Lithium Carbonate is widely used in the construction industry to modify and control the setting characteristics of rapid-setting cementitious materials. For example, the very narrow particle size ensures that rapid setting concrete floors set quickly and predictably. Lithium carbonate serves as an essential catalyst in expediting the setting process of cement and mortars, particularly those formulated with high alumina and calcium sulfoaluminate cement. Its key applications extend to various technical domains such as self-levelling floors and screeds, tile adhesives and grouts, shotcrete, waterproofing slurry, and many others. Moreover, specific applications also warrant the utilization of lithium hydroxide and sulphate.
What is Lithium Carbonate?
Lithium Carbonate is a white, crystalline powder. But in the world of construction, it’s a catalyst that supercharges fast-setting cementitious materials such as high alumina cement and calcium sulphoaluminate cement, making them set faster and stronger.
Why Use Lithium Carbonate in Dry Mix?
Lithium Carbonate has numerous benefits when used in dry mixed products in the construction industry such as:
- Fast setting properties to reduce the drying times
- Rapid hardening of cement to achieve a robust and durable structure
- Early strength catalyst to boost the initial strength of materials
The Bisley Xeolith® Lithium Carbonate Advantage
Bisley Xeolith Lithium Carbonate grades are suitable for ternary binder systems which require a lithium catalyst in dry mix formulas in construction. Bisley Xeolith Lithium Carbonate is a cost-effective catalyst when used in these ternary systems results are amplified:
- Increased early strength
- Long-term strength development
- Uniform and predictable rates of reaction based on the specific particle size and distribution, Bisley Xeolith Lithium Carbonate offers consistent results
- Low competitive price
Applications of Bisley Xeolith Lithium Carbonate
Bisley Xeolith Lithium Carbonate is versatile and can be used in many applications such as:
- Rapid setting tile adhesives
- Grouts
- Self-leveling compounds
- Screeds
- Other rapid-setting dry mix mortars
What’s the Benefit of using Bisley Xeolith Lithium Carbonate in Construction:
Fast-setting and rapid-hardening products offer several benefits to the construction industry:
- Reduced Construction Time: These products significantly decrease curing and setting times, allowing for faster completion of projects. For time-sensitive construction jobs, this can be a massive advantage, leading to reduced labour costs and quicker project turnovers.
- Enhanced Productivity: Construction crews can work more efficiently when using fast-setting materials. Quicker setting times mean they can move on to the next phase of construction sooner, which improves overall productivity.
- Minimised Downtime: Fast-setting materials reduce downtime between construction stages. For example, in floor levelling products, rapid-hardening levellers allows for faster application of flooring.
- Improved Flexibility: Contractors have greater flexibility in scheduling and adapting to changes in the construction timeline or unforeseen delays. Fast-setting materials offer a buffer against unexpected setbacks.
- Strength and Durability: Despite their rapid setting, many of these products offer excellent strength and durability, meeting or exceeding the performance of traditional materials. This ensures that the structures built are robust and long-lasting.
- Enhanced Safety: Quicker setting times can contribute to safer construction sites. Reduced exposure to partially finished elements minimises risks for workers and improves overall site safety.
- Environmental Benefits: Some fast-setting materials produce fewer emissions or waste, contributing to a more eco-friendly construction process. Additionally, if they allow for smaller equipment or machinery usage due to faster completion, this can reduce the carbon footprint of a project.
- Cost Savings: While fast-setting products might have a slightly higher initial cost, the overall savings in labour, time, and potential project acceleration often outweigh these initial expenses.
Bisley: Your Trusted Supplier
At Bisley & Company, we understand the importance of quality raw materials and as a leader in supplying raw materials, we’re proud to continue to be a leading supplier of lithium Carbonate in Australia and New Zealand. We ensure that our products, like Bisley Xeolith Lithium Carbonate, meet the highest standards, ensuring you get the best results in your construction projects.
Please note that not all products are available in all regions, please check with the local Bisley office for your requirements.