We are about to tackle a topic that seems to be intended for professionals, but don't be fooled. Actually, understand what is meant by improvement of the rheological characteristics of a material (as, for example, in a construction context) also helps ordinary citizens to make the right choices when they are on a construction site, whether it is intended for a "simple" paving of the driveway, a car park or so on. Before examining the topic, however, it is good to take a step back to discover, first of all, what is rheology, so as to understand well what we are talking about.
What is rheology?
Talking about improvement of the rheological characteristics of a material it refers first of all to the science that studies materials based on the stresses to which they are subjected. In one word, rheology.
Rheology, in fact, investigates the balance of matter that flows or deforms due to any stress. This science finds its origins in the second half of the 900s: its foundations were laid by E. C. Bingham with the aim of studying the mechanical properties of materials more diverse, both of natural origin and deriving from industrial production. His goal was and still is to formulate precise and reliable models able describe the behavior of matter when the latter is in the condition of being solicited, both on a microscopic and molecular scale.
When, for example, we talk about flooring rheology serves to establish what – among other things – are deformation properties of the floor itself, net of the mixtures used and the base on which the floor is placed.
Improvement of the rheological characteristics of a flooring
Regardless of the type of material used, when a flooring it is necessary to reach certain standard, which can be summarized in three main points and objectives: flatness, mechanical performance and durability. In short, a flooring must:
- Have the typical and perfect uniformity of a flat surface
- Support and endure the actions and stresses that are made above it
- It must last over time while maintaining its original characteristics intact
To achieve the aforementioned objectives, both the design phase that the laying of the flooring with correct rheological parameters. To these aspects, then, are added the mechanical and mechanized processes, aimed at regulating the entire surface.
How to improve the rheological characteristics of floors
Il improvement of rheological characteristics it can be done on any type of flooring, even natural and eco-friendly ones. Solid Earth, for example, has developed specific products to center theobjective of improving the rheological characteristics of the starting mixture, even in the fresh state. For convenience we list them below.
End Performer
For architectural concrete (o washed gravel) has been developed, for example End Performer, a specific product which, mixed with traditional binders, is capable of both improving the rheological characteristics of the starting mix and the mechanical performance of the flooring itself.
It can also be used to create pedestrian paths, cycle paths, roads and car parks, private driveways and so on.
Opencomposit
Perfect for draining floors, Opencomposit it is nothing more than a multifunctional and fibre-reinforced additive in the liquid state, the purpose of which is to improve the rheology of the mixtures used to create permeable paving. Its use is aimed at making the adhesion between the binding paste and the aggregate more compact, consequently improving the mechanical resistance characteristics of the flooring itself.
Stabilblend
A name, a program. Stabilblend is a liquid additive that can be added to mixtures made with a natural aggregate and a traditional plumber such as lime or cement. What emerges as an improvement is the consistency and rheology of the mixture itself, which is necessary for expertly laying the flooring.
In short, as we have just seen, the improvement of rheological characteristics of a compound or mixture is possible, even when we are talking about natural and environmentally friendly flooring. The secret also lies in the quality of the materials used: choosing them correctly, therefore, is of fundamental importance to obtain a beautiful, functional flooring capable of lasting over time.
