What are the types of solid silicone waterproofing agents?

In the ongoing evolution of building waterproofing materials, solid silicone waterproofing agents are reshaping the technical landscape of modern building protection systems with their unique physical form and long-lasting protective properties. These materials, produced through specialized processes that solidify liquid organosilicon into powder or block forms, retain the superior water-repellent properties of traditional organosilicon while overcoming the challenges of transporting and storing liquid products. They are poised to become a new growth driver in the 2025 building waterproofing market. The recently issued GB 55038-2025 “Technical Specifications for Building Waterproofing Engineering” has for the first time included solid organosilicon in its recommended materials catalog, signifying that its technological maturity has gained authoritative industry recognition.

Methyl silicate-based solid products form the foundational technical approach. Sodium methyl silicate powder produced via spray drying achieves active ingredient concentrations exceeding 85%, rapidly reconstructing a three-dimensional waterproof network structure upon contact with water. Application data from a high-speed rail tunnel project shows that shotcrete incorporating 3% of this material elevated its water resistance rating from P8 to P18, while exceeding 300 freeze-thaw cycles. A more advanced technology involves compounding potassium methyllithium silicate with nano-silica for granulation. The resulting 1-3mm granular product exhibits controlled-release properties, making it particularly suitable for heritage structures requiring long-term maintenance. A Tang Dynasty brick pagoda restoration project confirmed its protective efficacy remains stable for over 10 years without significant degradation.

Silicone resin-based solid materials represent the cutting edge of technology. Microencapsulated methyl silicone resin powder, with particle sizes controlled between 50-80μm, releases active components through mechanical activation during construction. Accelerated aging tests in laboratories show this material retains over 90% of its initial contact angle under UV exposure, far exceeding the 65% retention rate of liquid products. In photovoltaic power plant foundation protection, concrete pile foundations pre-mixed with this material demonstrate remarkable weather resistance. Eight years of tracking monitoring in Qinghai's salt lake region revealed no signs of leakage. Notably, the newly developed silicone resin/graphene composite solid material leverages the intercalation effect of two-dimensional materials to endow the waterproof layer with both crack resistance and electromagnetic shielding capabilities. It has been successfully applied in multiple national defense projects.

Crystalline solid composite systems are pioneering new applications. Powdered products created by combining organosilanes with cementitious materials generate a hydrophobic film upon water contact while simultaneously triggering secondary crystallization of cement hydration products. After adopting this dual-effect material in an underground utility tunnel project, crack self-healing rates increased to 75%, while maintenance costs decreased by 40%. An even more innovative development is the bio-based solid waterproofing agent—an eco-friendly product synthesizing silicon extracted from rice husk ash with plant oil derivatives. Its carbon footprint is only one-third that of traditional products, and it has obtained LEED v4.1 certification. In an application at an ecological park in Shanghai, it achieved a zero-leakage record.

From a full lifecycle perspective, the value of solid silicone waterproofing agents extends beyond construction convenience. Standardized packaging reduces transportation losses by 15%, precise dosage control prevents material waste, and unused residues remain effective for up to three years. With the implementation of the Building Waterproofing Engineering Carbon Emission Calculation Standard, these low-energy, long-life materials are poised for broader adoption. Future technological breakthroughs will focus on intelligent responsive solid products. For instance, temperature-sensitive silicone microspheres have achieved autonomous penetration depth adjustment within the 20-40°C range during laboratory testing, offering novel solutions for climate-adaptive waterproofing design.