Moisture-proof and calcium silicate board
Release time:
2025-07-15 09:44
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I often hear people asking if there are moisture-proof calcium silicate boards?
To be honest, many people hearing this question are reluctant to answer. Why? Because all calcium silicate boards are moisture-proof , even the lowest quality calcium silicate boards are moisture-proof 。
When manufacturing calcium silicate boards, one of the raw materials is very important material: cement. Although its name doesn't contain "cement," it is a genuine cement product. Have you ever seen cement products that fail after getting wet ?
To clarify this issue, let's first distinguish between moisture-proof and waterproof concepts.
Moisture-proof refers to the ability to resist moisture, water vapor, and other gaseous water or slight splashing in the environment, while waterproof refers to the ability to prevent liquid water from penetrating. Using the internationally recognized IP protection rating, moisture-proof is basically an IPX4 or lower protection rating, while waterproof has a higher rating.
We all know that many water-absorbing and deformable boards rely on water repellent agents to achieve the lotus leaf effect on the surface of the board, allowing water droplets on the surface of the board to roll off instead of penetrating into the board, thus achieving waterproof and moisture-proof purposes. In fact, this is similar to the principle of waxing leather shoes, but the effect of waxing is short, and the water-repellent effect of organosilicon is more durable.
Calcium silicate boards have a porous structure inside, water molecules can freely enter and exit the board, its water absorption rate is not low, according to the density of calcium silicate boards, its water absorption rate ranges from 20- 5 0%. Such a high water absorption rate, but the board is not affected by moisture, isn't it strange?
This is because the main components of calcium silicate boards are inorganic minerals such as silica and calcium, which form tobermorite crystals after high-temperature steaming. After absorbing water, the board only temporarily stores water physically, unlike wood and gypsum products, which cause structural decomposition, strength loss, mildew, and other serious consequences due to water absorption; when the environment changes, the moisture naturally evaporates, and the calcium silicate board restores its original physical properties.
There was once an experiment where calcium silicate boards were placed in an environment with a humidity of 95% for 28 days, and the thickness expansion rate of the calcium silicate board was < 0.3%, far lower than the > 8% of wood, and there was no warping or deformation after drying.
Although calcium silicate boards are moisture-proof and can be used in high-humidity areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, because of their high water absorption rate, they are not waterproof. To prevent water from penetrating to the back of the calcium silicate board after water absorption, waterproof treatment should also be done when used in high-humidity environments. This is like tiling; tiles are waterproof, but we also need to apply a waterproof layer before construction.
We have already introduced the moisture-proof characteristics of calcium silicate boards. Even if water molecules enter the interior of the board, they only temporarily reside in the gaps between the crystals. Once the external conditions change, the water molecules will escape on their own. Using this characteristic, someone has summarized an advantage: adjusting air humidity.
Pouring water on the board, the high water absorption rate is obvious, and the water disappears instantly. However, the evaporation of moisture is not only slow, but it also seems to have no feeling. It is said that a few more water molecules suddenly appear in the air. For most people, it takes quite a high level of cultivation to perceive them.
After so much explanation, we are now clear that the moisture-proof property of calcium silicate boards relies on their excellent physical properties. However, because of their high water absorption rate, they cannot prevent liquid water from penetrating, so they are not waterproof. Of course, it is not impossible to achieve waterproof functionality, but that is beyond the scope of this discussion.
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