Three Latest Innovations in Waterproofing Technology for Indian Structures

Janifha Evangeline

Waterproofing is a crucial component in creating a building envelope, which is a controlled environment, in the construction of buildings. The foundations, siding, roofing materials, and any other surfaces that are penetrated by water or other liquids must all be water-resistant. Building contractors must provide their clients with more durable, high-performing solutions if they want to remain competitive as the sector grows. A healthy, comfortable atmosphere and the prevention of structural damage depend on high-quality waterproofing.

The Indian market is a huge repository of knowledge and innovation, thanks to the long history of inventing the world's best waterproofing technology. In many ways, our engineers are innovators themselves. Their intense pursuit of better products has resulted in waterproofing technologies that provide high levels of performance - as well as exceptional warranty service that is unmatched anywhere else in India. At present, waterproofing is mainly done by the use of paints, stains or finishes but it may also involve other methods such as interiors and exteriors. Engineers are working on new advancements in waterproofing technology for Indian structures by using unusual applications to protect against water intrusion.

The construction industry has benefited from technological advancements in waterproofing materials from the late 1990s to the 2010s, including integral waterproofing systems and more sophisticated membrane materials. Recent years have seen technological advancements in waterproofing systems and goods. Manufacturers are now offering new, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly solutions onto the market while keeping the environment, safety, and health of consumers as their top priorities. Some of the improvements and innovations in waterproofing are:

Nanotechnology in Waterproofing

There has been a rise in nanotechnology research in recent years, and nanotechnology is now used in many aspects of daily life. One of the most well-known applications of nanotechnology in modern life is the use of ceramic coating for waterproofing. Water, oil, dirt, and other dry particles are repelled by nanocoating, which are surface layers that are hydrophobic (water repellent) and oleophobic (oil repellent). Dry surface applications make use of superhydrophobic coatings. Certain plant leaves, like the lotus leaf, and some insect wings naturally contain these.

Objects can be coated with a high hydrophobicity eco-friendly nano coating to make them permanently watertight. The item resists oxidation, corrosion, ice, UV rays, high temperatures, and chemical substances. It also

has UV resistance. It can be applied to a variety of surfaces and self-cleans when it rains. The color of the surface are applied to remains unchanged when nano coatings are used.

The nanotechnologists at Nanex are now using natural inspiration to develop a new waterproofing covering. Nanex took inspiration for its covering from the qualities of the lotus plant. Lotus plants are able to grow in muddy, semi-aquatic settings because their leaves are water-repellent and have surfaces that naturally clean themselves. A water droplet that lands on a lotus leaf forms a nearly perfect sphere and easily rolls away from the leaf.

A self-cleaning surface is created as the water rolls down the leaf, picking up and carrying away any debris or dust. The lotus leaf functions similarly to how Nanex coatings do. Every fiber of the original fabric is coated, and the coating creates nanostructures on the fabric's surface. Because the attractive interactions between the water molecules are greater than the attractive forces between the surface and the water when water falls on the surface, air is trapped by the nanostructures, and a droplet develops that slides off the surface, carrying any dirt that is present.

Crystalline waterproofing

The most popular building and construction material - concrete, absorbs water and frequently sustains damage and deterioration. Concrete is porous because during its creation, small pores and capillaries were formed. Concrete is water permeable because of its porosity. By forming their own waterproofing barrier, crystalline waterproofing chemicals stop water from moving through concrete. In this approach, chemicals improve the resilience and longevity of traditional concrete while decreasing its permeability to water and porosity. They also lower the cost of maintenance.

Each liquid that comes into touch with a surface creates a contact angle between the surface and the edge of the liquid drop. Any surface should have a higher contact angle or one that is extremely high to be super-hydrophobic. A surface without any hydrophobic characteristics typically has a contact angle with water of less than 80 degrees. A super-hydrophobic surface, on the other hand, provides a contact angle with water of at least 150 degrees. Surface tension exists on liquids while surface energy exists on all surfaces. When surface tension is greater than surface energy, liquids can permeate any surface. A surface becomes hydrophobic when it has low surface energy and good micro roughness. Lotus leaf is thought to have a super-hydrophobic surface that effectively repels water.

Self-healing, water-repellant, spray coating

The University of Michigan created a self-healing, water-repellent, spray-on coating that is hundreds of times more durable than comparable products. It might make it possible to waterproof clothes, rooftops, cars, and numerous other surfaces that are currently too delicate for waterproofing techniques. Moreover, it might lessen the resistance of ship hulls, which would minimize the fuel consumption of the enormous ships that transport 90% of the world's cargo.

The new mixture, according to the inventors, is a breakthrough in a field where decades of study have failed to yield a long-lasting coating. Although there are water-repellent coatings currently, they are frequently too weak for uses like clothes or ship hulls. This finding modifies that. Fluorinated polyurethane elastomer and the specific water-repellent molecule "F-POSS" are combined to create the coating. It has a slightly rubbery texture that makes it more robust than its forerunners and can be applied with ease to almost any surface.

During and after construction, as well as being strong and durable for the duration of the structure, an effective waterproofing system is required. A waterproofing system's premature failure can be disastrous and expensive. The best waterproofing combines a high-quality product with a skilled installation team, which is now difficult to find in rural areas and is a matter for concern. Thus, it is crucial to stay informed about the developments happening throughout the world.