MCI POWR 100 Concrete Surface Treatment

Cortec® Delivers Powerful MCI® Water/Oil/Stain Repellant While Meeting Regulatory Demands

MCI® POWR 100 from Cortec has been reformulated for an ever-changing regulatory landscape. It is a powerful three-in-one concrete surface treatment for water repellency, oil/stain resistance, and corrosion protection. This multi-functionality makes the product suitable for commercial buildings, parking garages, bridges, and industrial floors exposed to high levels of oils, greases, or water.concrete surface

MCI POWR 100 is a silane water repellant containing Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors (MCI) and an oleophobic additive. MCI POWR 100 penetrates deep into concrete, providing reinforcing steel with corrosion protection against the deteriorating influence of carbonation, chlorides, and other contaminants. The oleophobic additive prevents staining caused by motor oils, food, and other oily substances.

MCI POWR 100 works in three ways. First, the silane component provides water repellency by chemically reacting with the cementitious substrate under proper application, decreasing the ingress of aggressive materials. Second, the oleophobic additive modifies the concrete surface to increase resistance to oil and food stains. Third, the MCI component penetrates deep into the substrate, forming a protective, molecular barrier on embedded reinforcement to reduce the rate of corrosion at the rebar surface.

The reformulated MCI POWR 100 underwent multiple tests for water, oil, and stain resistance.

In the oil contact angle test, one concrete panel was treated with a standard silane sealer and another one with MCI POWR 100. Drops of mineral oil were then carefully placed on the concrete surfaces and their angles measured to determine oil resistance. The oil contact angle on the standard silane panel was 0°, while the panel treated with MCI POWR 100 was 110°. This exceeded the required 90° angle considered to be hydrophobic, leading to the conclusion that MCI POWR 100 was therefore oleophobic, as well. A second test evaluated how quickly it took for drops of mineral oil to penetrate a concrete surface treated with MCI POWR 100. This showed that treated concrete had an estimated two to three week “oil resiliency” against significant staining from pooling oil.

A third test evaluated staining of mayonnaise, hot sauce, mustard, and coffee and found that the majority of the stains could be removed after rinsing and light scrubbing on a surface treated with MCI POWR 100.

A fourth test once again evaluated a standard silane sealer alongside MCI POWR 100 in Rilem testing to find that MCI POWR 100 offered slightly better hydrophobicity (water-resistance) than the standard silane. Based on test results, it was calculated that MCI POWR 100 had a hydrophobicity corresponding to only 0.197 L/m2 of water penetration per week under a water pressure equal to 98 mph of wind-driven rain.

A final test measured the depth of the hydrophobic layer created on the concrete after seven days of curing with either MCI POWR 100 or a standard silane sealer. The concrete blocks were cracked and wetted with water to determine the depth of hydrophobicity. Both blocks performed similarly, with the silane-sealed block measuring an average hydrophobic layer depth of 10.11 mm (0.59 mm standard deviation) and the block treated with MCI POWR 100 showing an average 10.60 mm hydrophobic depth (0.89 standard deviation).

The results of these tests show that Cortec’s MCI® POWR 100 continues to meet the necessary repellency requirements and remains a suitable choice for those who want to combine corrosion protection in one surface treatment with water, oil, and stain resistance.

MCI POWR 100 is a two-part product sold in five gallon and 55 gallon kits. The two components are mixed immediately prior to use. Any remaining mixed product should be used within 14 days. To ensure best performance the concrete surface treatment should be stored in original packaging, indoors, and out of direct sunlight at 40°F to 100°F. Shelf life is 12 months from date of shipment.