Description
Use Diatomaceous Earth in lime mortar and plaster as a natural pozzolan. Not all diatomaceous earth will act as a natural pozzolan. An amorphous silica material reacts with the calcium hydroxide from the lime in the presence of water and forms hydraulic compounds. This reaction is a pozzolanic reaction.
Diatomaceous earth converts non-hydraulic lime to hydraulic lime. Our traditional Lime Putty Mortars harden slowly through carbonation. Adding DE makes the mix hydraulic, allowing it to set and gain strength underwater and in damp conditions, similar to Roman concretes. It provides higher compressive strength and long term performance to weathering, specifically freeze thaw cycles. Adding diatomaceous earth improves workability, adhesion, breathability and moisture regulation.
Curing is key! Hydraulic reactions need moisture! Proper aftercare when adding DE to lime putty mortars accelerates strength development. Don’t skip the wetting down after installation!
We do not offer exact ratios due to the variations of onsite conditions. For example, the ratio may be different if you are adding DE as a pozzolan to mortar, if you live in Florida, verses living near a lake, verses living in a city with improper grading. Here are some starting ratios: Use between 2-10% of DE to a 5 Gallon of Lime Mortar. This is between 2-8 cups per 5 gallon.
This Diatomaceous Earth is Amorphous silica and is a product of the USA. Do not breathe in the dust! See SDS for more information.
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