Why is pH Neutralized Concrete Important (Whats Microsilica For)?
Regular concrete has a high pH when it is first cast. This is caused by excess calcium hydroxide in the concrete. Over time in water (or even rain) the calcium hydroxide slowly leaches out. Eventually, the pH of the concrete in the sea will approach the pH of the sea which is about 8.3. However, this leaching (which takes about 3-6 months in sea water) is toxic to many types of marine life. Some types, like barnacles, are resistant to the pH difference so the growth that occurs on concrete that is not pH neutralized will favor those species. By the time the pH is normal, the resistant species have settled and set up defenses to repel settlement of other marine life forms to the reef. We recommend that if microsilica is not available that you let your concrete cure in the rain or a freshwater pond for about 3-6 months before deployment. If microsilica is available, the correct dose will bring the pH to about 8.3 right away. (Microsilica reacts with calcium hydroxide to form a type of ce
