Not everyone understands how important the factor of controlling indoor air humidity plays. The fact is that during cooking, taking a shower or bath, drying washed clothes and other similar procedures, a large amount of water vapor is formed, which forms condensate on the walls.
- Swiss development
- Benefits
- Composition
- Application
- Scope of application
- German development
- The benefits of porous glass
The increased level of humidity inevitably leads to the formation of mold. Until recently, the establishment of a high-quality ventilation system was considered the main way to combat this phenomenon. But modern technology does not stand still: scientists have already found another, more universal and effective solution to this problem. They created a special building material that reduces dampness in the room. This is an innovative invention - plaster that regulates air humidity.
to contents ↑Swiss development
Swiss developers from Sto AG, together with researchers from the federal laboratory for materials science and EMPA technology, have invented an amazing product that can independently control condensate in apartments and houses. The created plaster reduces the amount of moisture on the walls, thereby reducing the likelihood of mold.
The basic principle of the “smart” material is to absorb and retain excess moisture and then return it back with an increase in dryness in space. Thus, the main goal of the development is the creation and maintenance of a favorable microclimate in apartments.
to contents ↑Benefits
In its properties, the innovative composition is superior to conventional stucco mortar with lime content: walls now literally absorb excess moisture from the air. In addition, the invented material is wear- and water-resistant, environmentally friendly, and also easy to use.
Thomas Stahl is an EMPA construction physicist and one of the creators of this nanotechnology. He says that in the process of development, their team focused not only on the unique qualities of the product, but also on its availability. So, the undoubted advantage of the new type of interior decoration was its low cost, achieved due to low prices for its constituent mineral substances.
Finishing nanomaterial has been repeatedly tested and various tests confirming its compliance with standards, including Nordtest.
As a result of research, it was revealed that the new moisture-control plaster is able to absorb up to 90 g of water vapor per 1 sq. M. m. It is interesting that this type of finish in quality exceeded 3 times the similar plaster mixes on a high-quality clay basis.
Modern plaster significantly reduces energy consumption and the load on the heating system, because to heat a room with dry air, much less heat energy is required.In addition, maintaining a normal level of humidity in the house is the key to the well-being and health of the people living in it.
to contents ↑Composition
Visually, the material practically does not differ from analogues - the composition of the plaster is limestone. The necessary properties that enhance the effect of absorption and evaporation of moisture without losing the original appearance are provided by special composite additives. They eliminate the risk of swelling or cracking of the surface.
It is important that all components of the mixture are of natural origin, therefore, the finished composition is environmentally friendly and relatively low price.
to contents ↑Application
When applying such plaster to the surface, it is enough to maintain a layer of 1-2 cm. This will achieve the moisture absorption indicators that the developers declare.
Scope of application
Moisture-absorbing plaster is suitable for finishing such rooms as:
- kitchen;
- a bathroom;
- living rooms.
However, if there is no window in a room with high humidity (for example, a room for washing and drying clothes), it is recommended to arrange additional ventilation.
to contents ↑An unusual product from Switzerland has already become interested in many leading enterprises in the production of finishing materials. This is not surprising, because according to the principles of manufacture and use, this substance complies with all the rules of green building.
German development
A slightly different approach to creating a moisture-controlled finish was taken by German developers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research ISC. As an experiment, they included Vycor porous glass microparticles in the composition of the plaster. This low-cost component has shown an extremely effective result in maintaining the optimal moisture regime in residential high-leakage rooms.
to contents ↑
The benefits of porous glass
According to experts who participated in the study, porous glass is an ideal additive for plaster. They attribute this to the fact that the size and shape of the particles contained in it can be selectively controlled.
The exact parameters of inorganic elements at the time of production can be set in the range from nanometers to micrometers. This accuracy allows you to effectively control the degree of humidity of the room.
Silica glass “flakes” quickly absorb moisture from the air, store it for a while, and then return it to space again. You may notice that the general principle of operation is similar to the Swiss development.
Experiments have shown that the effectiveness of porous glass compared with its alternatives (zeolite, fiberboard, etc.) is much higher. So, for example, if you process the room with plaster, where the area of the ceiling and walls is 40 square meters. m., it will be possible to lower the humidity from 72% to 47%, while the material will be absorbed about 180 ml of moisture. And plaster with glass particles under the same conditions can absorb up to 500 ml.
New demanded materials for construction regularly appear on the market. But not every material can please the buyer with environmental friendliness, affordability and effectiveness. Plaster with moisture-absorbing properties is one of such rare products.
