EASY GROUP BD

Floor hardener is a material applied to concrete floors to increase their durability, strength, and resistance to wear and tear. It essentially creates a denser and tougher surface that can withstand heavy traffic, abrasion, impacts, and even some chemical exposure.

Here’s a breakdown of what you should know about floor hardeners:

What it does:

• Increases Hardness: As the name suggests, it makes the concrete surface significantly harder.
• Enhances Abrasion Resistance: It helps the floor withstand rubbing and grinding from foot traffic, machinery, and other sources.
• Reduces Dusting: By creating a denser surface, it minimizes the formation of concrete dust.
• Improves Impact Resistance: It makes the floor less likely to chip or crack from dropped objects or heavy loads.
• Increases Longevity: By protecting the concrete, it extends the lifespan of the floor.
• Can Improve Chemical Resistance: Some types offer better resistance to certain chemicals, oils, and solvents.
• Reduces Maintenance: A harder, denser surface is generally easier to clean and requires less frequent repairs.
• Can Enhance Aesthetics: Some colored floor hardeners are available for decorative purposes.
• Improves Safety: Some types can create a non-slip surface.

Types of Floor Hardeners:

Floor hardeners are broadly classified into two main categories based on their application method:

1. Dry Shake Hardeners:
   
   • These are powder-based materials consisting of hard aggregates (like quartz, silica, emery, or metallic particles), cement, and sometimes pigments or other additives.
   • They are broadcast evenly over freshly poured, wet concrete and then worked into the surface using floats and trowels.
   • They react with the moisture in the concrete to form a monolithic, hard-wearing surface as the concrete cures.
   • Types of Dry Shake Hardeners:
     
     • Non-Metallic: Use natural or synthetic mineral aggregates like quartz, silica, or alumina. They offer good abrasion resistance and are often more cost-effective.
     • Metallic: Contain iron or steel aggregates, providing very high impact and abrasion resistance, suitable for heavy industrial use. However, they can be susceptible to rust in constantly wet environments.
     • Colored: Contain pigments to provide a colored finish along with hardening properties, used for decorative and functional purposes.
     • Synthetic: Utilize polymer or resin-based aggregates for enhanced abrasion and chemical resistance.
2. Liquid Floor Hardeners (Chemical Hardeners or Densifiers):
   
   • These are liquid solutions, typically silicate-based (sodium, lithium, or potassium silicates), that are applied to cured concrete surfaces.
   • They penetrate the concrete and react chemically with the calcium hydroxide present in the concrete, forming calcium silicate hydrate (CSH).
   • CSH is a denser and harder compound that fills the pores within the concrete, making it stronger, more durable, and less porous.
   • They do not typically change the color of the concrete significantly.

Application Areas:

Floor hardeners are used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Industrial Facilities: Factories, warehouses, workshops, loading docks, manufacturing plants.
• Commercial Spaces: Retail stores, showrooms, parking garages, airports, railway stations, hospitals, schools.
• Residential Areas: Garages, basements, driveways.
• Areas with Heavy Traffic: Walkways, corridors.
• Areas Prone to Abrasion or Impact: Machine shops, auto repair shops.
• Areas Where Dust Control is Important: Pharmaceutical plants, electronic manufacturing.

Floor polishing is the process of making a floor surface smooth and shiny using specialized machines and abrasive pads of progressively finer grit. It removes scratches, dirt, and dullness, enhancing the floor’s appearance and reflectivity. Polishing also provides a protective layer, making the floor easier to clean and more resistant to wear and tear. Different types of flooring (like wood, concrete, marble, or tile) require specific polishing techniques and products. Regular polishing can extend the lifespan of the floor and improve the overall look of a space.

In Dhaka, Bangladesh:

Floor hardener solutions, both dry shake and liquid types, are available in Dhaka, Bangladesh, through various construction chemical suppliers and applicators. They are used in industrial, commercial, and even some residential projects to enhance the durability and lifespan of concrete floors. You can find various brands and types of floor hardeners to suit specific project requirements and budgets.

When choosing a floor hardener, it’s important to consider the type of traffic, potential for chemical exposure, desired aesthetics, and budget to select the most appropriate product for your needs. Consulting with construction professionals or flooring specialists in Dhaka can help you make the right decision.