Fluation
Fluation is the neutralization and hardening of alkaline substrates by applying a fluate , a salt of hexafluoridosilicic acid (fluoridosilicates).
Fluation is a term from the construction industry . New plaster areas are often fluated when the plaster is repaired as part of renovations, in order to reduce their high alkalinity and to match the older plastered surfaces and to avoid efflorescence and saponification damage. Fluation is also used if there is sinter skin on concrete or if there is a low absorbency of a mineral substrate in order to improve the adhesion of subsequent coatings by etching. It should be noted that fluated areas must be washed thoroughly with water before continuing to work in order to remove any unreacted fluate components.
Polished natural stones (such as floor and stair coverings) are fluated to intensify the shine and color and then processed with polishing felts. Fluating natural stone is only recommended indoors. On the outside, blocked areas can form, which can lead to shell-shaped flaking.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Entry on fluorosilicates. In: Römpp Online . Georg Thieme Verlag, accessed on November 25, 2016.