1. **Mechanical Performance**
Terrazzo floors inherently possess solid mechanical properties, yet their brittleness limits their durability, especially under heavy-duty conditions. Their susceptibility to wear becomes apparent, particularly in high-traffic or demanding environments. This makes them less ideal for industrial or commercial settings where constant stress is applied.
Concrete sealing agents, however, enhance the terrazzo floor’s resilience significantly. After treatment, these floors exhibit superior wear resistance, compression strength, and impact tolerance. For instance, the compressive strength can improve by approximately 27.3%, while bending strength increases by over threefold. This transformation ensures that terrazzo floors remain robust and durable even in challenging scenarios.
2. **Chemical Properties**
From a microscopic standpoint, terrazzo floors, due to their aggregate composition, have a porous structure that allows harmful substances—such as acids, alkalis, oils, and water—to penetrate easily. This vulnerability can lead to degradation over time, making the floor prone to damage and discoloration.
In contrast, terrazzo floors treated with concrete sealing agents exhibit enhanced chemical stability. These treatments form an effective barrier against external contaminants, preventing erosion from water, oil, chemicals, and other corrosive elements. This not only extends the life of the floor but also maintains its aesthetic appeal without frequent maintenance.
3. **Waterproofing and Anti-Seepage Capabilities**
Terrazzo floors are known for their porous nature, resulting in poor water resistance. With a water absorption rate of up to 8%, moisture seeps deep into the material, causing potential structural issues over time. This makes terrazzo floors unsuitable for areas requiring strict waterproofing standards, such as basements or wet zones.
Sealing agents play a crucial role in addressing this issue. By sealing the pores, they reduce water absorption by up to 96% within 24 hours. While absolute waterproofing might not be achieved, the minimal moisture penetration drastically reduces the risk of mold growth and structural damage. Engineers often rely on this property when designing spaces that require high moisture resistance, such as subterranean facilities.
4. **Safety Features**
In terms of slip resistance, untreated terrazzo floors rank poorly, offering a friction coefficient of around 50, which poses safety risks in wet conditions. However, floors treated with concrete sealing agents provide improved grip, with a dry-floor coefficient of 86 and a wet-floor coefficient of 69. This makes them a safer choice for environments where wet conditions are common.
From a fire safety perspective, both terrazzo and sealed concrete floors meet the highest A1 fire rating standard, ensuring optimal safety. Additionally, terrazzo floors with inorganic conductive phases offer anti-static benefits, and the application of sealing agents does not compromise this feature.
5. **Aesthetic Appeal**
Untreated terrazzo floors, especially those with an enamel layer, may initially appear glossy but require regular maintenance through waxing to sustain this appearance. Floors without an enamel layer often look dull and lackluster, detracting from their visual appeal. Over time, the floor’s original shine fades, necessitating costly renovations.
On the other hand, applying a concrete sealing agent rejuvenates the terrazzo floor’s former brilliance. This process restores its natural luster efficiently, eliminating the need for continuous waxing or refurbishment. The result is a floor that looks as good as new, maintaining its elegance and value over the long term.
By leveraging the transformative power of concrete sealing agents, terrazzo floors can overcome their limitations and deliver superior performance in all aspects, making them a reliable and cost-effective solution for various applications.
Tianjin Alcoa International Trade Co., Ltd. , https://www.tjalcoa.com