Sikafloor® CureHard-24 (LK)
1-part sodium silicate clear surface hardener, dust proofer and densifier for concrete
Sikafloor® CureHard-24 (LK) is a high solids, one part, clear sodium silicate based liquid to harden and densify fresh or hardened concrete. Sikafloor® CureHard-24 (LK) reacts to bind the free cement within the concrete substrate to improve the mechanical performance.
- Ready to use
- Easy to apply Improved abrasion resistance compared to untreated concrete
- Reduced dusting of concrete floors
- Improves cleanability
- Non-yellowing
- Good penetration
- Colourless
- Odourless
Usage
Sikafloor® CureHard-24 (LK) may only be used by experienced professionals. Horizontal old or new concrete surfaces, where a hard surface with light to moderate abrasion resistance is required e.g. warehouses, industrial plants, stores, shopping malls, parking structures, service stations, hangars etc. ▪ Suitable for interior or exterior applications ▪ Dust-proofing of prefabricated concrete elementsAdvantages
- Ready to use
- Easy to apply Improved abrasion resistance compared to untreated concrete
- Reduced dusting of concrete floors
- Improves cleanability
- Non-yellowing
- Good penetration
- Colourless
- Odourless
Packaging
20 L container
200 L drum
Colour
Clear liquid
Product Details
Composition
Sodium silicate water dilution
Shelf life
24 months from date of production
Storage conditions
The product must be stored properly in original, unopened and undamaged packaging, in dry conditions at temperatures between +5 °C and +30 °C. Protect from frost
Density
~1.3 kg/l (at +20 °C)
Abrasion resistance
50 mg or 81.5 % increase in abrasion resistance compared to untreated sample (C(0,70) concrete according to EN 1766) (Taber Abraser, H-22 Wheel, 1000 g / 1000 cycles) | (EN 5740-1) |
Resistance to impact
60 Nm (class III: ≥ 20 Nm) Sample (MC(0,40) concrete according to EN 1766 | (EN 6272-1) |
Tensile adhesion strength
4.8 N/mm2 Sample (MC(0,70) concrete according to EN 1766 | (EN 1542) |
Penetration depth
5.5 mm Sample (MC(0,70) concrete according to EN 1766 | (EN 1504-2) |
Water absorption
w = 0.03 kg/m2×h0.5 (on a substrate w > 1 kg/m2 h0.5) | (EN 1062-3) |
Application
Ambient air temperature
+5 °C min. / +35 °C max.
Relative air humidity
100 % max.
Substrate temperature
+5 °C min. / +35°C max
Substrate moisture content
Can be applied on green concrete, without any bleed water.
Waiting time to overcoating
Where 2 coats are required, to ensure maximum densification, the second coat can be installed 2–4 hours following the first. Allow previous coats to become tack free before applying additional coats.
Temperature | Time |
+5 °C | 3.5 hours |
+10 °C | 3.0 hours |
+20 °C | 2.0 hours |
+25 °C | 1.5 hours |
Times are approximate and will be affected by changing ambient conditions particularly temperature an
Drying time
The surface is touch-dry after 2 hours at +20 °C. Maximum sealing and hardening effect achieved after ~7 days at +20 °C.
Applied product ready for use
Substrate temperature | Fully serviceable |
+10°C | ~ 6 hours |
+20°C | ~ 5 hours |
+30°C | ~ 4 hours |
Note: Times are approximate and will be affected by changing ambient and substrate conditions.
Consumption
0.15–0.25 l/m2/coat (4–7 m2/l/coat).
This figure is theoretical and does not include for any additional material required due to surface porosity, surface profile, variations in level and wastage etc.
Yield
4–7 m2/l/coat
SUBSTRATE QUALITY
Fresh concrete
Surface must be free of bleed water and of sufficient strength to withstand finishing operations.
Hardened / old concrete
Surfaces must be sound, open textured, clean, free from frost, laitance, surface water, oils, grease, coatings, all loosely adhering particles and other surface contaminants. If in doubt apply a test area first. For best results with new concrete floors wait for 7–14 days after placement or until after cement has sufficiently hydrated prior to treatment with Sikafloor® CureHard-24 LK.
SUBSTRATE PREPARATION
Fresh concrete
The concrete must be prepared by suitable power or manual floating / tamping techniques.
APPLICATION
Fresh Concrete
Apply in a continuous film using a high volume low pressure spray unit as soon as the surface is firm enough to walk on and in sufficient quantity to keep the surface damp for at least 30 minutes. After about 30 to 45 minutes, the material begins to gel and becomes slippery. Wet the material slightly with a water spray to reduce slipperiness and rework into the surface for 10 to 20 minutes with a soft bristle broom or floor-scrubbing machine. After about 20 minutes, the material will return to a gel. Rinse the floor and remove any excess material using a squeegee, wet vacuum or mop
Hardened Concrete
Apply in a continuous film using a high volume low pressure spray unit. To ensure maximum penetration, scrub material into the surface with a soft bristle broom or floor-scrubbing machine (min. 30 minutes), until the material begins to gel and becomes slippery. Wet the material slightly with a water spray and rework it into the surface for another 10 to 20 minutes. After this process, rinse the floor and remove any excess material using a squeegee, wet vacuum or mop. On porous, rough-textured or broom-finished surfaces, a second coat may be required. For large surfaces and higher placing rates, mechanical equipment such as ride-on cleaning machines can be also used to place, brush in and remove the excess material from the surface. Thanks to proceeding chemical reaction the rate of water-tightness increases gradually, whereas maximum sealing and hardening effect occurs earliest after 7 days. Gloss of the surface gradually increases during 30 to 90 days depending upon cleaning frequency. The product can be used in combination with Sikafloor® -CureHard GL.
CLEANING OF EQUIPMENT
Clean all tools and application equipment with water immediately after use. Hardened / cured material can only be mechanically removed.