Sikafloor® CureHard LI
Lithium silicate liquid hardener and densifier
Sikafloor® CureHard LI is a water-based lithium silicate blend for hardening and densifying of fresh and hardened power trowelled or polished concrete surfaces. It is less prone to the formation of persistent efflorescence in cases of over dosage compared to similar products based on sodium or potassium silicate. It improves surface performance and resists the harmful effects of traffic wear and weathering. Once applied to a concrete surface Sikafloor® CureHard LI penetrates the concrete texture and is initiating a chemical reaction and subsequent crystallization of reaction products which result in filling of the concrete surface pores.
- Improves performance, dust reduction and abrasion resistance of new or old concrete.
- Sealing and impregnation of concrete surface.
- Easy, one step application. No scrubbing. No flushing.
- Reduced appearance of efflorescence, compared to crystalline sodium or potassium based hardeners.
- No enhancement effect on the floor colour.
- Gives the concrete surface silk gloss appearance.
- High gloss of the surface after each regular cleaning.
- Breathable and UV stable. Will not yellow, discolour, peel or flake.
Usage
- Horizontal old or new concrete surfaces, where a hard surface with light to moderate abrasion resistance is required.
- Suitable for interior or exterior applications
- Dust-proofing of prefabricated concrete elements.
- The Product may only be used by experienced professionals.
- Warehouses
- Industrial buildings
- Storage areas
- Retail areas
- Car park decks
- Service facilities
- Aircraft hangars
Advantages
- Improves performance, dust reduction and abrasion resistance of new or old concrete.
- Sealing and impregnation of concrete surface.
- Easy, one step application. No scrubbing. No flushing.
- Reduced appearance of efflorescence, compared to crystalline sodium or potassium based hardeners.
- No enhancement effect on the floor colour.
- Gives the concrete surface silk gloss appearance.
- High gloss of the surface after each regular cleaning.
- Breathable and UV stable. Will not yellow, discolour, peel or flake.
Packaging
25 L container, 200 L drum
Colour
Clear liquid
Product Details
APPROVALS / STANDARDS
CE marking and declaration of performance based on EN 1504-2:2004 Products and systems for the protection and repair of concrete structures — Surface protection systems for concrete — Impregnation
Product Declaration
EN 1504- 2 : Suitable for protection against ingress (Principle 1, method 1.2 of EN 1504-9) : Suitable for physical resistance (Principle 5, method 5.2 of EN 1504-9).
Chemical Base
Lithium silicate
Shelf Life
12 months from date of production
Storage Conditions
The product must be stored in original, unopened and undamaged sealed packaging in dry conditions at temperatures between +5 °C and +30 °C. Always refer to packaging.
Refer to current Safety Data Sheet for information on safe handling and storage.
Density
(1160 ± 58) kg/m3 | (EN ISO 2811-1) |
Solid content by weight
(14.5 ± 1.5) % | (EN ISO 2811-1) |
System Structure
Hardener / densifier 1–2 coats
Abrasion Resistance
290 mg (H22 / 1000 g / 1000 cycles) 78 % increase in abrasion resistance compared to untreated sample. (C(0,70) concrete according to EN 1766) | (EN ISO 5470-1) |
Resistance to Impact
60 Nm (class III: ≥ 20 Nm) sample MC(0,40 concrete according to EN 1766 | (EN ISO 6272-1) |
Tensile Adhesion Strength
4.4 N/mm2 sample C(0,70 concrete according to EN 1766 | (EN 1542) |
Penetration Depth
6 mm sample C(0,70 concrete according to EN 1766 | (EN 1504-2) |
Water Absorption
w = 0.03 kg·m-2·h-0.5 (on a substrate w > 1 kg·m-2.h-0.5) | (EN 1062-3) |
Application
Ambient Air Temperature
Hot weather conditions
In hot weather (above +25 °C) store the Product in a cool place prior to use.
Cold weather conditions
In low temperatures (below +10 °C) the Product may thicken and be difficult to spray.
Maximum | +40 °C |
Minimum | +2 °C |
Relative Air Humidity
< 100 %
Substrate Temperature
Maximum | +35 °C |
Minimum | +5 °C |
Substrate Moisture Content
May be applied on fresh concrete after powertroweling, optically matt dry surface. The Product can also be applied to fully cured and set concrete with a matt dry surface, no standing water or puddles.
Waiting Time / Overcoating
Where two applications are required to ensure maximum densification the second application should be installed after the first one is dry. Allow previous application surface to become dry and tack free before applying additional application.
Temperature | Waiting time |
+25 °C | ~ 1.5 hours |
+20 °C | ~ 2 hours |
+10 °C | ~ 3 hours |
+5 °C | ~ 3.5 hours |
Times are approximate and will be affected by changing ambient conditions, particularly temperature and relative humidity.
Drying Time
Touch-dry, at 20 °C | 2 hours |
Applied Product Ready for Use
Temperature | Fully serviceable | Full sealing and hardening effect |
+30 °C | ~2 hours | |
+20 °C | ~3 hours | ~7 days |
+10 °C | ~4.5 hours |
Times are approximate and will be affected by changing ambient conditions, particularly temperature and relative humidity.
Consumption
~0.05–0.10 L/m2 (~10–20 m²/L) on power trowelled concrete
Consumption data is theoretical and does not allow for any additional material due to surface porosity, surface profile, variations in level, wastage or any other variations. Apply product to a test area to calculate the exact consumption for the specific substrate conditions and proposed application equipment.
SUBSTRATE QUALITY
IMPORTANT
Existing membranes
Do not use on substrates treated previously with curing agents, membrane forming sealers or asphalt until these layers have been completely removed.
Apply the Product on a small area of each surface to confirm suitability, coverage rate and desired results before beginning the full application. Test with the same equipment, surface preparation and application procedures planned for general application.
EXISTING, CURED 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. Any residue of curing agents must be completely removed from all surfaces before application of the Product. If in doubt apply a test area first.
NEW CONCRETE
Allow new concrete to cure for a minimum of 72 hours. For the best results with new concrete floors wait for 7 days after placement or until after cement has sufficiently hydrated prior to treatment with the Product. After the curing period has elapsed, treat new concrete surfaces as described for Existing, Cured Concrete.
FRESHLY PLACED, UNCURED STEEL-TROWELLED CONCRETE
Surface must be matt dry and of sufficient strength to withstand finishing operations. Clean concrete of any dirt, residue or debris.
SUBSTRATE PREPARATION
FRESH CONCRETE:
The concrete must be prepared by power or manual floating/tamping techniques.
HARDENED / OLD CONCRETE:
The substrate must be prepared by high pressure water cleaning or by ride-on cleaning machines. Allow to dry.
Note: All dust, dirt, loose and friable material must be completely removed from all surfaces before application of the Product by brush or vacuum.
APPLICATION
IMPORTANT
Do not mix with other curing products
Do not mix various formulations of Sika® or other curing membranes. Do not use sprayers which have previously been used to spray silicones or release agents. Ensure spraying equipment is cleaned thoroughly before use and residues of previous membranes are removed.
Maintain a continuous film
When applying, do not leave dry spots in order to achieve homogenous performance. Touch up where necessary.
EXISTING, CURED CONCRETE AND NEW CONCRETE
- Using a low pressure sprayer, apply a single application sufficient to wet the surface without producing puddles. Avoid over application.
- Use a clean microfiber pad to spread the product evenly and ensure uniform wetting. Note: Avoid spreading once drying begins.
- (Optional) Alternatively use a cleaning machine with soft pads to apply the Product.
- Scrubbing is not necessary. If surfaces dry immediately apply more product. Surface should remain wet for 5–10 minutes.
- Allow treated surfaces to dry.
- Remove dried powder residue using stiff broom, power sweeper or floor scrubbing machine.
- For strongly absorbent floors is a second application is required.
- For immediate, enhanced shine, buff or burnish the dry concrete surface in perpendicular directions by using burnisher equipped with an appropriate polishing pad. This is a dry operation.
FRESHLY PLACED, UNCURED STEEL-TROWELLED CONCRETE
- Using a low pressure sprayer, apply a single application sufficient to wet the surface without producing puddles. Avoid over application.
- Use a clean microfiber pad to spread the product evenly and ensure uniform wetting. Note: Avoid spreading once drying begins.
- Scrubbing is not necessary. If surfaces dry immediately apply more product. Surface should remain wet for 5–10 minutes.
- Allow treated surfaces to dry.
- Immediately initiate the specified curing procedure.
- When curing is complete, use an automatic floor scrubber equipped with cleaning pads or brushes appropriate for removal of accumulated derbis and surface residues. Note: Avoid pads or brushes which may damage the finished floor.
CLEANING OF TOOLS
Clean all tools and application equipment with water immediately after use. Hardened material can only be removed mechanically.
CLEANING
To maintain the appearance of the floor after application, the Product must have all spillages removed immediately and must be regularly cleaned using rotary brushes, mechanical scrubbers, scrubber dryers, high pressure washers, wash and vacuum techniques, etc., using suitable detergents and waxes.
The frequency and intensity of the wet cleaning will directly influence the how soon and how deep the glossy anti-dust surface develops.