BC bond or bonding agents enhance
BC bond or bonding agents enhance the adhesion between new and old concrete surfaces. They improve the strength and durability of cement mortar, often used in construction repairs and coatings
Steps for Using BC Bond with Cement Mortar**
1. Surface Preparation:
- Clean the surface by removing dust, grease, loose particles, or existing coatings.
- Wet the surface if necessary, but avoid pooling.
2. *Mixing:*
- Mix the BC bond with water, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Add the cement and sand to the mixture. The typical ratio is 1 part BC bond mixture to 2 parts cement and 3 parts sand.
3. *Application:*
- Apply the bonding agent onto the prepared surface with a brush or roller.
- While the bonding agent is still tacky, apply the cement mortar mixture over it.
4. *Curing:*
- Allow the mortar to cure as per usual, keeping it moist to prevent cracking.
### *Benefits of Using BC Bond*
1. *Enhanced Adhesion:*
- Improves the bond between new and existing concrete surfaces, reducing the likelihood of layers separating.
2. *Increased Strength:*
- Provides higher tensile and flexural strength, making the structure more durable.
3. *Reduced Shrinkage:*
- Minimizes the risk of cracking by reducing the shrinkage of the cement mortar as it cures.
4. *Water Resistance:*
- Improves water resistance, protecting the structure from moisture damage.
5. *Versatility:*
- Suitable for a variety of applications, including plastering, patching, and floor screeds.
6. *Ease of Application:*
- Easy to apply with conventional tools like brushes, rollers, or sprayers
### *Mixing Ratios and Curing Times*
#### *Mixing Ratios:*
1. *For Plastering:*
- *BC Bond to Water Ratio:* 1:1
- *BC Bond Mixture to Cement to Sand:* 1:2:4
2. *For Patching and Repairs:*
- *BC Bond to Water Ratio:* 1:1
- *BC Bond Mixture to Cement to Sand:* 1:2:3
3. *For Floor Screeds:*
- *BC Bond to Water Ratio:* 1:1.5
- *BC Bond Mixture to Cement to Sand:* 1:2.5:4
#### *Application Tips:*
1. *Plastering:*
- Apply a thin layer of BC bond mix to the surface.
- While tacky, apply the mortar mix and smooth it out.
2. *Patching and Repairs:*
- Fill the cracks or damaged areas with BC bond mixture.
- Allow it to become tacky, then apply the cement mortar.
3. *Floor Screeds:*
- Spread the BC bond mixture evenly on the prepared surface.
- Apply the screed mixture evenly on the wet bonding agent.
### *Curing Times:*
1. *Initial Set Time:*
- Usually, the initial set happens within 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on the temperature and humidity.
2. *Final Set Time:*
- Final setting can take 12 to 24 hours.
3. *Full Cure Time:*
- Complete curing usually takes 7 days.
#### *Curing Methods:*
1. *Moist Curing:*
- Keep the applied mortar moist by spraying water periodically for at least 7 days.
- Cover with a wet cloth or polythene sheet to retain moisture.
2. *Curing Compounds:*
- You can also use curing compounds to hold moisture within the mortar.
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### *Additional Tips:*
1. *Temperature and Weather:*
- Avoid applying BC bond mixes in extreme temperatures.
- Ideal temperatures are between 10°C and 30°C (50°F to 86°F).
2. *Consistency:*
- Aim for a workable but not too watery consistency in the mortar mix.
3. *Tools:*
- Use clean tools to prevent contamination which can weaken the bond