The following are the applications of benzoic acid in the construction industry:
1. Concrete admixtures
1.1 Retarding effect
– Benzoic acid and its salts (such as sodium benzoate) can be used as retarders for concrete. When an appropriate amount of benzoic acid is added during the concrete mixing process, it can delay the hydration reaction rate of cement. This is because the molecular structure of benzoic acid can adsorb on the surface of cement particles, preventing the rapid contact between cement particles and water, thereby prolonging the setting time of concrete.
– For example, during construction in a high-temperature environment, the setting speed of concrete will accelerate, which may lead to construction difficulties. After adding the benzoic acid retarder, the concrete can maintain its plasticity for a longer period, facilitating construction operations such as pouring and vibrating, and ensuring the quality of the concrete structure.
1.2 Improvement of workability
Benzoic acid helps to improve the workability of concrete. It can reduce the slump loss of concrete, enabling the concrete to maintain good fluidity during transportation and pouring. This is very important for the long-distance transportation of concrete or construction of complex structures, as it can ensure that the concrete can smoothly fill every corner of the formwork.
2. Wood preservation treatment
Preservation principle
– In the preservation treatment of construction wood, benzoic acid and its derivatives play a certain role. Benzoic acid can change the living environment of microorganisms inside the wood and inhibit the growth and reproduction of fungi, molds and other microorganisms. Its antibacterial mechanism is mainly achieved by destroying the cell membranes of microorganisms or interfering with their metabolic processes.
– For example, in the restoration of ancient buildings or outdoor wooden structures (such as wooden walkways, wooden pavilions, etc.), wood treated with benzoic acid can effectively resist decay, extend the service life of the wood, and reduce the maintenance cost of the building.
3. Architectural coatings and adhesives
3.1 In coatings
– Benzoic acid can be used as a preservative in architectural coatings. In water-based coatings, due to the large amount of water and nutrients they contain, they are prone to being contaminated by microorganisms and deteriorating. Benzoic acid can inhibit the growth of bacteria and molds in the coatings, maintaining the stability and quality of the coatings. Meanwhile, it can also improve the water resistance of the coatings to a certain extent, because groups such as the benzene ring in its structure can enhance the hydrophobic properties of the coatings.
– For example, in exterior wall coatings for buildings, adding benzoic acid can prevent the coatings from changing color or pulverizing due to microbial erosion during long-term exposure to the natural environment, ensuring the aesthetics and durability of the exterior walls.
3.2 In adhesives
In construction adhesives, benzoic acid can be used as a preservative and thickener. As a preservative, it can prevent the adhesive from being contaminated by microorganisms and losing its adhesiveness during storage and use. As a thickener, benzoic acid can adjust the rheological properties of the adhesive, making it have better coating and bonding properties and being suitable for bonding different building materials, such as wood to wood, wood to stone, etc.
PS: Heathy Chemical reserves the final right of interpretation for the article.
