New materials for construction. Modern materials for home decoration. LKZ "Module": innovative technologies in the paint and varnish industry
The new decade has already been marked in the construction market with the active emergence of a large number of unusual materials and technologies. Innovations in the field of building and finishing materials have changed both the process itself and general trends in construction.
"Warm" wall blocks made of polystyrene concrete.
Manufacturers of the new generation of blocks have tried to deviate from traditional multi-layering. The fact is that a number of existing building masonry materials for low-rise construction are a combination of concrete with thermal insulation materials. The tightness of the contact in such a combination raises many questions among specialists and amateurs.
After all, if the contact between the insulation and the concrete is not absolute, then condensation may form on the surface of the concrete due to the temperature difference, which will lead to “corrosion” of the concrete and its subsequent destruction. The service life of such a multilayer structure is also questionable. The working life of almost any insulation rarely exceeds 50 years, and in Siberian climatic conditions even less. What awaits the wall block when the insulation is destroyed?
As an alternative, manufacturers offer wall blocks made of polystyrene concrete with ready-made facade finishing. Polystyrene concrete refers to cellular lightweight concrete. Its porosity is achieved by introducing foamed polystyrene granules with a density of 8-16 kg/m5 into the cement mixture. In addition, unlike foam concrete and aerated concrete, the pores of polystyrene concrete have a closed structure. Thanks to this, it has higher heat-shielding properties than foam concrete and aerated concrete. Its thermal conductivity coefficient is from 0.55 to 0.12 W/m C.
Therefore, a wall made of polystyrene concrete blocks is lightweight and does not require additional insulation. But the main thing is that due to the closed pore structure, polystyrene concrete absorbs less moisture, i.e. has less water absorption than other cellular concretes. Thanks to the presence of an outer layer of heavy concrete on the wall block, work on the exterior of the house can be kept to a minimum. All this together allows you to save on the construction of the house as a whole. Scope of application: construction of low-rise residential buildings, outbuildings, garages, fences.
Granular and block penozeolite and foam glass
These are thermal insulation materials produced on the basis of natural raw materials from the Siberian region. The production of products is based on low-temperature foaming (up to 850°C) and local raw materials. Penozeolite and foam glass are environmentally friendly, biologically stable and very warm materials with a thermal conductivity coefficient of 0.06 - 0.09 W/(m°C). They have virtually zero water absorption, are characterized by good frost resistance and are ideal for use in Siberian climatic conditions. Their service life is more than 100 years, which is twice as long as the working life of thermal insulation materials used today.
In addition, their production requires simpler and cheaper raw materials, which is why the product has a relatively low cost. So far, Tugan sands are used for its production. In the future, according to scientists, it will be possible to produce glass-crystalline foam material from other, even more accessible types of raw materials.
Expanded clay is a direct analogue of granulated penozeolite. However, compared to expanded clay, the new product has better performance characteristics. Scope of application: backfill thermal insulation and strengthening of thermal protection of ceilings, floors, well masonry walls in civil and industrial buildings. Block version of granulated foam zeolite and foam glass - in civil, residential, low-rise construction.
New products in the segment of thermal insulation materials are focused on one of the main trends in the construction market - environmental friendliness. Linen is an environmentally friendly material, which, thanks to modern production technologies, has received a new form of execution, improved heat-shielding characteristics and a wider range of applications.
Starch is used as a binding component; for fire and bioprotection, the material is impregnated with natural boron salts. Flax boards do not support combustion and are characterized by excellent thermal conductivity and sound absorption, providing home protection from heat, cold and noise. The thermal conductivity coefficient of the material with a thickness of 5 cm and a density of 32-34 kg/m3 is 0.038 - 0.04 W/mK. Sound absorption coefficient - 0.98.
Flax fiber, unlike mineral wool, is able to absorb and simultaneously release moisture without accumulating condensation, which makes its heat-protective properties stable; when using such thermal insulation, an internal vapor barrier layer is not required. The service life of linen thermal insulation material, according to manufacturers, is more than 60 years. The material retains its performance properties throughout the entire service life of the structure.
Scope of application: insulation and sound insulation of walls, roofs, attics, floors, ceilings, internal partitions in individual houses, apartments, public and industrial buildings and structures.
Everything is in order
NGASU specialists proposed their solution to the problem of the high cost of a square meter of housing. Namely, when constructing a house, use building materials made from man-made waste. Thus, cement is an expensive raw material. Moreover, there is always a shortage of it in the construction market. The use of industrial waste in the production of building materials makes it possible to partially or completely replace cement and thus reduce the cost of construction.
Industrial waste included in the formulation of building materials, among other things, improves a number of their technical characteristics. For example, they reduce thermal conductivity, increase water resistance and more. Finished building materials are characterized by high strength qualities, environmental friendliness and durability.
Of course, not all man-made waste is suitable for the production of building materials and not all building materials can be produced using such technology. To obtain data on possible cement substitutes, a number of studies need to be carried out. Research by NGASU specialists and obtaining samples were carried out using the example of diabase - a fine powder formed when crushing diabase rock to produce crushed stone (deposit in the village of Gorny, Novosibirsk region).
When it is introduced into the composition of a masonry building material, the appearance of efflorescence on the surface of such a block or brick is practically eliminated, the quality of the product itself improves, and the material gains strength in the early stages of hardening. Complete replacement of cement with diabase in the composition of building masonry or finishing materials ensures the production of waterproof products.
In tandem with other industrial waste (flax fire, sawdust), diabase can significantly improve the thermal conductivity characteristics of thermal insulation and structural thermal insulation materials.
This material has been offered on the market for several years, but it still remains a novelty. This is the name for a class of paints and varnishes that form an energy-saving coating when dry. In composition and method of application, it resembles ordinary paint, although it differs from ordinary paints and varnishes in its heat-protective properties. Just like paint, liquid insulation is applied to the surface with a brush, roller or airless sprayer.
After drying, it forms a homogeneous, even, elastic coating that works like a thermos. The principle of operation of the coating is that it reflects and dissipates heat, preventing it from leaking from inside the building and preventing it from entering the house from the outside. In fact, this is how an energy-saving effect is achieved. The house saves on thermal and electrical energy spent on its heating and cooling.
The thermal insulation material includes calibrated ceramic and silicone microspheres with rarefied air. When polymerizing the material, they create the necessary “vacuum”. Thermal conductivity coefficient of microspheres is no more than 0.00083 W/mK. The basis of liquid thermal insulation is an acrylic binder, plus catalysts, fixatives and additives.
The paint and varnish material has excellent adhesion to almost any type of surface (concrete, metal, plastic, wood) of various architectural shapes. The elasticity of the coating allows the use of thermal protection technology in new construction, as well as on surfaces subject to thermal expansion. No “web-like” cracks are formed on the walls of the house due to the subsidence of the building structure.
In addition, this method of insulating a building allows you to reduce the load on the foundation. It is repairable, and its repair is less labor-intensive and costly than using traditional insulation. In addition, when insulating structures with liquid thermal insulation from the inside, the usable area of the room is not lost. Its service life is at least 15 years.
Finally, this line of paints and varnishes can be tinted, which means they can be used as “thermal insulation” and finishing at the same time. Areas of application: insulation of building facades, roofs, elimination of freezing of walls, insulation of concrete floors, pipelines, steam lines, various containers, tanks, elimination of condensation, etc.
The impossible is possible
Italian builders tried to make porcelain stoneware flexible, lightweight, impact-resistant and universally applicable. They developed a new material - thin and flexible large-format ceramic slabs that can be used for interior and facade solutions. Externally, such slabs are practically no different from ordinary porcelain stoneware. They have all its properties - fire resistance, moisture resistance, frost resistance, durability. However, having a thickness of only 3 mm, they also have extraordinary impact resistance - it is quite difficult to break them with a hammer, even if desired. Compared to porcelain stoneware, large-format slabs are lightweight and can be bent. The material is cut using a conventional glass cutter.
In the production of slabs, a mixture of clay, feldspar, quartz sand and mineral dyes is pressed, not in a mold, but by rolling. The sheet obtained in this way is fired in a special furnace at a temperature above 1220°C, which ensures the homogeneity of the ceramic mass and the finished product.
Plates made using the new technology are distinguished by an exceptionally high degree of flatness and the absence of internal stress in the material. The new material hardly wears out, does not scratch, is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation and does not change its color. Constant cleaning does not harm it. The plates are environmentally safe and hygienic because they do not emit harmful substances. Scope of application: without restrictions for external and internal decoration of the house.
No to labor-intensive installation
Manufacturers of new waterproofing materials today rely on ease of use of products with high performance characteristics. It was this idea that formed the basis for the development of rolled self-adhesive waterproofing material. It is made on the basis of reinforcing fiberglass, impregnated with a bitumen-polymer composition with targeted additives that improve performance properties. This structure has many advantages. Thanks to this base, the material is quite flexible, which greatly facilitates the installation of waterproofing. The top bitumen-polymer layer protects the waterproofing from all kinds of damage. With the help of the lower one, the waterproofing fabric is glued to any base.
A distinctive feature of the material is its ease of installation. So, in order to glue it, you do not need to heat and heat the lower bitumen-polymer layer. It is enough to remove the release anti-adhesive paper or film from the material, apply it to the surface, press and roll it with a roller. Thus, the process of installing waterproofing fiberglass fabric is reminiscent of gluing a decorative sticker to a surface.
Scope of application: steel, wood, concrete horizontal or vertical surfaces, metal, soft roofing, swimming pools, foundations, pipelines, etc. Temperature range - from -50 to +60 C.
Constructive conversation
The range of construction materials (plasterboard, glass-magnesium sheet, etc.) has been supplemented by a new product made from extruded polystyrene foam. With its help, you can build any structure, including walls, partitions, floors, and ceilings. The fundamental difference between extruded polystyrene foam boards and other structural materials is that the new product has high heat and sound insulation properties.
The new construction material is easy to work with. Expanded polystyrene boards do not crumble, do not get wet, fungus and mold do not form on them, and their structure does not deform from dampness. Using cuts on the slab, and making them is much easier than on drywall, you can build any bent structure. Also, extruded polystyrene foam can be used on objects for various purposes and with different humidity levels.
For rooms with high humidity and facade work, manufacturers have developed a special option - slabs made of extruded polystyrene foam with reinforcing fiberglass mesh and a polymer-cement composition, which have minimal water absorption.
The production of construction and finishing materials does not stand still. In a competitive environment, different manufacturers are constantly developing new solutions and patenting innovative developments that are aimed at improving the appearance and properties of materials, as well as creating unique products. Whether or not to trust the latest technologies in construction and finishing, everyone decides for themselves. But we should not forget that they make it possible to simplify repairs and decorate the interior in a new way.
Specialists from Holland managed to solve one of the main problems in the construction of buildings - ensuring the durability of structures. They have developed a new technology for making cement that can self-regenerate due to the presence of calcium lactic acid and certain bacteria. Living bacteria feed on calcium lactic acid and process it into limestone, which will fill the resulting microcracks and thus eliminate all microscopic damage.
This new technology of “living” concrete in the production of building materials will allow significant savings in the future on time and repair materials, since it initially contains all the necessary “components”.
SolTech Energy from Sweden has developed a unique building material for roofing buildings - glass tiles. It is equipped with built-in photocells that accumulate solar energy and allow it to be used for various needs (water heating, heating, power grid operation).
These tiles are made from tempered impact-resistant glass, so they are not inferior in strength to traditional ceramic counterparts. The shape and size of individual glass elements correspond to the parameters of ceramic tiles, so they can be used to partially cover the roof. At the same time, maximum efficiency from its use is achieved on roofs facing the south side.
To reduce the risk of flooding in cities, the English company Tarmac has developed Topmix Permeable concrete. Its main distinguishing characteristic is its high water permeability. If traditional types of concrete absorb up to 300 mm/h, then its new version is 36000 mm/h (about 3300 l/min.). A new technology for the production of building material involves using pieces of crushed granite stone instead of sand, through which water will seep and then be absorbed by the soil. This is especially true in large cities, where every year there is less and less open soil for water absorption. In addition to reducing the risk of flooding, using permeable concrete will help keep streets dry and safe.
Disadvantages of Topmix include its relatively high price compared to conventional concrete and the ability to only be used in areas where the climate is not too cold, since low temperatures will cause the concrete to expand and, consequently, deteriorate the coating.
Environmental friendliness is one of the main directions in the development of the latest technologies and materials in the construction industry, so boards made of pressed flax, impregnated with natural layers of boron, fit into this trend perfectly. They are moisture and fire resistant, do not support the development of fungi and mold and do not accumulate condensation, therefore they are suitable for use in conditions of high humidity (in bathhouses, under-roof and attic insulation structures).
Linen boards can provide high-quality thermal insulation for up to 75 years (for comparison: the service life of glass wool insulation is 15-25 years, and mineral wool insulation is up to 50 years).
The American company Ecovative Design, specializing in the development of various products made from mushrooms, presented a unique biodegradable plastic, Mushroom Materials. It includes agricultural waste (corn stalks, seed husks) and fungal mycelium, which, due to its natural binding properties, is used as a natural glue.
For the first time, the company used “mushroom” building materials to build the world’s first house made from mushrooms: a compact housing measuring 3.6 x 2 m can easily be placed in a transport trailer. The company's specialists are confident that the new material can be used not only in construction, but also in other industries that use plastics.
Another new technology that is used in construction for the production of windows, glass doors and partitions is smart glass (smart glass). Its main advantage is its ability to change optical characteristics (heat absorption, haze, light transmittance) under the influence of environmental conditions.
This category also includes self-cleaning, self-heating and automatically opening windows. Thanks to their use, it is possible to reduce heat loss, reduce the cost of air conditioning, and even replace conventional curtains and blinds. But smart glasses also have disadvantages such as high prices and the need to connect to an electrical outlet for some products.
One of the new finishing technologies, which refers to a type of wallpaper and imitates the structure and color of different types of stone (sandstone, slate, clinker brick, etc.). It is made on the basis of sandstone and environmentally friendly polymer, due to which the new material is flexible, durable, lightweight and easy to use. These properties make it possible to use it for finishing not only smooth surfaces, but also for objects of complex shapes (fireplaces, columns, etc.).
The flexible stone has a thickness of 1.5-3 mm and is applied in strips to walls previously coated with adhesive, after which all joints are rubbed. It is resistant to abrasion and fading, so it is suitable for finishing any rooms and parts of the house (bathrooms, kitchens, saunas, swimming pools, fireplaces).
Blooming (thermal) wallpaper
The main feature of this finishing material is its ability to change colors or reveal additional details of patterns if the temperature of the room or objects adjacent to the wallpaper changes. The effect is achieved thanks to a new technology for manufacturing finishing materials using thermal paint, which is used to apply designs to the canvas.
For example, at low temperatures, only green stems with small buds can be seen on the wallpaper, but when the temperature rises to 23°, the buds increase in size, and at 35°C, lush, bright flowers appear on them. This amazing new product will add zest to any interior and will not bother the owners of the house for a long time. The disadvantages of this type of finishing include the high price, as well as certain requirements for the room: thermal wallpaper should be glued where conditions with temperature changes can be created (near heat sources, in rooms accessible to sunlight or with controlled temperatures).
This is a relative novelty in finishing materials, which instantly changes the surface pattern when a person touches or steps. The technology for producing “living” tiles involves the use of a polycarbonate capsule in the shape of a circle, rectangle or square, which is filled with a special colored gel. When pressure is applied to the surface, the latter moves and spreads, and if the pressure disappears, the pattern is partially restored to the original one. These tiles are easy to clean and absorb sound and vibration, so walking on them creates virtually no noise. It can be used in finishing any horizontal surfaces, from floors in different rooms to countertops. The disadvantages of “living” tiles include susceptibility to low temperatures and scratches that can be left by sharp objects.
The new building and finishing materials presented in this selection are new at this point in time, but in the near future they may gain wide popularity and take the place of the building materials that are familiar to us, but already outdated and less functional. Over time, the listed new products will be replaced by others, and this will remain so as long as a person strives for amazing discoveries and non-standard solutions to improve his life.
Construction technologies are constantly being improved. New discoveries differ in their scope of use, but the developers pursue a common goal: to make the construction process easier, and life in new-style buildings more comfortable and modern. Let's look at the most interesting know-how of 2017.
Salt blocks
The author of the idea was an architect from the Netherlands, Eric Jobers. The building material looks unusual, but very impressive. Salt is extracted from water using solar energy. Natural starch obtained from algae is used to hold the particles together. Essentially waste-free production. Such blocks can be used even in countries with arid climates. The mixture is also suitable for designing flexible arched structures. To protect against external factors, the blocks are coated with an epoxy resin-based composition. It remains to be seen whether the new product will become widespread.
Isoplat Plates
Invented in Estonia by specialists from the Skano Fiberboard company. This is a natural thermal insulation material made from fibers of coniferous trees. They are pre-soaked in boiling water, pressed and cut into sheets of different thicknesses. To make the boards moisture resistant, they are treated with paraffin. Isoplat has high vapor permeability and sound insulation, protects from wind, and retains heat. Thanks to their fibrous structure, the boards are fireproof and resistant to pests and protozoa (mold, fungi). The elements are connected to each other using a tongue-and-groove type and are suitable for insulating roofs, floor coverings and frames. Width varies from 60 to 120 cm, thickness - from 12 to 50 mm.
Lego blocks EverBlock
Outwardly, they really look like elements of a popular children's construction set. Perhaps American engineer Arnon Rosan was inspired by him. The blocks are made of foam concrete and are connected in a tongue-and-groove manner without the use of adhesives. Only vertical seams need to be treated. The water permeability of the material is less than 3%. For the construction of two-story or more buildings, the Lego block is reinforced through technological holes. The most common block size is 25x25x50 cm.
Light blocking glass facade
Transparent glass facades easily transmit sunlight, increasing the temperature in the rooms. The development of scientists from the Frankfurt Institute makes it possible to regulate the light transmission of glass. Theoretically, the facade consists of many circular segments. Each of them contains a fabric disk with wires made of titanium and nickel alloy - they have shape memory and respond to ambient temperature. If the room temperature drops, the material curls, returning transparency to the glass; when the temperature rises, it darkens the glass.
"Live Tile"
Liquid tiles that respond to steps or touches by changing their pattern. The surface is made of tempered glass. It can be used to decorate not only floor coverings, but also walls and countertops. It absorbs sounds well and suppresses vibration. You can walk on such tiles almost silently. Among the disadvantages are instability to high loads, fear of sharp objects (chips may remain). But this tile looks great.
Conductive Concrete Shotcrete
The brainchild of a team of scientists from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Conductive concrete that absorbs and reflects electromagnetic waves of various origins. The standard concrete filler has been replaced by magnetite, a natural mineral with excellent ferromagnetic properties. Metal and carbon components are also present. The material was originally designed for runway hair, but can also be used in residential areas. Can be applied by spraying.
Thermal wallpaper
Their trick is that when the air temperature in the room changes, the pattern on the canvas also changes. The invention of a designer from China responds to changes in thermal conditions. Under the influence of heat, buds appear on the wall, and then flowers bloom. The inventor applies special thermal ink to the surface. Wallpaper reacts to both sunlight and touch, but is afraid of moisture and cannot be washed.
Flexible wood WoodSkin
An amazingly flexible material that can be given any abstract shape. Consists of sandwich tiles. Polymer mesh, composite nylon composition and plywood are used. The new product is available in rolls and sheets. The shape is given using special three-dimensional machines, connecting small elements together. Sheet thickness can vary from 4 to 30 millimeters.
Insulation with sheep wool
A new product that has been available in Russia since November 2017. Environmentally friendly fiber insulates noise well, does not burn, and is suitable for insulating any premises. Oregon Shepherd currently produces two types of insulation - Batt and Loft. Insulation is also good because it absorbs harmful substances emitted by furniture, synthetic finishing materials and other interior elements.
Plaster that regulates humidity
Condensation is a problem familiar to many. Developers from the Swiss company STO AG presented innovative material. Plaster effectively absorbs excess water vapor from the air (about 90 g per 1 sq.m.). The thickness of the applied layer is up to 2 centimeters. There is no condensation, no mold and fungi, but there is an even, environmentally friendly coating.
Naturally, the developers are not going to stop there and new interesting discoveries await us. Perhaps they will change your life for the better!
It is human nature to strive for comfort; in order to live in comfort, you need to monitor the condition of your home and make repairs as necessary.
New materials and technologies
The construction market offers great opportunities for apartment renovation, modern materials are appearing, and new technologies are being developed. Construction innovations include:
- “liquid wallpaper” – decorative finishing;
- stretch ceiling:
- 3D self-leveling floors;
- “liquid” glass is a universal waterproofing material.
New technologies greatly simplify and speed up apartment renovations and make it possible to turn a house into a “candy.” The “smart home” system is becoming increasingly popular; it allows you to automatically control the processes taking place in the apartment, configure and use the housing life support system to the maximum.
Apartment renovation begins with leveling the walls and ceilings; modern plaster mixtures based on Rotband gypsum are ideal for this purpose. This plaster is elastic, has excellent adhesion to concrete surfaces, does not crack or shrink, and its main advantage is that it dries quickly.
Decorative finishing
A new word in the finishing of surfaces is a decorative coating made from natural cellulose and cotton fibers, the so-called “liquid wallpaper”. They are a powder; before work, it is diluted with warm water until the putty is thick and applied to the walls with a spatula, and then leveled with a roller. Due to the convenience and ease of working with this material, you can slightly reduce the time it takes to renovate your apartment.
The dried coating forms a smooth textured surface. Using pigments, the wallpaper can be given any color palette; in an avant-garde interior, bright spots of color would be useful; for a living room in a classic style, it is possible to choose a finish with silver or gold threads.
Liquid wallpaper has many advantages:
- create a smooth, seam-free surface;
- antistatic, do not attract dust;
- environmentally safe;
- resistant to ultraviolet radiation.
Defects are easily eliminated, the damaged area is cleaned, a new compound is applied to it and leveled with a roller. The coating can be completely removed from the wall, soaked and applied to another surface without compromising quality.
Decorative finishing in the interior offers ample opportunities for creative ideas. Wallpaper can be applied graduatedly, with a smooth transition from light to dark, or you can make a pattern and change the texture using additional components. Thanks to modern materials and innovations in the construction industry, apartment renovation can turn from routine dirty work into a creative process.
Over time, everything changes, of course, many have already become accustomed to old and reliable methods of finishing apartments, but time moves on! Now new building materials for finishing apartments and new renovation technologies are appearing on the construction market. Let's look at how many new things have appeared in finishing materials recently.
Using traditional materials in the interior eventually gets boring, and we begin to look for something new.
1. Relief panels made of gypsum. Decorative 3D panels are distinguished by their beautiful appearance and high practicality. This material is environmentally friendly, reliable and durable. It increases heat and sound insulation in the room, and also maintains an optimal microclimate. We do any work on gypsum panels inexpensively in Moscow!
2. Blooming wallpaper - capable of changing its color under the influence of air temperature and surrounding objects, as well as showing additional images. A similar effect is achieved through the use of special thermal paint, which is used to cover such canvases. Order inexpensive flowering wallpaper from us right now!
3.Wood-polymer composite. These are thin wooden panels that are fixed together with fiberglass. This connection technology makes the product airtight and durable. This material is used for internal partitions and decoration of home cinemas.
4.Liquid wallpaper. This natural material is created from cellulose and cotton fibers. Walls that are covered with liquid wallpaper “breathe,” which protects the walls from fungus and mold. This is a safe and environmentally friendly material. Liquid wallpaper inexpensive right now! Call!
5.Interactive tiles. “Liquid” or “living” tiles consist of a polycarbonate capsule filled with a colored gel. When exposed to a surface, the gel spreads, causing the illusion of “living” movement. This material is used for a wide variety of surfaces, from countertops to floors.
6. Self-leveling floors 3d This fairly new technology for finishing floor coverings has already won its customers, and is one of the most popular recently.
7. Vinyl flooring. Several years ago, American manufacturers asked themselves the question of combining tiles, linoleum and laminate in one. Vinyl flooring is a new material in construction. You can order inexpensive vinyl flooring from us right now!
