Cortec Corporation, a US-based global leader in innovative, environmentally responsible corrosion control technologies, has expanded its line of concrete surface treatments with the addition of MCI-2019 X, a 40 per cent silane penetrating water repellent without the typical Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors (MCIs) of MCI-2019.

MCIs were not included in response to feedback from some contractors who needed more flexibility in selecting solutions  to suit specific project budgets and parameters, says Cortec.

MCI-2019 X is said to provide water repellency by chemically reacting with the alkaline environment of concrete and creating a hydrophobic layer to reduce the ingress of water and other corrosives.

“This water repellency offers standalone benefit and is even better paired with a penetrating surface-applied corrosion inhibitor (SACI),” says a spokesman for Cortec.

He elaborates: “Historically, this combination has been available with MCI-2018 and MCI-2019, two silane water repellents that contain MCIs. However, to get the highest concentration of SACIs on the market, users must opt for MCI-2020, which contains a higher dose of MCI without water repellent. While applying MCI-2020 with either MCI-2018 or MCI-2019 on top would provide enhanced protection due to the presence of MCI in both products, some contractors may prefer to apply just a water repellent on top of MCI-2020 due to budget limitations or other project parameters. For cases like these, MCI-2018 X and MCI-2019 X are excellent alternatives to adapt to project needs.”

MCI-2019 X is a 40 per cent silane penetrating water repellent.

Is 100 per cent or 40 per cent silane better?

So why would someone choose MCI-2019 X over MCI-2018 X? The answer, again, goes back to project and budget needs.

The spokesman explains: “Using a 40 per cent silane water repellent is naturally more budget friendly than a 100 per cent silane water repellent because of the lower concentration of a commodity in high demand. Yet that is not the only advantage. Contractors applying a water repellent to previously treated concrete surfaces must think about ensuring good penetration and compatibility. This usually requires the thorough removal of water repellent residue before another product can be applied. However, MCI-2019 X is one water repellent that may be applied over residue from previously worn-off treatments, thus replenishing the water repellency that the concrete has lost. This low-labour benefit is especially helpful in maintenance applications where a water repellent is reapplied every five to 10 years.”

As a water repellent, MCI-2019 X is a good choice for concrete structures where slippage is a concern, according to the spokesman. Since silane molecules are so small, they tend to penetrate deeper than other types of water repellents, making them less likely to cause water puddling or slippage. They also do not darken or change the appearance of concrete, an ideal characteristic for protecting historical structures.

With this new addition to Cortec’s MCI portfolio, contractors have greater flexibility to tailor a surface protection system to their concrete repair or maintenance project. Whether they want a two-in-one MCI water repellent (MCI-2019), a doubled-up protection system of SACI plus SACI water repellent (MCI-2020 plus MCI-2019), a simple water repellent (MCI-2019 X) on top of high concentration SACI (MCI-2020), or a 40 per cent silane water repellent (MCI-2019 X) alone, contractors can select on what seems to be the best choice for their jobs, says the spokesman.

Cortec Corporation is the global leader in innovative, environmentally responsible VpCI and MCI corrosion control technologies for packaging, metalworking, construction, electronics, water treatment, oil and gas, and other industries.