A single drop of water on a lotus leaf is a miniature marvel. It pearls into a perfect, shimmering sphere, rolling effortlessly across the surface, picking up dust and dirt as it goes. The amazing phenomenon of nature is known as the Lotus Effect.
The Science of the Lotus: What is Superhydrophobicity?
The core of the lotus effect lies in two key properties: superhydrophobicity and self-cleaning ability, which are jointly determined by surface chemistry and surface topography.
l Surface Chemistry: The surface of lotus leaves is covered with a hydrophobic (water-hating) waxy layer, which reduces surface energy and weakens the adsorption force between water and the surface.
l Surface Topography: The surface of lotus leaves is covered with microscale papillae and nanoscale wax crystals, forming a micro-nano dual rough structure that traps air in the structural gaps and further weakens the contact between water and the surface.
Scientists have replicated this natural design in powder water repellents, for instance, the silicone-based powder products-P760 in Longou . These products are developed utilizing a technology that encapsulates hydrophilic additives within a hydrophobic shell, mirroring the lotus leaf’s dual mechanism to repel water effectively. Unlike surface coatings that can peel or wear away, powder water repellent endows construction mortar with long-lasting water-repellent properties.
Why Mortar Needs Hydrophobic Protection: The Hidden Risks of Moisture
Mortar, the binding agent that holds bricks, stones, and blocks together in construction, is inherently porous. Its capillary pores act like tiny straws, drawing in water from rain, humidity, or groundwater through capillary action. This moisture infiltration poses multiple threats to building integrity and performance.
Freeze-thaw cycle damage is a common hazard—internal pressure generated by the expansion of water (by 9%) when freezing in pores causes material cracking and accelerates mortar aging. Humid environments also foster mold and moss growth, which not only impairs indoor air quality but also weakens the bond strength of mortar.
The Core Function of water repellent powder: Enhancing Mortar’s Moisture Resistance from the Root
Traditional waterproofing methods (such as external waterproofing membranes and surface coatings) often suffer from poor adhesion, prone-to-failure seams, and insufficient durability. In contrast, powder water repellent abandons the "surface protection" approach and instead modify mortar from within. During the mortar curing process, the active ingredients of the water repellent form a hydrophobic film (the left side of picture 1) on the inner walls of pores and capillaries. This film lowers the mortar’s surface energy, preventing water molecules from adhering to the pore walls while blocking capillary water absorption channels—essentially replicating the lotus effect. This internal optimization not only addresses the inherent drawbacks of traditional waterproofing but also simultaneously enhances the mortar’s aging resistance, efflorescence resistance, and freeze-thaw resistance.
Longou products further achieve multi-dimensional performance improvements: they enhance the mortar’s workability and plasticity, making it easier to apply with stronger adhesion; they also reduce shrinkage cracks by controlling moisture evaporation during the curing process. Additionally, Longou uses water-soluble protective colloids and anti-caking agents in production, accelerating the dissolution rate of the powdered hydrophobic agent and improving its solubility.
FAQ
Q1: Are hydrophobic powders compatible with all mortar types?
Most high-quality silicone-based powder water repellent are compatible with cement-based mortars, waterproof mortars, tile grouts, plastering mortars, and joint sealants. They perform effectively under the alkaline conditions (pH 11-12) typical of cementitious systems, ensuring stability and long-term performance.
Q2: How long do hydrophobic properties last in mortar?
Since the hydrophobic film forms within the mortar’s matrix rather than on the surface, the properties are long-lasting. Properly formulated and applied, the mortar’s moisture resistance can match the building’s service life—often 50 years or more. Additionally, the storage conditions for unopened water repellent powder are crucial.
Building Mortar with Water Repellent powder: Economic and Environmental Benefits
By enhancing mortar performance, water repellents powder effectively reduce building maintenance frequency, extend building service life, improve wall thermal insulation performance, and lower energy consumption. This not only minimizes environmental impact but also saves economic costs. Furthermore, Longou has always adhered to environmental protection concepts, focusing on developing green and eco-friendly products, strictly complying with global environmental standards, and promoting the sustainable development of the construction additives industry.
Post time: Nov-20-2025