WetEx™Pearl
WetEx™ Pearl is a water-based, solventless silane/siloxane emulsion designed for the hydrophobic impregnation of porous mineral substrates. Following penetration and reaction within the capillary structure, the active components form a hydrophobic silicone-based network that significantly reduces capillary water absorption while maintaining the substrate's inherent vapour diffusion characteristics. The treatment produces rapid and durable water repellency with a pronounced water-beading effect, without forming a conventional surface film.
What It will Do
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1. Penetration:
The aqueous emulsion is absorbed into the pores and capillaries of the substrate. -
2. Emulsion breakdown:
Contact with the mineral substrate initiates destabilisation and hydrolysis of the reactive silane/siloxane components. -
3. Reaction:
The reactive components undergo hydrolysis and condensation reactions. -
4. Hydrophobic modification:
A hydrophobic silicone-based structure is formed within the pore system. -
5. Water repellency:
Liquid water is prevented from readily entering the treated capillaries, producing the characteristic beading effect.
Where To Use
WetEx™ Pearl can be used for water-repellent treatment of:
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Brickwork
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Clay bricks
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Sand-lime brick
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Cementitious render
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Mineral plaster
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Concrete
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Aerated concrete
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Lightweight aggregate products
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Mineral fibre-based building materials
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Selected natural stone
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Masonry and porous mineral construction products
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Suitable for:
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New masonry
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Existing masonry
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Building façades
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Restoration projects
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Masonry refurbishment
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Rendered façades
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Architectural concrete
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Precast mineral products
Energy Saver
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Water conducts heat far more effectively than the still air normally contained within the pores. As moisture increases, the effective thermal conductivity of many building materials increases greatly.
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For example, in a brick case, increasing moisture from 1% to 5% by volume increases thermal conductivity by about 20%, reducing the R-value correspondingly.
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It also shows that the effect can be much larger in some highly porous insulation materials. One study found mineral wool's thermal conductivity increased from about 0.041 W/m·K dry to 0.10–0.14 W/m·K at relatively modest moisture contents, and much higher when saturated.
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WetEx™ Pearl does not add insulation to the wall. It protects the insulation and porous mineral structure from losing thermal performance through water absorption.
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"Moisture increases the thermal conductivity of many porous building materials. As moisture enters the pore structure, thermal resistance can decrease, reducing the thermal efficiency of the building envelope. WetEx™ Pearl reduces capillary water uptake, helping the substrate remain drier and retain its designed thermal performance."