The effect of sodium silicate on the strength of straw mortar
Straw mortar is one of the oldest and most used building materials in the history of Iranian architecture. Due to its special environmental and aesthetic properties, this mortar is still used in many modern construction and renovation projects. However, one of the big challenges of straw mortar is its lack of compressive, bending and moisture resistance. In this article, we investigate the effect of using sodium silicate and acrylic in improving the properties of straw mortar.
Compositions and properties of straw mortar
Traditional combinations of straw mortar
Straw mortar is prepared from a combination of clay, water and straw. This traditional composition, despite having suitable properties for regulating temperature and humidity, has weaknesses such as lack of compressive and bending resistance as well as sensitivity to humidity.Mechanical and physical properties
Straw mortar has features such as flexibility, breathability and the ability to regulate humidity. However, it is weak against compressive and bending forces and undergoes decomposition and destruction when exposed to moisture.
Sodium silicate and its properties
Chemical structure and properties
Sodium silicate is a mineral compound consisting of sodium and silica. This material is used in various industries due to its strong alkalinity and ability to form protective layers.
Advantages of using straw mortar
The use of sodium silicate in straw mortar can increase the compressive and bending resistance and also prevent the penetration of moisture. Sodium silicate creates stronger bonds by creating layers of silica on soil and straw particles.Acrylic and its properties
Chemical structure and properties
Acrylics are polymers that are formed from the combination of acrylic acid monomers or its derivatives. These materials are used in the construction industry and protective coatings due to their flexibility and water resistance.
Advantages of using straw mortar
Acrylic can be used as a reinforcing agent in straw mortar. By creating protective films on the soil and straw particles, this material prevents the penetration of moisture and improves the mechanical properties of the mortar.
Effect of sodium silicate and acrylic on straw mortar properties
Compressive strength
Adding sodium silicate and acrylic to straw mortar can significantly increase its compressive strength. Tests show that these materials prevent the structure from collapsing under pressure by creating stronger bonds within the mortar.bending strength
The bending strength of straw mortar is also improved by using sodium silicate and acrylic. These materials increase flexibility and resistance to bending by strengthening internal bonds and creating protective layers.
Moisture resistance
The use of sodium silicate and acrylic can significantly improve the moisture resistance of straw mortar. By creating waterproof protective layers, these materials prevent the penetration of water into the mortar and thus prevent its decomposition and destruction.
Methods of using sodium silicate and acrylic in straw mortar
Direct combination with mortar
One of the simple methods of using these materials is the direct combination of sodium silicate and acrylic with straw mortar during its preparation. This method causes uniform distribution of reinforcing materials throughout the mortar.Surface coating
Another method is to use sodium silicate and acrylic as a surface coating after applying mortar. This method can locally increase the moisture and mechanical resistance of the mortar surface.
Research results and studies
Increased compressive strength
Studies have shown that the use of sodium silicate and acrylic can increase the compressive strength of straw mortar by 50%. This increase in resistance is due to creating stronger bonds and preventing water penetration into the mortar.
Improved bending strength
Research shows that adding these materials to straw mortar significantly increases the bending strength. By strengthening the internal structure of the mortar, these materials prevent it from breaking and cracking under bending forces.Increased moisture resistance
The results of the tests indicate that straw mortar containing sodium silicate and acrylic has a much higher moisture resistance than traditional mortars. This feature prevents water penetration and mortar decomposition and increases its useful life.
Summary about the effect of sodium silicate on straw mortar
The use of sodium silicate and acrylic in straw mortar can significantly improve the mechanical and moisture properties of this mortar. According to the positive results of the conducted research and studies, Silicate Gostar Company advises all architects and builders to use these materials in their construction process to increase the quality and durability of their buildings. For more information and to order these products, contact Silicate Gostar.Frequently asked questions about the effect of sodium silicate on straw mortar
What is sodium silicate and what are its uses?
Sodium silicate is a mineral compound that consists of sodium and silica and is used in various industries due to its strong alkalinity and the ability to form protective layers.
What is acrylic and how is it effective in improving the properties of straw mortar?
Acrylics are polymers that are formed from the combination of acrylic acid monomers or its derivatives. These materials prevent moisture penetration by creating protective films on soil and straw particles and improve the mechanical properties of mortar.
How to use sodium silicate and acrylic in straw mortar?
Sodium silicate and acrylic can be directly combined with thatch mortar or used as a surface coating after applying the mortar.Both methods increase the compressive, bending and moisture resistance of mortar.
Does the use of sodium silicate and acrylic increase construction costs?
Although the addition of sodium silicate and acrylic may increase the initial costs a little, but due to the improvement of the strength and durability of the mortar, the costs of maintenance and repairs will be reduced in the long term, and hence the use of these materials will be cost-effective