Construction Chemicals: The Hidden Heroes of Construction from Past to Present

For centuries, construction has played a pivotal role in the development of civilisations. Structures built with simple materials in the past have evolved into more complex and durable forms today, thanks to technological advancements. A significant part of this evolution is attributed to construction chemicals.

Construction chemicals are specialised chemical compounds used to enhance the properties of construction materials, increase their durability and facilitate construction processes. These compounds play a crucial role in the production, application, and performance of various construction materials such as cement, concrete, mortar, plaster, paint, and insulation materials.

What Are Construction Chemicals?

Construction chemicals are chemical compounds that play a significant role in the production, application, and performance of construction materials. They are used to improve the properties of materials like cement, concrete, mortar, plaster, paint, and insulation. Typically found in liquid, powder, or granular form, these chemicals are mixed into construction materials or applied to surfaces.

Early Applications: A History Spanning from Antiquity to Today

The use of construction chemicals dates back to ancient times. In Ancient Egypt mortars used in pyramid construction are considered early examples of construction chemicals. Egyptians successfully used these mixtures to build durable and long-lasting structures.

During the Roman Empire, the discovery of concrete further popularised the use of construction chemicals. Romans created a material called ‘pozzolana’ by mixing volcanic ash with lime, resulting in a durable concrete that could harden even underwater. Structures like the Pantheon’s dome and the Colosseum attest to the durability of this material.

The massive structures built by the Roman Empire have stood for centuries, thanks to pozzolana. In the Middle Ages there was little advancement in construction chemicals. However, some monasteries and cathedrals used various natural additives to improve the properties of plasters and mortars.

The Emergence of Modern Construction Chemicals: Early 20th Century

The development of modern construction chemicals began in the early 20th century. With the widespread use of concrete various chemical additives were developed to enhance its properties. Concrete additives, especially waterproofing and setting accelerators, started to evolve in the 1930s and 1940s. These additives significantly improved concrete’s strength, workability, and durability. By the mid-20th century, the growth of the petrochemical industry led to the emergence of new-generation construction chemicals, like synthetic polymers and resins, which began to be used in various construction areas such as insulation, adhesion, and coating.

Construction Chemicals Today: Diversity and Innovation

Today, the construction chemicals sector is rapidly developing. There is a wide variety of construction chemicals available from concrete additives to floor coatings, insulation materials to adhesives. These chemicals are used not only to enhance the performance of construction materials but also to facilitate construction processes, save energy, and reduce environmental impact.

The Importance of Construction Chemicals

Construction chemicals are an indispensable part of modern construction techniques. They offer numerous benefits to the construction industry:

• Durability: Enhance the durability of construction materials, extending the lifespan of structures. They increase resistance to corrosion in materials like concrete and steel, ensuring structures remain robust for years.
• Performance: Improve the performance of construction materials, making structures more functional and safe. For instance, increasing concrete’s impermeability and helps maintain its strength over time.
• Workability: Facilitate the workability of construction materials, speeding up construction processes and reducing costs. For example, making concrete easier to pour helps complete construction tasks more quickly.
• Aesthetics: Enhance the aesthetic appearance of construction materials, making structures more visually appealing.
• Eco-Friendly: Some construction chemicals possess eco-friendly properties, aiding in the conservation of natural resources.

Applications of Construction Chemicals

Construction chemicals are used in various areas of the construction industry:

• Concrete Additives: Enhance the strength, workability, and durability of concrete.
• Mortar Additives: Improve the adhesion, workability, and waterproofing of mortar.
• Plaster Additives: Increase the adhesion, workability, and crack resistance of plaster.
• Paint Additives: Enhance the color, gloss, and durability of paint.
• Insulation Materials: Provide water and thermal insulation.
• Adhesives: Used to bond different materials together.
• Floor Coatings: Ensure floors are smooth and durable.

Products Associated with Construction Chemicals

Here are some products that can come to mind when it comes to construction chemicals:

• Waterproofing Systems: Used to protect structures from the harmful effects of water in areas like walls in contact with soil, foundations, ground-level floors, exterior walls, balconies, terraces, sloped roofs, and wet areas like bathrooms and toilets. They enhance the water resistance of various structural elements like reinforced concrete, wood, and steel.
• Sealants: Essential components that ensure the watertightness of joints between different structural elements (reinforced concrete, wood, steel, ceramic, marble, granite, etc.) in applications requiring waterproofing and flexibility.
• Repair, Reinforcement, and Restoration: High-strength construction chemicals and repair materials are used in new buildings for repair and surface preparation, in strengthening applications of old buildings, and in the restoration of historical structures to enhance durability.
• Flooring Systems: Materials that provide surface smoothness and aesthetics before interior floor coverings and ensure durability and functionality in exterior and industrial floors.
• Thermal Insulation Systems: Applied to structural elements like roof slabs, walls, columns, beams, and utility pipes to create comfortable spaces. These applications include essential components like adhesives, plasters, decorative plasters, and paints that encompass construction chemicals.
• Concrete and Mortar Additives: Used to enhance the strength, workability, durability, and waterproofing of concrete, and to improve the adhesion, workability, and crack resistance of plasters and mortars.
• Formwork Release Agents and Curing Materials: Formwork oil is applied to the inner surfaces of molds during the molding process of materials like metal, plastic, and concrete in industrial production processes. This ensures easy removal of concrete from the mold and allows for mold reuse. Curing materials are used on horizontal and vertical concrete surfaces to reduce shrinkage cracks caused by rapid drying.
• Cement-Based Plasters and Masonry Mortars: Cement-based mortars enhanced with special additives, applicable by hand or machine. Are used in interior and exterior areas to provide smooth surfaces before paint, ceramic covering or insulation is installed, on concrete and exposed concrete surfaces, bricks, pumice, walls, and ceilings.
• Ceramic Adhesives: Adhesives used to provide a strong and durable bond between ceramic and the surface it is applied to. Ceramic adhesive mortar is a crucial material in construction and renovation projects, formulated to ensure strong and durable adhesion of various covering materials like ceramic, granite, and marble to surfaces. There are different types suitable for the properties of the covering material and the function of the space.
• Ceramic Grouts: Materials used to fill the joints between floor and wall coverings after installation, preferred for their aesthetic appeal.
• Technical Adhesives: Used to bond different materials in areas requiring strong and rapid adhesion (construction, automotive, industrial, etc.).

Selecting the Right Construction Chemicals

Choosing the appropriate construction chemicals is crucial for ensuring the quality and longevity of a construction project. The following factors should be taken into consideration:

• Project Requirements: Chemicals should be chosen according to the structure’s load-bearing capacity, environmental conditions, and intended function.
• Material Compatibility: The selected product must be compatible with other building materials to prevent reactions or performance degradation.
• Application Method: Whether the chemical will be applied by hand, spray, or machine should align with the project’s workflow and the skills of the workforce.
• Sustainability: Preference should be given to environmentally friendly chemicals that reduce resource consumption and support energy efficiency in both the construction phase and reduce energy use during the operational phase of the buidings lifecycle. Consideration should also be given to the materials ability to be recycled at the end of the lifecycle.

Occupational safety should also be taken into account during the use of construction chemicals. Some chemicals can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, or other health problems.

Therefore, it is important to use appropriate personal protective equipment (masks, gloves, goggles, etc.) and follow safety instructions when using construction chemicals

• Standards and Certification: Products should comply with national and international standards and have quality certification.

In Conclusion

From the mud mortars of ancient civilisations to the sophisticated formulas of modern construction, construction chemicals have always been the silent force behind durability and efficiency. With the development of new technologies and innovative products they continue to shape the future of construction. These invisible heroes enhance building performance, shorten construction times, and increase energy efficiency.

In every square meter of a building, from the foundations to the roof, from the interior to the exterior, there lies a contribution from construction chemicals. Their impact may not always be seen, but it is always felt.

For detailed information, contact us via our website www.fixaco.uk, by phone on +44(0)208 176 0680 or email us at info@fixaco.uk

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

1. What are construction chemicals?

Construction chemicals are specialised chemical compounds used to improve the properties of construction materials, enhance their durability, and facilitate construction processes. These compounds play a vital role in the production, application, and performance of various construction materials such as cement, concrete, mortar, plaster, paint, and insulation materials.

2. Why are construction chemicals used?

Construction chemicals offer numerous benefits to the construction industry. Details are provided above in the section titled “The Importance of Construction Chemicals.”

3. How are construction chemicals selected?

The selection of construction chemicals should be carried out carefully based on the specific characteristics and requirements of the construction project. Factors such as material compatibility, performance expectations, application conditions, eco-friendly features, and cost should be taken into account.

4. Where can construction chemicals be purchased?

Construction chemicals can be purchased from construction supply stores, hardware shops, and through dealer networks of companies that manufacture specialised construction chemicals.

5. How much do construction chemicals cost?

The cost of construction chemicals varies depending on the type, brand, and quantity of the product. For instance, insulation-related chemicals generally account for about 3–5% of total building costs.

6. Is it mandatory to use construction chemicals?

In some cases—particularly in specialised projects or to comply with certain regulations—it may be necessary to use construction chemicals.

7. Are construction chemicals harmful to health?

Some construction chemicals may pose health risks due to their chemical content. Therefore, it’s important to follow safety precautions when using them and to read product labels carefully.

8. Where can I find more information about construction chemicals?

You can obtain more information about construction chemicals from manufacturers’ websites, technical brochures, industry experts, and various online resources.