Microcement in Industrial Design: A Sustainable Material for the Future – Technology Org

The concept of modern industrial design is inseparable from the use of advanced materials. Furthermore, in this regard, many more technical requirements emerge which should be met while implementing architectural and construction projects, including ecology and sustainability. Here, the use of microcement has already become an incredibly attractive option. What is microcement, and how does its use lead our way into the future of industrial design?

What is microcement?

Microcement, also known as microtopping,microconcrete or nanoconcrete with particle sizes up to 100 micrometers, is a versatile and modern building material used for surfacing floors, walls, and other architectural elements. It is a thin, cementitious coating that provides a smooth, seamless, and decorative finish. Due to this visually appealing property, this material is often used in structural resurfacing works, including decorative purposes.

Chemically speaking, microcement is composed of a mixture of cement, fine aggregates, polymers, water-based resins, mineral pigments, and various other additives the selection of which depends on the intended purpose of the specific industrial design task.

Microcement is often chosen for its ability to provide a modern and sleek appearance while offering practical benefits in terms of durability and maintenance. Its seamless finish and customization options make it a versatile solution for a variety of architectural and design applications.

What are the main advantages of microcement?

As one of the cutting-edge coating types, microcement is known for its exceptional adhesion, making it applicable to various vertical and horizontal surfaces.

This construction material distinguishes itself from other alternatives by its direct application onto existing materials such as tiles, plasterboard, MDF and HDF panels, cement backer boards, marble, terrazzo, or plaster, as well as metal and polyurethane foam panels. By using this advanced material, construction companies can minimize their time input.

The adaptability of microcement makes it suitable for diverse spaces, offering a modern, cohesive, and often waterproof finish. It is ideal for both indoor and outdoor spaces. It forms a seamless layer suitable for wet room microcement shower tray, floors, walls, stairs, ceilings, pools, and even furniture.

Microcement provides a broad spectrum of possibilities and decorative finishes. For example, individual customers and companies can select their own set of material properties, such as layer thickness, diverse array of colors, and various finishes and additional mechanical or visual features.

Because of these remarkable properties and versatility, the use of microcement is increasingly popular in residential renovations and diverse commercial settings, including sports centers, factories, laboratories, industrial warehouses, hotels, and restaurants.

What makes microcement different from regular cement?

Microcement is very different from regular cement. The main differences are related to its composition, application, and final characteristics. We will discuss these aspects below:

1. Composition:

• Microcement: It is a specialized composite material composed of cement, water-based resins, additives, and mineral pigments. The inclusion of resins and additives enhances its flexibility, adhesion, and workability. Microcement often comes in a premixed form, simplifying the application process.
• Regular Cement: Traditional cement, such as Portland cement, is a basic binding material made primarily from limestone and clay. It is a dry powder that, when mixed with water, forms a paste that hardens over time.

2. Layer thickness:

• Microcement: Typically applied in very thin layers, often ranging from 2 to 3 millimeters. This thin application contributes to its lightweight and flexible nature.
• Regular Cement: Applied in thicker layers, as in the case of concrete, which may involve pouring and curing processes.

3. Application:

• Microcement: Well-suited for a variety of surfaces, including existing materials like tiles, plasterboard, marble, terrazzo, or plaster. It can be applied directly onto these surfaces with minimal effort, making it a popular choice for renovations.
• Regular Cement: Applied in construction projects for creating structural elements, such as foundations, walls, and floors. The application often involves mixing, pouring, and curing.

4. Finish features:

• Microcement: Provides a smooth, seamless, and decorative finish. It is often chosen for its aesthetic appeal and ability to create a contemporary look without the need for grout lines or joints.
• Regular Cement: Typically results in a more utilitarian finish, with the appearance and texture dependent on the specific application.

5. Versatility:

• Microcement: Versatile and suitable for various surfaces, both horizontal and vertical. Its adaptability makes it applicable in diverse settings, including residential rooms (including, for example, bathrooms) and commercial spaces.
• Regular Cement: Primarily used in construction for creating structural elements and is less commonly employed for decorative purposes.

Applications of microcement in industrial design

Microcement has already established itself as a versatile and sought-after material in different spheres of industrial design, particularly in the crafting of furniture, lighting fixtures, and various home accessories.

The possibility of using this material in the realm of furniture may seem surprising at first sight. However, this is a fact: microcement finds its place on tables and countertops, where its seamless application creates a modern and sleek appearance.

The thin layers of microcement contribute to the creation of lightweight yet sturdy furniture pieces, be it in the form of tables, chairs, benches, or even customized designs. Designers can experiment with textures, colors, and finishes, providing limitless possibilities for creative expression.

Furthermore, microcement’s ability to adhere to diverse substrates can be combined with existing items or accessories. For example, it is possible to revitalize the existing furniture, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Another good example is the use of microcement to develop innovative lighting fixtures. The adaptability of this material is impressive – you can find it in pendant lights, lamp bases, sconces, and wall-mounted fixtures. Designers can mold and apply microcement to produce modern-looking, unique and seamless lighting elements that lead to the creation of a cohesive atmosphere.

The material’s thin application is advantageous for coating various lighting fixtures with a smooth and continuous surface. And the benefits do not end at this point: designers can combine desired microcement’s textures and finishes to manipulate lighting effects, influencing the ambiance of a space.

In the category of home accessories, microcement proves valuable for crafting vases, planters, decorative bowls, trays, sculptures, floating shelves, or anything similar. Its waterproof properties make it an ideal choice for the creation of items that may come into contact with moisture, such as planters.

Microcement as a sustainable and eco-friendly choice

The advantages of microcement in industrial design extend beyond its seamless finish, a multitude of widely varying customization possibilities, durability, and adaptability.

Certainly, the most apparent benefits come from the fact that designers have a wide array of colors, textures, and finishes to choose from, enabling them to tailor their designs to specific aesthetics. But it is not everything there is to it. Microcement also stands out for being a notable material regarding its sustainability and its contribution to eco-friendly manufacturing processes, especially considering the future trends of industrial and traditional interior design.

In terms of sustainability, microcement is an eco-conscious choice due to the specifics of its composition. Typically made from a mixture of cement, water-based resins, additives, and mineral pigments, microcement nearly universally tends to have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional construction materials. Its formulation often involves fewer natural resources, which is an attractive factor and a much more sustainable option for environmentally conscious projects.

The lightweight properties of microcement make it particularly advantageous in various applications. This aspect also leads to better resource efficiency and lower overall weight of the developed construction and finalized surfaces. Its thin application, usually ranging from 2 to 3 millimeters, ensures that it adds minimal additional load to structures. This characteristic is beneficial for creating furniture, flooring, and other elements where a lightweight yet durable material is desirable.

The reduced weight not only facilitates easier handling and installation but also contributes to overall energy efficiency, especially during transportation and installation processes.

The choice of microcement supports eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Due to its versatility, this material can be applied directly onto existing surfaces, eliminating the need for extensive demolition and the associated waste generation. The ability to apply microcement to substrates like tiles, plasterboard, or existing concrete reduces the environmental footprint of renovation projects.

Compared to traditional coatings or finishes, microcement is durable and has a long lifespan due to its exceptional resistance to wear. This means that surfaces coated with microcement require less frequent replacements or renovations. Such longevity eventually leads to reduced material consumption over time, which is also beneficial in terms of sustainability and environmental awareness.

Conclusion

In one of the key materials used in industrial design, microcement stands out for its composition, thin application, ease of use on existing surfaces, and its suitability for decorative finishes. This attractive combination of properties makes it a popular choice in modern construction and renovation projects. The sleek finish of microcement complements contemporary interior designs, providing a seamless integration of functional elements and artistic expression.

You should remember not to confuse it with regular cement, which is a fundamental building material with broader applications in traditional construction, but much less applicable in works requiring delicate touch. Microcement’s sustainability, durability, lightweight properties, and exceptional suitability for eco-friendly manufacturing processes make it a compelling choice for environmentally conscious projects.