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Walls and fencing columns made of clinker are often covered with white and ugly mist. Small at the beginning, in the course of time, the mist turns into weeping which spreads more and more all over the bricks and joints. This not only spoils the look of walls or columns made of clinker, but also causes mechanical damage of joints and sometimes the bricks as well. It is caused by the increase of crystallised salts volume contained in the mist of efflorescence.

There are various reasons for weeping and efflorescence. The most important process, however, is the migration of salty solutions to the joint surface. After water evaporates, crystallised salt efflorescence is created. Such compounds may come from improper composition of mortar, bricks and clinker components, or they can also be contained in atmospheric precipitation (rainwater, snow). Of course, the action of environmental salts causing the efflorescence can be inhibited to some degree, by insulating and impregnating the surface with hydrophobic agents. Yet, such treatment is quite expensive and its effect is only temporary, furthermore, the treatment must be frequently repeated, as the surface being protected deteriorates after some time.

To ensure an outstanding durability and attractive look of clinker columns and facades, Alpol GIPS has introduced an innovative product, the nano-mortar for clinker. The mortar is an ideal solution for bonding clinker bricks and components. Based on nano-additives technology, the clinker mortar is highly resistant to efflorescence.

In any mortar, as not all water is completely used by the hydration process, cannular gaps of several nanometres to several dozen microns in diameter are formed, known as capillary pores. With their specific structure, the pores can absorb liquids. The captured water flows through a system of interconnected capillary channels, allowing migration of dissolved salts and causing the efflorescence to emerge. To reduce the process, the capillary structure has to be broken. This has become possible with the use of nano-additives. With this technology, Alpol Gips has succeeded in achieving more compact and tight microstructure of the mortar with reduced capillary suction resulting in decreased absorption. By restraining the migration of salts through the mortar, the process of efflorescence formation is reduced.

ALPOL nano-mortar is intended for erecting attractive-looking masonry walls, structural walls together with joint grouting, and for construction of fencing, foundations, wells, chimneys of clinker bricks, inside and outside buildings. The mortar can also be used for grouting joints up to 30 mm wide, between bricks and façade tiles. Another advantage is the range of seven colours available:

 

 

ALPOL Nano-mortar is a product which combines the best characteristics of mortars available in the market. Moreover, with the use of nano-additives, it removes the causes (not effects) of efflorescence on walls, masonry walls and chimneys of clinker bricks. The nano-mortar ensures durability and attractive look of structures over long years of use.