Kimistone K55

Kimistone K55 penetrates deeply into the porous structure of the material to be consolidated, thanks to the low surface tension of the solvent. Under normal environmental conditions (+20 °C; 50% RH), the final degree of consolidation is reached after approximately 2 weeks. Kimistone K55 also performs a protective function through the silane/siloxane compounds which ensure the waterrepellency of the surface. Kimistone K55 has been tested on a wide range of stone supports (natural and imitation) and will not alter the original substrate colour. It will also make no significant difference to the water vapour permeability of the support when applied. The product will consolidate stone surfaces and make them impervious to water. The protective function is given by the silicon compounds which significantly alter the angle of contact in the support, giving the stone surfaces a marked degree of water- repellency as a result. Consolidation is given by the ethyl silicates which, in contact with water in a neutral environment, slowly hydrolyse to form amorphous silica. The solvent ensures the ethyl silicates penetrate the stone before this reaction takes place. Consolidation then takes place gradually over the next 2-3 weeks thanks to selected catalysts that control the speed of the reaction, ensuring it doesn't take place too quickly. This would result in a somewhat unsolid gel whilst if the reaction is too slow, part of the ethylsilicate would be lost through evaporation. When the substrate contains hydroxyl groups (such as sandstone and clay stone), the resulting reaction also creates bonds between weathered grains in the stone as the ethyl silicates react with the hydroxyl groups themselves. When the substrate does not contain hydroxyl groups (such as marble and natural limestone), the amorphous silica is deposited in the porous structure, which will still effectively consolidate the structure.