbonate to neutralize water-soluble vanadium and sulfate compounds, preventing their migration and reactivity during drying. This additive enhances ceramic properties by controlling moisture levels, improving sintering, and preventing surface defects. The formulation achieves optimal balance between salt neutralization and ceramic performance.
13. Method for Introducing Iron(III) Ions in Ceramic Materials to Stabilize Coloration and Prevent Efflorescence
INST BAU UND GROB KERAMIK, 1990
A method to prevent drying efflorescence in ceramic materials like bricks and tiles by introducing a controlled amount of iron(III) ions. The iron ions, dissolved in the working mass, react with the calcium sulfate crystals to form a stable, deepening red coloration that replaces the conventional yellow to red efflorescence. This approach eliminates the need for barium compounds while maintaining the desired color intensity. The iron ions can be introduced through a controlled addition process, allowing for precise control over the color intensity and depth.
14. Barium Carbonate Composite with Crystalline Coating on Inert Core
THE SHERWIN-WILLIAMS CO, 1981
Barium carbonate product for preventing efflorescence and scumming in brick and tile manufacturing, comprising an inert core and a crystalline layer of barium carbonate precipitated upon the core surface. The product combines a finely-divided inert material with a thin, crystalline layer of barium carbonate that forms upon the surface of the inert material, providing enhanced surface reactivity and improved handling characteristics compared to conventional barium carbonate formulations.
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