Lapidolith :)

"Lapidolith" is the a scientific name for concrete hardener. I chose to write about this is because ever since i left secondary school, i had not been in touch with chemistry. This is a study done due to the need to increase the intensity of our carpark area in our estate. In the end, i had not only achieve what i wanted but also got the feel of chemistry once again. The following are some pictures that will illustrate where hardener can be applied.

This is a picture of hardener applied in a big factory flooring

This is a picture of hardener applied on walkway

Basically lapidolith can be applied on any concrete surfaces to increase the hardness of the surface. In the process of hardening the surface, it also increases the resistance to wear and tear and the ease of cleaning concrete flooring.

The nature of concrete is porous hence it will absorb most liquids. If the liquid is oil, it will be hard to wash off and cause a dirty patch or unevenness on the flooring. This is important to the aesthetic of estates as visitors will see and comment to the owner and thereafter complaint will start to flow in as "design flaw". Although we know that it is not a design flaw but we are doing it out of goodwill to improve the relationship between the developer and the owners.

The above is the chemical formula for hardener

In short, when hardener comes into contact with concrete it will react with the limestone in the concrete to form a compound that had a higher hardness than limestone.

After studying the reactions and effects of hardener, i went further to outsource and found a contractor that is willing to do our carpark at a low rate and it will be done next week.

Three more weeks to end of internship and i already starting to miss this job. Had learnt so much more in just thirteen weeks and Mr Chan & Ms Lily had been so kind to me. Really hope Mr Chan will call me back after this internship.