Nitocote SN508 Creme: Technical Details, Specifications, and Features

Product Description

Nitocote SN508 Creme (previously known as Emer-Stop Creme) is a deeply impregnating, water-dispersed, thixotropic creme formulated as a penetrating water repellent treatment for concrete and masonry surfaces. The product is specifically designed to protect concrete from both water and chloride ingress while still permitting water vapour transmission, making it ideal for atmospherically exposed concrete structures in marine and coastal environments.

Active Component and Composition

The product contains iso-octyltriethoxysilane as its active component, with a concentration of 80% active silane content. This high concentration of active ingredient is unique among other emulsion-type silanes available in the market. The specific gravity of Nitocote SN508 Creme is 0.9 at 25°C, with a pH value of 8 and a very low volatile organic compound (VOC) content of just 9 g/litre.

Key Properties and Performance

Nitocote SN508 Creme delivers exceptional performance across multiple key metrics:

• Water Absorption Reduction: The product reduces capillary water absorption by more than 80%, providing significant protection against moisture ingress
• Penetration Depth: The treatment is formulated to provide outstanding penetration depth into concrete substrates, with typical penetration depths ranging from 2 mm at 0.25 litres/m² application rate to 4 mm at 0.44 litres/m² application rate
• Water Vapour Transmission: While blocking liquid water ingress, the product allows water vapour to escape from the structure, preventing moisture accumulation
• Thixotropic Consistency: The thixotropic nature enables application to vertical and soffit surfaces without sagging, even in windy or elevated temperature conditions

Advantages

Nitocote SN508 Creme offers numerous distinct advantages for concrete protection:

• Outstanding penetration into porous concrete substrates
• Chemically bonds to concrete substrates for long-term durability
• Optimum resistance to alkalis, preventing degradation in alkaline environments
• Drastic reduction in capillary water absorption, protecting against water damage
• Low volatility with no application wastage due to the thixotropic formulation
• Allows water vapour transmission, preventing moisture-related damage
• Clearly visible during application for easy supervision and surface coverage verification
• Water-based, solvent-free, making it environmentally friendly
• Easy to apply to vertical and overhead soffit applications

Application Coverage and Rates

Application rates for Nitocote SN508 Creme vary depending on substrate porosity:

• Coverage Rate: 0.25 to 0.44 litres per square metre per coat
• Alternative Expression: 4.00 to 2.25 m² per litre per coat

The coverage rate depends on concrete quality and porosity. High-quality, dense concrete with low absorption typically requires 0.25 litres/m², while low-quality, porous concrete may require up to 0.44 litres/m². Generally, only one coat is required, though porous substrates may benefit from a second application.

Design and Application Criteria

Nitocote SN508 Creme is best applied using airless-spray technique at the required coverage rate. For smaller areas, brushes, lambskin rollers, or trowels may be used. Up to 0.44 litres/m² can be applied in a single operation to vertical surfaces and soffits with minimal waste. The product is applied undiluted and ready for use without requiring mixing.

Surface Preparation Requirements

Proper surface preparation is essential for optimal performance:

• Surfaces must be dry and free from contamination
• Remove oil, grease, loose particles, decayed matter, moss, algal growth, and laitance
• Eliminate all traces of mould oils and curing compounds
• New concrete should cure for at least 2 weeks, preferably 4 weeks, before application
• Cast-in-situ and pre-cast concrete should be prepared using high-pressure water cleaning
• Remove coarse particles and dust with a brush or compressed air
• Use superheated steam for weathered surfaces contaminated with oil or abraded rubber
• Ensure surfaces are uniformly dry with no damp patches
• Protect plants, glass, asphalt, bitumen, plastics, and painted surfaces prior to application

Post-Application Behavior

After application, impregnated surfaces take on a whiteish appearance, which clearly distinguishes them from untreated concrete and provides visual indication of application uniformity. The application thickness can be measured using a Wet Film Gauge. The active ingredient penetrates into the concrete within 30 minutes to several hours, after which the milky white cream layer disappears completely, becoming invisible once dry.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Shelf Life: 24 months if kept in a dry store in original, unopened pails
• Storage Conditions: Store in tightly closed original containers between 0°C and 30°C
• Best Use Before: Date shown on product label

Limitations

Nitocote SN508 Creme has specific limitations that should be observed:

• May hydrolyse with atmospheric moisture; material from opened containers should be used within 48 hours or discarded
• Not suitable for submerged or semi-submerged applications
• Impregnation depth is influenced by formulation, humidity, and porosity of the concrete, as well as the level of surface preparation undertaken
• Penetration depth may not reach expected levels in certain circumstances due to substrate conditions

Technical Testing and Verification

Fosroc recommends independent concrete core testing to confirm the actual penetration depth achieved on specific projects. During or on completion of works, the client should mark areas for testing at a minimum rate of one core per 300 m² of treated concrete.

References

• [1] Fosroc_Nitocote_SN508_Creme_TDS.pdf