Why “One Size Fits All” Does Not Work for Hydrophobic Agents
Hydrophobic agents are among the less conspicuous yet indispensable additives used in almost every modern construction material. Whether in renovation plaster, adhesive mortars, reinforcing mortars or waterproofing systems, effective and durable hydrophobic treatment is essential for long-term protection against moisture and weathering. However, each application places very different demands on the hydrophobic agent used.
Different Requirements for Different Applications
Renovation plasters require a hydrophobic agent that maintains high water vapour permeability, allowing moisture to escape from the masonry despite the water-repellent effect. Excessive hydrophobic treatment could impair the drying process.
For adhesive mortars, the main consideration is achieving the right balance between water repellency and tensile adhesion strength. Excessive hydrophobization can impair the bond strength to the substrate.
Reinforcing mortars for external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) must be compatible with the embedded reinforcing mesh while also ensuring mechanical stability and crack-bridging performance.
Waterproofing systems, in contrast, require particularly strong and durable water repellency, as they often need to withstand hydrostatic pressure or standing water over extended periods.
Given these fundamental differences, a universally applicable hydrophobic agent is rarely the optimal solution. While many years of experience make it possible to recommend suitable products for each application, the specific formulation has a decisive influence on performance.
In practice, it has therefore proven beneficial to test different hydrophobic agents in the respective formulation. Outdoor weathering tests are particularly useful for obtaining reliable results, as the test specimens are exposed to real climatic conditions such as rain, UV radiation and temperature fluctuations.
Expansion of the Product Portfolio
With LIGAPHOB N 90, LIGAPHOB CN 5 PLUS, LIGAPHOB CA 6 PLUS and numerous other products in our LIGAPHOB range, we already offer a broad portfolio with a proven track record in practical applications.
Nevertheless, we continue to develop our product range to provide suitable solutions for all applications and formulations. Our latest development products, which are delivering promising results, include:
CPD 103: Reactive additive with a broad carbon-chain distribution
CPD 105: Combination product based on long-chain soaps
CPD 108: Combination product based on long- and short-chain soaps
If you are interested in our recent development products please do not hesitate to get in touch with our product manager Dr. Michael Heinz.
