Sikafloor® CureHard-24
1-part sodium silicate clear surface hardener, dust proofer and densifier for concrete
Sikafloor® CureHard-24 is a high solids, one part, clear sodium silicate based liquid to harden and densify fresh or hardened concrete. Sikafloor® CureHard-24 reacts to bind the free cement within the concrete substrate to improve the mechanical performance.
- Ready to use
- Easy to apply
- Improved abrasion resistance compared to untreated concrete
- Reduced dusting of concrete floors
- Improves cleanability
- Non-yellowing
- Good penetration
- Colourless
- Odourless
Usage
- Horizontal old or new concrete surfaces, where a hard surface with light to moderate abrasion resistance is required e.g. warehouses, industrial plants, stores, shopping malls, parking structures, service stations, hangars etc.
- Suitable for interior or exterior applications
- Dust-proofing of prefabricated concrete elements
Advantages
- Ready to use
- Easy to apply
- Improved abrasion resistance compared to untreated concrete
- Reduced dusting of concrete floors
- Improves cleanability
- Non-yellowing
- Good penetration
- Colourless
- Odourless
Packaging
20 L container
200 L drum
Colour
Clear liquid
Product Details
Composition
Sodium silicate water dilution
Shelf life
24 months from date of production
Storage conditions
The product must be stored properly in original, unopened and undamaged packaging, in dry conditions at temperatures between
+5 °C and +30 °C. Protect from frost.
Density
~1.2 kg/l (at +20 °C)
Solid content by mass
~24 %
System structure
Hardener / Sealer: 1–2 coats
Abrasion resistance
| 50 mg or 81.5 % increase in abrasion resistance compared to untreated sample (C (0.70) concrete according to EN 1766) (Taber Abraser, H-22 Wheel, 1000 g / 1000 cycles) | (EN 5740-1) |
Resistance to impact
| 60 Nm (class III: ≥ 20 Nm) | (EN 6272-1) |
Sample (MC 0.40) concrete according to EN 1766
Tensile adhesion strength
| 4.8 N/mm2 | (EN 1542) |
Sample (MC 0.70) concrete according to EN 1766
Penetration depth
| 5.5 mm | (EN 1504-2) |
Sample (MC 0.70) concrete according to EN 1766
Water absorption
| w = 0.03 kg·m-2·h-0.5 | (EN 1062-3) |
(on a substrate w > 1 kg·m-2·h-0.5)
Application
Ambient air temperature
+5 °C min. / +35 °C max.
Relative air humidity
100 % max.
Substrate temperature
+5 °C min. / +35 °C max.
Waiting time to overcoating
Where 2 coats are required, to ensure maximum densification, the second coat can be installed 2–4 hours following the first.
Allow previous coats to become tack free before applying additional coats.
| Temperature | Time |
| +5 °C | ~3.5 hours |
| +10 °C | ~3 hours |
| +20 °C | ~2 hours |
| +25 °C | ~1.5 hours |
Times are approximate and will be affected by changing ambient conditions particularly temperature and relative humidity
Drying time
The surface is touch-dry after 2 hours at +20 °C.
Maximum sealing and hardening effect achieved after ~7 days at +20 °C.
Applied product ready for use
| Substrate temperature | Fully serviceable |
| +10 °C | ~6 hours |
| +20 °C | ~5 hours |
| +30 °C | ~4 hours |
Note: treated concrete surface must not be wetted for the first 3 days at least. This could lead to efflorescence.
Note: Times are approximate and will be affected by changing ambient and substrate conditions.
Consumption
0.15–0.25 l/m2 per coat
This figure is theoretical and does not include for any additional material required due to surface porosity, surface profile, variations in level and wastage etc.
Yield
4–7 m2/l per coat
This figure is theoretical and does not include for any additional material required due to surface porosity, surface profile, variations in level and wastage etc.
SUBSTRATE QUALITY
Fresh concrete ≥ 7 days
The curing period (≥ 7 days) must be designed so that the areas near the surface achieve the structural strength and impermeability required for durability of the concrete, and corrosion protection of the reinforcement. Strength development is closely connected to the concrete composition, fresh concrete temperature, ambient conditions, concrete dimensions and the curing period required is influenced by the same factors
Hardened / old 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. If in doubt apply a test area first.
SUBSTRATE PREPARATION
Fresh concrete
- The concrete must be prepared by power or manual floating / tamping techniques and be cured with waterspray, blankets or plastic sheets for at least 7 days.
Hardened / old concrete
- The substrate must be prepared by high pressure water cleaning or by ride-on cleaning machines. Allow to dry prior to application.
- All dust, dirt, loose and friable material must be completely removed from all surfaces by brush and / or vacuum before application of the product.
APPLICATION
IMPORTANT
The chemical reaction between Sikafloor® CureHard-24 and the concrete causes the rate of water-tightness to increase gradually
IMPORTANT
The maximum sealing and hardening effect occurs after a minimum of 7 days.
IMPORTANT
Gloss of the treated surface gradually increases between 30 to 90 days after application depending upon cleaning frequency.
- ApplySikafloor® CureHard-24 in a continuous film using a high volume low pressure spray unit.
- Scrub material into the surface with a soft bristle broom or floor-scrubbing machine (min. 30 minutes), until the material begins to gel and becomes slippery.
- Wet the material slightly with a water spray and rework it into the surface for another 10 to 20 minutes.
- After about 20 minutes, the material will return to a gel, rinse the floor and remove any excess material using a squeegee, wet vacuum or mop.
- On porous, rough-textured or broom-finished surfaces, a second coat Sikafloor® CureHard-24 is required.
- For large surfaces and higher placing rates, ride-on cleaning machines can be used to place, brush in and remove the excess material from the surface.
The product can be used in combination with Sikafloor® -CureHard GL.
CLEANING OF EQUIPMENT
Clean all tools and application equipment with water immediately after use.
Hardened / cured material can only be mechanically removed.