Man’s shelters have evolved from under trees or in caves to skyscrapers, subterranean bunkers, and complexes, all made possible by the discovery of reinforced cement concrete. The construction industry is facing new challenges to make structures stronger, sleeker, in sizes and shapes that defy imagination, and in locations that defy imagination, as well as challenges to make them economical, decay-proof, damp proof, and so on. Concrete and other materials such as bricks, blocks, and so on are widely used, from the foundation level below the surface level to the rooftop. Admixtures, coatings, adhesives, sealants, and other materials are now an integral part of everything that goes into building a habitat, structure, or utility at various stages of construction.
However, as man learned about modern chemistry, he developed a variety of chemicals known as construction chemicals, which are now the foundation of the current construction industry. These chemicals are required for the construction of complex structures and have completely changed the construction industry’s paradigm. These construction chemicals have been used in a variety of construction projects to increase the project’s sustainability and improve the quality of construction materials. The significant increase in urbanisation, combined with advanced construction activities around the world, is driving up demand for construction chemicals.
Construction chemicals are chemical compounds that are used in the construction of structures. These chemicals are mixed into a variety of construction materials to increase productivity, performance, functionality, and to protect the building’s components. Construction chemicals include a wide range of products such as sealants, flooring chemicals, admixtures, water proofing chemicals, grouts, and chemicals for structure maintenance and repair. At the moment, these products are among the most important components used in the construction of a building or structure.
Construction chemicals are broadly classified as follows:
Concrete Admixtures – These chemicals are water soluble and are added in trace amounts to concrete mixtures to modify certain properties. They aid in the cost-cutting of construction projects and change the properties of hardened concrete.
Flooring Compounds – There are various types of flooring materials available today. Flooring is regarded as an important component of a structure because it adds warmth and charm. Flooring adhesives are used to make a variety of flooring materials available today.
Waterproofing Chemicals – They are especially useful for structures that are frequently in contact with water. Waterproofing chemicals are primarily used to prevent water leakage in both commercial and residential structures.
Caulks and Sealants – They are known for their ability to seal an opening or a surface in order to prevent the leakage of any gas or liquid. They are typically used to fill small gaps that are difficult to fill with materials such as drywall, concrete, and so on. Caulks and sealants act as a barrier to external factors such as dust particles, moisture, liquids, oxygen, and so on.
Chemicals to Rehabilitate and Repair Structures – Everything that is created requires repair and maintenance after a certain period of time or due to external damages. There are various types of chemicals available for renovating and maintaining structures. Bonding agents, Admixtures, primers, anti-corrosive coatings, corrosion inhibitors, and grouts are some of the chemicals used in structure repair and rehabilitation.
We hope that after reading this article, you have a better understanding of the role of construction chemicals in modern construction.