WO2019182513A1

WO2019182513A1 - A waterproofing formulation

Info

Publication number: WO2019182513A1
Application number: PCT/SG2019/050148
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hong Yan; Jianwei Xu; Ching Mui CHO; Angeline Yan Xuan TAN; Hui Ning ZENG; Debbie Xiang Yun SOO
Original assignee: Agency For Science, Technology And Research
Priority date: 2018-03-20
Filing date: 2019-03-20
Publication date: 2019-09-26

Abstract

The present invention relates to a composition comprising an alkyl siliconate and at least one additional compound selected from an alkyl silane or a geopolymer. There is also provided a liquid mixture and a method for preparing the liquid mixture. The present invention also relates to a method of providing water-repellency and fungal resistance to a surface and uses of the composition thereof.

Description

Title of Invention: A Waterproofing

Formulation

Cross-Reference to Related Application

This application claims priority to Singapore application number 10201802256Y filed on 20 March 2018, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention generally relates to a composition and a liquid mixture. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing the liquid mixture, the uses and the methods of uses thereof.

Background Art

Absorption and penetration of water into porous building materials cause damage to the building structure and infrastructure, which is a worldwide crucial problem that strongly distresses our living environment and quality of life. It is generally exasperating to find walls and wood peeling off in the bathrooms and kitchens after a period of time or shortly after building a house. To repair these building materials that have been damaged in such a way is very laborious and expensive. Therefore, in order to prevent water absorption and consequent damage of the building materials, waterproofing is the most commonly used anti-water treatments to protect the buildings from water penetration. Further, it provides a water-resistant material between wet environments and the materials.

In construction industry, organic polymers are commonly used in mixing with cement to improve the impermeability and resistance to cracking of concrete. However, this will increase shrinkage, resulting in many examples of application failure. Recently, the more commonly used waterproofing compacting agents are mainly the higher fatty acids, triethanolamine, ferric chloride and many others. Such compounds can make the concrete capillary water absorption to decrease, but increase the amount of incorporation where the intensity will be reduced, and circumstances under which the long-term impregnation water resistance is reduced. In recent years, specific organic polymers like siliconates have played an important role as hydrophobizing agents for building materials. The organic silicon has stronger hydrophobicity, and a tight network structure can be formed in concrete which can simultaneously block or obstruct capillary orifices in the concrete, thereby achieving the purpose of bleeding resistance and water prevention.

Accordingly, there is a need for a composition that has good waterproofing properties, which addresses or alleviates one or more disadvantages mentioned above.

Summary

According to a first aspect, there is provided a composition comprising an alkyl siliconate and at least one additional compound selected from an alkyl silane or a geopolymer. Advantageously, the disclosed composition may be prepared as a water based composition and thus, may be environmental friendly.

More advantageously, the disclosed composition may provide unexpectedly superior water proofing properties and anti-fungal properties to surfaces to which the composition has been applied. The disclosed composition may also provide superior water repellent properties on surfaces.

Advantageously, the disclosed composition may be effective for water-proofing surfaces and inhibiting fungal growth thereon, even when the alkyl siliconate is provided in amounts of 10 wt. % or less based on the total weight of the composition.

More advantageously, the disclosed composition may be cost-effective to prepare in view that only two chemical components are required to achieve the technical effects. The disclosed composition may exhibit unexpectedly superior water-proofing properties and fungal inhibitory effects, while remaining cost-effective to produce due to the relatively low concentrations of the alkyl siliconate present.

According to another aspect, there is provided a liquid mixture comprising an alkyl siliconate and at least one additional compound selected from a silane or a geopolymer.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method of providing water-repellency and fungal resistance to a surface, the method comprising a step of applying a composition as defined herein to the surface to form a coating thereon; and optionally drying or curing the coating.

According to another aspect, there is provided use of the composition as defined herein for coating a surface to thereby provide water-repellency and fungal resistance thereon the surface.

Advantageously, the disclosed composition may be compatible for applications onto a variety of surfaces. The disclosed composition may be particularly suited for application onto porous surfaces to reduce the water permeability and/or water absorption property of the surface. It is postulated that the alkyl siliconate (silicone) may be useful for improving the adhesion between the composition and the surface to which it is applied. This may advantageously allow the disclosed composition to readily penetrate pores, cover crevices or even smooth uneven surfaces to result in uniform application of the composition.

Definitions

The following words and terms used herein shall have the meaning indicated:

The term“hydrophobizing” as used herein refers to or relates to an act or process of making something hydrophobic, such as the surface of a particle. This may involve the use of a “hydrophobizing agent” that alters adhesives and/or sealants to make them more hydrophobic. The hydrophobizing agent may impart instantaneous hydrophobicity to material when applied or coated onto a surface.

The term“water repellent” as used herein refers to a surface or material having a property of not being easily penetrated by water, especially as a result of being treated for such a purpose with a surface coating. The surface or material may have a finish that resists the absorption of water or is resistant to the absorption or passage of water. The surface or material may be porous. The term“water-repellency” may also be used interchangeably with the term“water repellent”.

The term“water permeability” as used herein refers to an action that allows water to permeate or pass through (either in or out) its structure.

A“bond” is a linkage between atoms in a compound or molecule. The bond may be a single bond, a double bond, or a triple bond.

"Alkyl" as a group or part of a group refers to a straight or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group to be interpreted broadly, having from 1 to 16 carbon atoms, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 or 16 carbon atoms, preferably a Ci C_i6 alkyl, C₄-C₁₂ alkyl, more preferably a CV o alkyl, most preferably C_!-C₆ alkyl unless otherwise noted. Examples of suitable straight and branched alkyl substituents include but is not limited to, methyl, ethyl, 1 -propyl, isopropyl, 1 -butyl, 2-butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, amyl, 1 ,2-dimethylpropyl, 1,1- dimethylpropyl, pentyl, isopentyl, hexyl, 4-methylpentyl, 1-methylpentyl, 2-methylpentyl, 3-methylpentyl, 2,2-dimethylbutyl, 3,3-dimethylbutyl, 1,2-dimethylbutyl, 1,3- dimethylbutyl, 5-methylheptyl, 1 -methylheptyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl, 2,2,3- trimethyl-undecyl, dodecyl, 2,2-dimethyl-dodecyl, tridecyl, 2-methyl-tridecyl, 2-methyl- tridecyl, tetradecyl, 2-methyl-tetradecyl, pentadecyl, 2-methyl-pentadecyl, hexadecyl, 2- methyl-hexadecyl and the like. The alkyl may be optionally substituted with one or more groups as defined under the term "optionally substituted" below.

“Halide” or“halogen” represents chlorine, fluorine, bromine or iodine.

“Silane” as used herein, refers to an inorganic acyclic compound with chemical formula, Si„H₂„ ₊ 2 and is saturated chemical compound consisting of one or multiple silicon atoms linked to each other, or one or multiple atoms of other chemical elements as the tetrahedral centers of multiple single bonds. The term“silane” may be used as a group or part of a group, where the hydride (H) is replaced with other functional groups (e.g. Si or a halogen) or is optionally substituted as defined herein, to be interpreted broadly. Preferably, as alkyl silane or more preferably alkoxy silane unless otherwise noted. The group may be a terminal group or a bridging group.

“Silanol” as used herein, refers to a functional group in silicon chemistry with the connectivity

Si-O-H to be interpreted broadly, having at least one hydroxyl (OH) group. When the functional group in silicon chemistry has two hydroxyl (OH) groups, the term is known as

“silanediol”. When the functional group in silicon chemistry has three hydroxyl (OH) groups,

OH HO^ I

the term is known as “silanetriol” with a chemical structure HO R , whereby the R substituent can be any functional group, preferably an alkyl group.

“Silica” as used herein also refers to silicon dioxide (Si0₂).

“Silicate” as used herein, refers to any member of a family of anions consisting of silicon and oxygen, usually with the general formula [Si0_4-* ^(4_2*)_]„, where 0 < x < 2, especially one of the anion Si0₄ ⁴ , where x = 0. The term“silicate” is also used for any salt of such anions. “Siliconate” as used herein, refers to an organic modified alkali silicate. Siliconate is generally applied in aqueous solution to harden and/or protect masonry substrates.

“Silicone” as used herein, refers to an inorganic silicon-oxygen backbone chain ( -Si-O-Si-O- Si-O-···) with organic side groups attached to the silicon atoms to be interpreted broadly, more precisely called polymerized siloxane or polysiloxane. The term“silicone” as used herein, may be used interchangeably with the term“siliconate”.

The term“optionally substituted” as used herein means the group to which this term refers may be unsubstituted, or may be substituted with one or more groups independently selected from alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, thioalkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkylalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, cycloalkylheteroalkyl, cycloalkyloxy, cycloalkenyloxy, cycloamino, halo, carboxyl, haloalkyl, haloalkynyl, alkynyloxy, heteroalkyl, heteroalkyloxy, hydroxyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxy, thioalkoxy, alkenyloxy, haloalkoxy, haloalkenyl, haloalkynyl, haloalkenyloxy, nitro, amino, nitroalkyl, nitroalkenyl, nitroalkynyl, nitroheterocyclyl, alkylamino, dialkylamino, alkenylamine, aminoalkyl, alkynylamino, acyl, alkyloxy, alkyloxyalkyl, alkyloxyaryl, alkyloxycarbonyl, alkyloxycycloalkyl, alkyloxyheteroaryl, alkyloxyheterocycloalkyl, alkenoyl, alkynoyl, acylamino, diacylamino, acyloxy, alkylsulfonyloxy, heterocyclic, heterocycloalkenyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkylalkyl, heterocycloalkylalkenyl, heterocycloalkylheteroalkyl, heterocycloalkyloxy, heterocycloalkenyloxy, heterocycloxy, heterocycloamino, haloheterocycloalkyl, alkylsulfinyl, alkylsulfonyl, alkylsulfenyl, alkylcarbonyloxy, alkylthio, acylthio, aminosulfonyl, phosphorus - containing groups such as phosphono and phosphinyl, sulfinyl, sulfinylamino, sulfonyl, sulfonylamino, aryl, heteroaryl, heteroarylalkyl, heteroarylalkenyl, heteroarylheteroalkyl, heteroarylamino, heteroaryloxy, arylalkenyl, alkenylaryl, arylalkyl, alkylaryl, alkylheteroaryl, aryloxy, arylsulfonyl, cyano, cyanate, isocyanate, -C(0)NH(alkyl), and -C(0)N(alkyl)₂. Where the term“substituted” is used, the group to which this term refers to may be substituted with one or more of the same groups mentioned above.

The word “substantially” does not exclude “completely” e.g. a composition which is “substantially free” from Y may be completely free from Y. Where necessary, the word “substantially” may be omitted from the definition of the invention.

Unless specified otherwise, the terms "comprising" and "comprise", and grammatical variants thereof, are intended to represent "open" or "inclusive" language such that they include recited elements but also permit inclusion of additional, unrecited elements.

As used herein, the term "about", in the context of concentrations of components of the formulations, typically means +/- 5% of the stated value, more typically +/- 4% of the stated value, more typically +/- 3% of the stated value, more typically, +/- 2% of the stated value, even more typically +/- 1% of the stated value, and even more typically +/- 0.5% of the stated value.

Throughout this disclosure, certain embodiments may be disclosed in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosed ranges. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed sub-ranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Certain embodiments may also be described broadly and generically herein. Each of the narrower species and subgeneric groupings falling within the generic disclosure also form part of the disclosure. This includes the generic description of the embodiments with a proviso or negative limitation removing any subject matter from the genus, regardless of whether or not the excised material is specifically recited herein.

Detailed Disclosure of Optional Embodiments

Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of a composition will now be disclosed.

The composition may comprise an alkyl siliconate and at least one additional compound selected from an alkyl silane or a geopolymer.

The alkyl siliconate of the composition as defined herein may have the general formula:

wherein R is C_{| (} alkyl; M is a metal ion; and n is an integer from 1 to 3.

The R substituent of the alkyl siliconate as defined above may be selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl and hexyl. R may be methyl.

The metal ion or M of the alkyl siliconate as defined above may be an alkali metal ion or a Group I metal ion. M of the alkyl siliconate as defined above may be selected from the group consisting of Li⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺. M may be Li⁺.

The alkyl siliconate of the composition may be selected from methyl lithium silicate, methyl sodium silicate, methyl potassium silicate, or mixtures thereof. The alkyl siliconate may be an alkali metal methylsiliconate. Advantageously, where the alkyl siliconate is lithium methyl siliconate, exceptionally good water-proofing properties may be achieved, such as water penetration < 13 mm, water absorption < 0.8%, coefficient of permeability to water 3.7334e-l3 m/s.

The additional compound of the composition as defined above may be a silane compound. Where the additional compound of the composition is an alkyl silane, the alkyl silane may be selected from the group consisting of: l l-acetateundecyltriethoxysilane, 11- acetateundecyltrimethoxysilane, allyltrichlorosilane, allyltriethoxysilane, allyltrimethoxysilane, [3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyl]trimethoxysilane, 3-aminopropyl(diethoxy)methylsilane, (3- aminopropyljtrimethoxysilane, azidotrimethylsilane, 11 -azidoundecyltriethoxysilane, 11- azidoundecyltrimethoxysilane, 3 - [bis(2 -hydroxyethyl) amino] propyl -triethoxysilane , bis(3 - (methylamino)propyl)trimethoxysilane, 1 ,2-bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane, 1 ,6- bis(trichlorosilyl)hexane, bis(trichlorosilyl)methane, l,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane, 1,2- bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane, bis[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]amine, (3- bromopropyl)trichlorosilane, (3-bromopropyl)trimethoxysilane, butyltrichlorosilane, tert- butyltrichlorosilane, chloromethyl(methyl)dimethoxysilane, (chloromethyl)triethoxysilane, chloromethyltrimethoxysilane, (3 -chloropropyl)trimethoxy silane, 3-cyanopropyltrichlorosilane, 3 -cyanopropyltriethoxy silane , dichlorodiphenylsilane , diethoxy dime thylsilane, diethoxydiphenylsilane, diethoxy(3-glycidyloxypropyl)methylsilane, diethoxy (me thyl)phenylsilane, diethoxy(methyl)vinylsilane, [3-

(diethylamino)propyl]trimethoxysilane, dimethoxydiphenylsilane, dimethoxy(methyl)octylsilane, dimethoxy-methyl(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)silane, dimethoxymethylvinylsilane, (n,n-dimethylaminopropyl)trimethoxysilane, dimethyl - di(methacroyloxy-l-ethoxy)silane, dimethyloctadecyl[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride, dimethyloctadecyl[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride, n,n-dimethyl-4- [(trimethylsilyl)ethynyl] aniline, diphenylsilanediol, dodecyltriethoxysilane, ethoxydimethylphenylsilane, ethoxytrimethylsilane, ethyltrimethoxysilane, 3- glycidoxypropyldimethoxymethylsilane, 3 -glycidoxypropyldimethylethoxysilane, (3 - glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, hexachlorodisilane, hexadecyltrimethoxy silane, hexadecyltrimethoxysilane, hexyltrimethoxy silane, (3-iodopropyl)trimethoxysilane, isobutyl(trimethoxy)silane, (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane, 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl [3- (triethoxysilyl)propyl] carbamate , methoxy(dimethyl)octadecylsilane , methoxy(dimethyl)octylsilane, methoxytrimethylsilane, 2-{ 3-|o mcthylpoly(dimcthylsiloxanc)- a-yl]propoxy} ethyl {2-[(2-methylprop-2-enoyl)oxy]ethyl}carbamate, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, octenyltrichlorosilane, mixture of isomers, lh,lh,2h,2h- perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane, lh,lh,2h,2h-perfluorododecyltrichlorosilane, lh,lh,2h,2h- perfluorooctyltriethoxy silane , n-propyltriethoxysilane, p-tolyltrichlorosilane, trichloro[2- (chloromethyl)allyl] silane, trichlorocyclohexylsilane, trichlorocyclopentylsilane, trichloro(dichloromethyl)silane, trichloro(hexyl)silane, trichloro(octadecyl)silane, trichloro(octyl)silane, trichloro(lh,lh,2h,2h-perfluorooctyl)silane, trichloro(phenethyl)silane, trichloro(phenyl)silane, 3-(trichlorosilyl)propyl methacrylate, trichloro(3,3,3- trifluoropropyl)silane, trichlorovinylsilane, triethoxy(octyl) silane, triethoxyphenylsilane, 3- (triethoxysilyl)propionitrile, 3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl isocyanate, triethoxy vinylsilane, trimethoxy[3-(methylamino)propyl] silane, trimethoxy(octadecyl)silane, trimethoxy(7 -octen- 1 - yl)silane, trimethoxy(octyl)silane, trimethoxy[2-(7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]hept-3-yl)ethyl]silane, trimethoxy(2-phenylethyl)silane, trimethoxyphenylsilane, trimethoxyphenylsilane, 3- (trimethoxysilyl)propyl acrylate, n-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]aniline, nl-(3- trimethoxysilylpropyl)diethylenetriamine, n-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine, 3- (trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate selectophore™, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate, 1- [3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]urea, n-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]-n'-(4- vinylbenzyl)ethylenediamine hydrochloride solution, trimethoxy(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)silane, 2- [(trimethylsilyl)ethynyl]anisole, tris[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl] isocyanurate technical grade, vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane.

Where the additional compound of the composition as defined above is a geopolymer, the geopolymer may be an organic geopolymer or an inorganic geopolymer. The geopolymer may contain metal ion in the framework. The metal may be a Group I metal. The metal may be a Group III metal. Preferably, the geopolymer may comprise of a polymeric Si-O-Al framework. The geopolymer may have a repeating unit comprising the following formula:

The additional compound of the composition as defined above may also act as a promoter for the reaction.

The volume ratio between the alkyl siliconate and the additional compound of the composition as defined above may be from 10: 1 to 1 : 1 , 9: 1 to 1 : 1, 8: 1 to 1 : 1, 7:1 to 1 : 1, 6: 1 to 1 :1, 5: 1 to 1 : 1, 4: 1 to 1: 1, 3: 1 to 1 : 1, 2: 1 to 1 : 1, 10: 1 to 2: 1, 10: 1 to 3: 1, 10: 1 to 4: 1, 10: 1 to 5: 1, 10: 1 to 6: 1, 10: 1 to 7: 1, 10: 1 to 8:1 or 10: 1 to 9:1.

In an exemplary embodiment, the additional compound is a silane, more preferably an triethoxyalkylsilane, and even more preferably a triethoxyoctylsilane; wherein the molar concentration of the silane may be provided from around 1 to 5 mM, 2 to 5 mM, 3 to 5 mM, 4 to 5 mM, 1 to 2 mM, 1 to 3 mM or 1 to 4 mM.

The alkali metal methylsiliconate as defined above may be mixed or reacted with the silane compound as defined above, wherein the alkali metal methylsiliconate may be provided in molar concentrations of from 8 to 14 mM, 9 to 14 mM, 10 to 14 mM, 11 to 14 mM, 12 to 14 mM, 13 to 14 mM, 8 to 13 mM, 8 to 12 mM, 8 to 11 mM, 8 to 10 mM or 8 to 9 mM. The alkali metal methylsiliconate may preferably be provided in molar concentrations selected from 8.2 mM, 8.4 mM, 8.6 mM, 8.8 mM, 9 mM, 9.2 mM, 9.4 mM, 9.6 mM, 9.8 mM, 10 mM, 10.2 mM, 10.4 mM, 10.6 mM, 10.8 mM, 11 mM, 11.2 mM, 11.4 mM, 11.6 mM, 11.8 mM, 12 mM, 12.2 mM, 12.4 mM, 12.6 mM, 12.8 mM, 13 mM, 13.2 mM, 13.4 mM, 13.6 mM, 13.8 mM or 14 mM.

In an exemplary embodiment, the hydrolyzing molar ratio (defined as the mole ratio of reactants used in the hydrolysis reaction) between the triethoxyoctylsilane and alkali metal methylsiliconate may be from 1 - 20 : 300 - 370.

The molar ratio of the silane compound and the alkali metal methylsiliconate may be from 0.1 mol% to 10 mol%, 0.1 mol% to 0.5 mol%, 0.5 mol% to 1 mol%, 0.1 mol% to 1 mol%, 1 mol% to 10 mol%, 1 mol% to 9 mol%, 1 mol% to 8 mol%, 1 mol% to 7 mol%, 1 mol% to 6 mol%, 1 mol% to 5 mol%, 1 mol% to 4 mol%, 1 mol% to 3 mol%, 1 mol% to 2 mol%, 2 mol% to 10 mol%, 3 mol% to 10 mol%, 4 mol% to 10 mol%, 5 mol% to 10 mol%, 6 mol% to 10 mol% , 7 mol% to 10 mol%, 8 mol% to 10 mol%, 9 mol% to 10 mol%, e.g. 0.15 mol%, 0.2 mol%, 0.25 mol%, 0.3 mol%, 0.35 mol%, 0.4 mol%, 0.45 mol%, 0.5 mol%, 0.55 mol%, 0.6 mol%, 0.65 mol%, 0.7 mol%, 0.75 mol%, 0.8 mol%, 0.85 mol%, 0.9 mol%, 0.95 mol%, 1 mol%, 1.5 mol%, 2 mol%, 2.5 mol%, 3 mol%, 3.5 mol%, 4 mol%, 4.5 mol%, 5 mol%, 5.5 mol%, 6 mol%, 6.5 mol%, 7 mol%, 7.5 mol%, 8 mol%, 8.5 mol%, 9 mol%, 9.5 mol%, or 10 mol%. Compositions comprising such ratios may be particularly useful for providing waterproofing properties and/or microbial resistance, whilst exhibiting optimal compatibility and good adhesive qualities with surfaces e.g. concrete.

In an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed composition may comprise or consist essentially of potassium methyl siliconate and triethoxyoctylsilane. Such a combination has been found to be particularly useful in achieving superior water-proofing properties and/or anti-fungal properties. The alkyl silane group may be mixed into silicone as a hydrophobic agent. Preferably, the silicone may be selected from methyl lithium silicate, methyl sodium silicate, methyl potassium silicate, or mixtures thereof.

The composition as defined above may comprise a solvent. The solvent may be an aqueous solution. The aqueous solution may preferably be water. The water may be tap water or deionized water.

Advantageously, the disclosed composition may be prepared as a water-borne (water-based) coating composition. The solvent may be provided in an amount of from 90 to 97 parts, 90 to 96 parts, 90 to 95 parts, 90 to 94 parts, 90 to 93 parts, 90 to 92 parts, 90 to 91 parts, 91 to 97 parts, 92 to 97 parts, 93 to 97 parts, 94 to 97 parts, 95 to 97 parts, 96 to 97 parts by weight of the composition. The composition may comprise around 95 parts by weight solvent and 5 parts by weight of a mixture comprising the alkyl siliconate and the additional compound.

Advantageously, the disclosed composition may be cost-effective to prepare in view that only two chemical components are required to achieve the technical effects.

More advantageously, the disclosed composition may be unexpectedly effective for water proofing surfaces and inhibiting fungal growth thereon, even when the alkyl siliconate is provided in amounts of 10 wt. % or less, based on the total weight of the composition. The disclosed composition may be found to be effective when provided in amounts of from 1 wt. % to 10 wt.%., or the concentration of the alkyl siliconate is provided in amounts of from 2 wt.% to 9 wt.%, 2 wt.% to 8 wt.%, 2 wt.% to 7 wt.%, 2 wt.% to 6 wt.%, 3 wt.% to 9 wt.%, 3 wt.% to 8 wt.%, 3 wt.% to 7 wt.%, 3 wt.% to 6 wt.%, or from 3 wt.% to 5 wt.%.

The alkyl siliconate may be provided in an amount of from around 3 wt.% to 5 wt.% based on the total weight of the disclosed composition. Such a composition may exhibit unexpectedly superior water-proofing properties and fungal inhibitory effects, while remaining cost-effective to produce due to the relatively low concentrations of the alkyl siliconate present. The alkyl siliconate may be the active ingredient of the formulation.

In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, such as those exemplified as product lherein, where product 1 may be tested up to four times and indicated as 1/1, 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4 in example 3 provided below. The disclosed composition may be obtained by hydrolysing triethoxyoctylsilane in alkali metal methyl siliconate. In an exemplary embodiment, the alkyl siliconate compound may be obtained by reacting 10 to 200 mL of 97.5 wt.% of triethoxyoctylsilane with 1000 mL of 50 to 55 wt.% alkali metal methylsiliconate.

The disclosed composition has been surprisingly found to provide unexpectedly superior water proofing properties and anti-fungal properties to surfaces to which the composition has been applied. The effectiveness can be observed from the data provided herein. Water-proofing may also be interpreted as providing water repellency to surfaces to which the disclosed composition has been applied. For instance, water repellency may be empirically measured by experimentally determining the coefficient of permeability to water. In exemplary embodiments, the disclosed compositions may be able to provide water-repellency to coated concrete surfaces, wherein the coefficient of permeability to water is smaller than 1x10 ¹², or smaller than 1x10 ¹³. In exemplary embodiments, the water permeability tests may be conducted in accordance with an industrial standard, e.g. DIN 1048-5. Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of a liquid mixture and method of preparing a liquid mixture will now be disclosed.

The liquid mixture may comprise an alkyl siliconate and at least one additional compound selected from a silane or a geopolymer.

The alkyl siliconate of the liquid mixture may have the formula:

wherein R is C_{1 6} alkyl; M is a metal ion; and n is an integer from 1 to 3.

The liquid mixture may be prepared by dissolving silane with a reaction product that is obtained from reacting a metal hydroxide with an alkyl silanetriol. The silane compound as defined above may be an alkyl silane. The reaction product may be an alkali metal methylsiliconate as defined above. The metal hydroxide may be alkali metal hydroxide. The alkali metal hydroxide may be selected from lithium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide. The alkyl silanetriol may be Ci_₆ alkyl silanetriol. The alkyl silanetriol may preferably be methyl silanetriol.

The liquid mixture may be prepared by dissolving silane with the reaction product at ambient conditions or at elevated temperature. The liquid mixture may preferably be prepared at room temperature.

The hydrolysis polycondensation reaction between a silane and an acid may preferably be prepared at room temperature. The reaction between a metal hydroxide and an alkyl silanetriol may preferably be prepared at room temperature. The room temperature may be from 20 °C to 25 °C, 21 °C to 25 °C, 22 °C to 25 °C, 23 °C to 25 °C or 24 °C to 25 °C.

The hydrolysis polycondensation reaction between a silane and an acid may be stirred for a period of time in the range of 1 to 6 hours, 1 to 5 hours, 1 to 4 hours, 1 to 3 hours, 1 to 2 hours, 2 to 6 hours, 3 to 6 hours, 4 to 6 hours or 5 to 6 hours. The stirring may preferably be for 1 to 2 hours. The reaction between a metal hydroxide and an alkyl silanetriol may be stirred for a period of time in the range of 1 to 6 hours, 1 to 5 hours, 1 to 4 hours, 1 to 3 hours, 1 to 2 hours, 2 to 6 hours, 3 to 6 hours, 4 to 6 hours or 5 to 6 hours. The stirring may preferably be for 4 hours. The solvent used for the reaction may be an organic solvent. The organic solvent may be polar solvent. The polar solvent may be selected from the group consisting of acetone, N,N- dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethanol and methanol.

Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of a method of providing water-repellency and fungal resistance to a surface will now be disclosed.

The method of providing water-repellency and fungal resistance to a surface, the method may comprise a step of applying a composition as defined above to the surface to form a coating thereon; and optionally drying or curing the coating.

The disclosed method may comprise an additional curing step, wherein the curing may be undertaken under ambient conditions in the presence of carbon dioxide. The ambient conditions may be at room temperature. The room temperature may be from about 20 °C to about 25 °C, about 21 °C to about 25 °C, about 22 °C to about 25 °C, about 23 °C to about 25 °C or about 24 °C to about 25 °C. The ambient conditions may be in a dry and clean environment.

The disclosed method may comprise an additional drying step, wherein the drying is under the standard drying methods, particularly, under vacuum conditions or anhydrous conditions. The drying step may comprise of the adjustment or reduced of moisture levels on the coated surface.

The surface where the composition as defined above is applied to may be selected from concrete, brick, masonry, ceramics, stones, cloth, or wood.

Advantageously, the disclosed composition may be compatible for application onto a variety of surfaces. The disclosed composition may be particularly suited for application onto porous surfaces to reduce the water permeability and/or water absorption property of the surface. More advantageously, it is postulated that the alkyl siliconate (silicone) may be useful for improving the adhesion between the composition and the surface to which it is applied. This may advantageously allow the disclosed composition to readily penetrate pores, cover crevices or even smooth uneven surfaces to result in uniform application of the composition.

Exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of use of a composition will now be disclosed.

Use of the composition as defined above may be for coating a surface, to thereby provide water-repellency and fungal resistance thereon the surface.

The composition as defined above may be in a liquid mixture. The liquid mixture may comprise an aqueous solution. The composition may be applied or coated onto the surface and dried thereafter to form a hydrophobic coating thereon.

Brief Description of Drawings

The accompanying drawings illustrate a disclosed embodiment and serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiment. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings are designed for purposes of illustration only, and not as a definition of the limits of the invention. Fig. 1

[Fig. 1] shows two images of antifungal treatments on wood: Fig. 1A shows the“before coating” occurs and Fig. 1B shows the“after coating for more than four years”.

Fig. 2

[Fig. 2] shows a series of images of the fungal test on the positive control and the test item (PMS): Fig. 2A shows the positive control strips, Fig. 2B shows the front view of the test item (PMS), Fig. 2C shows the back view of the test item (PMS), Fig. 2D shows the left view of the test item (PMS), and Fig. 2E shows the right view of the test item (PMS).

Detailed Description of Drawings

Referring to Fig. 2, Fig. 2A shows the positive control strips where there is massive microbial growth at the end of the 28-day incubation period. Fig. 2B shows the front view of the test item (PMS) where there is no fungal growth at the end of the 28-day incubation period. Fig. 2C shows the back view of the test item (PMS) where there is no fungal growth at the end of the 28-day incubation period, Fig. 2D shows the left view of the test item (PMS) where there is no fungal growth at the end of the 28-day incubation period, and Fig. 2E shows the right view of the test item (PMS) where there is no fungal growth at the end of the 28-day incubation period. The concrete at the end of the 28-day incubation period does not have any fungal growth,

Examples

Non-limiting examples of the invention will be further described in greater detail by reference to specific Examples, which should not be construed as in any way limiting the scope of the invention.

List of abbreviations used

DI: deionized water

H: hour(s)

F1C1: hydrochloric acid

L: litre(s)

LiOFl: lithium hydroxide

CH SiCl₃: methyl trichlorosilane

[(CFLSiOs)³ ]Li⁺: methyl lithium silicate

[(CFLSiOs)³ ]Na⁺: methyl sodium silicate

[(CFLSiCF)³ ]K⁺: methyl potassium silicate

min: minute(s)

KOF1: potassium hydroxide

r.t.: room temperature

NaOFl: sodium hydroxide

TEOS: tetraethyl orthosilicate

Materials and Methods

Methyl trichlorosilane, hydrochloric acid, lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, silicone and silane (if different from methyl trichlorosilane) were purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Corp. (St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.) and were used as received. Concrete was purchased and/or obtained from Admaterials Technologies Pte Ltd. All other reagents were used as received, except where otherwise noted in the experimental text below. All anhydrous solvents were also purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Corp. (St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A.) and used without further purification.

The various waterproof tests include concrete density, coefficient of water permeability, static modulus of elasticity, water absorption, tensile splitting strength, water penetration, flexural strength and antifungal testing method. The standard is based on British Standards Institution. The method of each specific test is provided below, in Example 3.

Example 1 - Preparation of Methyl Silicates

In a typical procedure, methyl trichlorosilane and concentrated hydrochloric acid (volume ratio of 1 to 7 respectively) are added to a flask and stirred for 1 to 2 hours (h) at room temperature (hydrolysis polycondensation reaction was conducted). The solid obtained was then filtered and washed with water. With the silanetriol solid on hand, an equal amount of lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide was added at room temperature, and stirred for 4 hours (h). The final products of this reaction are methyl lithium silicate, methyl sodium silicate or methyl potassium silicate solution, respectively (Scheme 1).

Scheme 1. Schematic illustration showing the preparation process of the various methyl metal silicates.

Example 2 - Preparation of concrete waterproofing agent

In a typical procedure, ethoxy-groups in the silanes are replaced by hydroxyl groups. Preferably, a catalyst is present, particularly an alkaline -reacting catalyst such as an alkali metal methylsiliconate or, where an alkali metal hydroxide is the hydrolyzing agent. The preferred hydrolyzing agent is a solution of potassium hydroxide, or of sodium hydroxide, or of lithium hydroxide in alkali metal methylsiliconate. Where a catalyst is employed, this is preferably present in an amount up to 5% by weight of the octyltriethoxysilane (w.t. % >97.5%) in alkali metal methylsiliconate (w.t. % 50-55%). The resulting suspension was stirred to dissolve the silane completely at room temperature to thereby obtain the concrete comprising the waterproofing agent.

Example 3 - Waterproofing Test Results

The as-prepared concentrated solution was diluted with tap water before mixing into cement. Five parts of the concentrated solution are typically diluted with 95 parts of water. The diluted waterproofing agent was then mixed into concrete for the various concrete tests: concrete density, coefficient of water permeability, static modulus of elasticity, water absorption, tensile splitting strength, water penetration, flexural strength and antifungal testing method.

The following tables provide a summary on the several waterproofing test results, whereby product 1 was tested up to four (4) times and indicated as 1/1, 1/2, 1/3 and 1/4 in the various tests. Concrete Density - Test Results

Determination of density for hardened concrete - BS EN 12390 - 7: 2009.

BS EN 12390 - 7: 2009 specifies a method for determining the density of hardened concrete. It applies to lightweight, normal-weight and heavy-weight concrete. It differentiates between hardened concrete in the following states: 1) as-received 2) water saturated and 3) oven-dried. The mass and volume of the specimen of hardened concrete are determined and the density calculated.

Table 1. Determination of density for hardened concrete

Remarks: 1) over-dried was selected for mass determination; 2) volume determination was carried out by water displacement method.

Based on the above-mentioned method and table, the range of density is between 1750 to 2400 kg/m³ for lightweight concrete to normal concrete. In this regard, our product 1 being tested three times falls within the acceptable range of densities.

Coefficient of Water Permeability - Test Results

Test method: In-House Method: ADM/CE/017:2013.

Table 2. Coefficient of water permeability of hardened concrete.

Remarks: 1) typical values of concrete permeability: coefficient of permeability to water (m/s): low (< 10 ¹²), average (10 ¹² - 10 ¹⁰) and high (>10 ¹⁰); 2) coefficient of permeability k = QL/tAh.

Based on the above-mentioned method and table, product 1 typically has a low coefficient of permeability to water.

Static Modulus of Elasticity - Test Results

Determination of static modulus of elasticity - BS 1881-121: 1983 BS 1881-121: 1983 specifics a method for determination of static modulus of elasticity in compression.

Table 3. Determination of static modulus of elasticity.

Based on the above-mentioned method and table, product 1 being tested three times and indicated as 1/1 to 1/3, has an average compressive strength of 25.5 M/mm².

Water Absorption - Test Results

Method for determination of water absorption - BS 1881-122: 2011

BS 1881-122: 2011 provides a way to test the water absorption of concrete. It specifies a method for determining the water absorption of concrete specimens cored from a structure or a precast component. The method may also be used to determine the water absorption of concrete cast into prisms or cylinders where the surface to volume ratio can be calculated and where no point in the specimen is more than 50 mm from a free surface. The measured water absorption of the specimen is corrected to that equivalent to a surface to volume ratio of a core 75 mm long with a diameter of 75 mm. Absorption values for cast specimens are normally slightly lower than those for a core from the same concrete but the difference can be more significant if the aggregate is absorbent.

Table 4. Method for determination of water absorption.

Remarks: *correction factor = Volume (mm³) / Surface Area (mm²) x 12.5.

Based on the above-mentioned method and table, product 1 being tested three times and indicated as 1/1 to 1/3 has a typically low percentage of water absorption, as indicated in Table 11 as well.

Tensile Splitting Strength - Test Results

Determination of tensile splitting strength - BS EN 12390-6: 2000

BS EN 12390-6: 2000 provides a way to test the tensile splitting strength of test specimens.

Table 5. Determination of tensile splitting strength.

Based on the above-mentioned method and table, product 1 was tested three times and indicated as 1/1 to 1/3, has an average tensile splitting strength of 3.37 N/mm². When compared with other grades of hardened concrete, it falls within the acceptable allowance limit.

Water Penetration - Test Results

Water penetration of concrete - DIN 1048: Pt5: 1991

DIN 1048: Pt5: 1991 provides a way to determine the depth of penetration of water under pressure.

Table 6. Water penetration of concrete.

Remarks: 1) direction of water pressure (to the casting directions): perpendicular; 2) pressure applied: 5 bar; 3) test witnesses: nil. Based on the above-mentioned method and table, product 1 was tested three times and indicated as 1/1 to 1/3, has an average maximum depth of penetration of 12 mm. When compared with other grades of hardened concrete, it falls within the acceptable allowance limit.

Flexural strength - Test Results

Flexural strength - BS EN 12390-5: 2009

BS EN 12390-5 specifies a method for testing the flexural strength of specimens of hardened concrete. This is a test on concrete beams or slabs to resist failure in bending.

Table 7. Flexural strength.

Sample Type: Moulded Date Tested: 7 March 2017

Grade of Concrete: Nil Storage & Curing in Lab: Water Curing Condition as Received: Acceptable Testing Condition: Saturated

Surface Preparation: Nil Loading Rate: 27 kN/min

Remarks: *position of failure measured from shortest distance from any of the supporting rollers. 1) BS EN 12390-5 states that failures outside the middle one third of the distance between the supporting rollers shall be noted and reported; 2) SS 78 Part A 18 states that failures outside the middle one third of the distance between the supporting rollers shall be disregarded; 3) types of apparatus: two point loading.

Based on the above-mentioned method and table, product 1 was tested three times and indicated as 1/1 to 1/3, has an average flexural strength of 5.1 N/mm². When compared with other grades of hardened concrete, it falls within the acceptable allowance limit.

Density of Product (Waterproofing Agent) - Test Results

Method of test: multiple replicates of known volumes of the liquid specimen submitted were weighed, and the weights determined were divided by the volumes used. The result from the analysis is as follows: Table 8. Density of product - waterproofing agent.

Remarks: the temperatures of the density measurements are stated in parentheses below.

Based on the above-mentioned method and table, product PMS-SIL also known as product 1 in other tests, was tested multiple times and has an average density of 1.012+0.0016 g/cm³.

Antifungal Treatments on Wood - Test Results

Based on the two figures as indicated in Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, there is no fungal present on the section of the wood that has the coating composition for more than four years (Fig. 1B) as compared to the other section of the wood that has no coating composition but has fungal present (Fig. 1A).

Fungus Resistance Testing on Concrete Sample - Test Results

Method of tests: MIL-STD-810G - Department of Defense Test Method Standard: Environmental Engineering Considerations and Laboratory test (31 October 2008). disappear

MIL-STD-810 addresses a broad range of environmental conditions that include: low pressure for altitude testing; exposure to high and low temperatures plus temperature shock (both operating and in storage); rain (including wind-blown and freezing rain); humidity, fungus, salt fog for rust testing; sand and dust exposure; explosive atmosphere; leakage; acceleration; shock and transport shock; gunfire vibration; and random vibration.

Test fungi used: Aspergillus flavus (ATCC 9643), Aspergillus versicolor (ATCC 11730), Penicillium funiculosum (ATCC 11797), Chaetomium globosum (ATCC 6205), Aspergillus niger (ATCC 9642).

Table 9. The intensity of fungal growth was assessed and express according to the following evaluation scheme.

Table 10. Test result: the rating based on the above evaluation scheme for visible effects.

Based on Table 10, by the end of 28-day incubation period, no fungus growth was observed on the surfaces of test items (PMS or also known as product 1) as compared to the control item, and no deterioration affecting the physical properties of the test items was found. The results reported relate to the sample as received. The observations can be seen from the photos that are taken after the 28-day incubation period as indicated in Fig. 2A to Fig. 2E. The hardened concrete or test item is devoid of microbial growth at the end of the 28-day incubation period.

Water Absorption Compared with Untreated Concrete - Test Result

Table 11. Water absorption and water penetration when compared with untreated concrete.

Based on Table 11, the test specimen of “IMRE” as compared to the“LTA specs” and“no treated concrete” has the lowest percentage for the water absorption test. For the water penetration or permeability test, the test specimen of“IMRE” has the lowest measurement. Industrial Applicability

The composition as defined above may be applied onto a variety of surfaces and may be suited for application onto porous surfaces to reduce the water permeability and/or water absorption property of the surface. The liquid mixture as defined above may also be applied onto a variety of surfaces and may be suited for application onto porous surfaces to reduce the water permeability and/or water absorption property of the surface. Hence, the composition and/or liquid mixture may be used to reduce the water permeability and/or water absorption property of the surface, or to increase the water-repellency properties of the surface.

The composition and/or liquid mixture may be used to improve the impermeability and resistance to cracking of surface, specifically hardened concrete. Further, the composition and/or liquid mixture may be used to protect surfaces (e.g. concrete surface) and transform it from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic as well as to provide antifungal functions on the surfaces.

In particular, the alkyl siliconate (silicone) of the composition as defined above may also be useful for improving the adhesion between the composition and the surface to which it is applied. This may advantageously allow the disclosed composition to readily penetrate pores, cover crevices or even smooth uneven surfaces to result in uniform application of the composition.

The disclosed composition and liquid mixture relate to multiple functional agents (such as waterproofing, water repellent and antifungal) that are able to protect various types of porous substrates from deterioration due to water absorption and thus, extend their useful lives. When these surfaces are applied with the waterproofing agent, they are conferred with water repellent and antifugal functions, as well as getting overall protection from corrosion and general deterioration. The treatment reduces the rate of water absorption considerably, thereby, preventing water related damages.

It will be apparent that various other modifications and adaptations of the invention will be apparent to the person skilled in the art after reading the foregoing disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and it is intended that all such modifications and adaptations come within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A composition comprising an alkyl siliconate and at least one additional compound selected from an alkyl silane or a geopolymer.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the alkyl siliconate has the general formula:

wherein

R is Ci_₆ alkyl;

M is a metal ion; and

n is an integer from 1 to 3.

3. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺.

4. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the additional compound is a silane selected from the group consisting of: 11- acetateundecyltriethoxy silane, 11-acetateundecyltrimethoxysilane, allyltrichlorosilane, allyltriethoxysilane, allyltrimethoxy silane, [3-(2- aminoethylamino)propyl]trimethoxysilane, 3-aminopropyl(diethoxy)methylsilane, (3- aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane, azidotrimethylsilane, 11 -azidoundecyltriethoxysilane, 11-azidoundecyltrimethoxysilane, 3-[bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amino]propyl-triethoxysilane, bis(3-(methylamino)propyl)trimethoxysilane, 1 ,2-bis(trichlorosilyl)ethane, 1,6- bis(trichlorosilyl)hexane, bis(trichlorosilyl)methane, l,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane, 1,2- bis(trimethoxysilyl)ethane, bis[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]amine, (3- bromopropyl)trichlorosilane, (3-bromopropyl)trimethoxysilane, butyltrichlorosilane, tert-butyltrichlorosilane , chloromethyl(methyl)dimethoxysilane ,

(chloromethyl)triethoxysilane, chloromethyltrimethoxysilane, (3- chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane, 3-cyanopropyltrichlorosilane, 3- cyanopropyltriethoxysilane, dichlorodiphenylsilane, diethoxydimethylsilane, diethoxy diphenylsilane, diethoxy(3-glycidyloxypropyl)methylsilane, diethoxy (methyl)phenylsilane, diethoxy(methyl)vinylsilane, [3-

(diethylamino)propyl]trimethoxysilane, dimethoxydiphenylsilane, dimethoxy(methyl)octylsilane, dimethoxy-methyl(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)silane, dimethoxymethylvinylsilane, (n,n-dimethylaminopropyl)trimethoxysilane, dimethyl - di(methacroyloxy- 1 -ethoxy) silane, dimethyloctadecyl [3 -

(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ammonium chloride, dimethyloctadecyl[3-

(trimethoxysilyl)propyl] ammonium chloride, n,n-dimethyl-4-

[(trimethylsilyl)ethynyl] aniline, diphenylsilanediol, dodecyltriethoxysilane, ethoxydimethylphenylsilane, ethoxytrimethylsilane, ethyltrimethoxysilane, 3- glycidoxypropyldimethoxymethylsilane, 3-glycidoxypropyldimethylethoxysilane, (3- glycidyloxypropyl)trimethoxysilane, hexachlorodisilane, hexadecyltrimethoxysilane, hexadecyltrimethoxysilane, hexyltrimethoxysilane, (3 -iodopropyl)trimethoxysilane, isobutyl(trimethoxy)silane, (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane, 2-

(methacryloyloxy)ethyl [3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]carbamate, methoxy(dimethyl)octadecylsilane, methoxy(dimethyl)octylsilane, methoxytrimethylsilane , 2 - { 3 - [w-methylpoly (dimethylsiloxane) -a-yl] propoxy } ethyl { 2- [(2-methylprop-2-enoyl)oxy]ethyl}carbamate, octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane, octenyltrichlorosilane, mixture of isomers, lh,lh,2h,2h-perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane, lh, lh,2h,2h-perfluorododecyltrichlorosilane, lh, lh,2h,2h-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane, n-propyltriethoxysilane, p-tolyltrichlorosilane, trichloro[2-(chloromethyl)allyl]silane, trichlorocyclohexylsilane, trichlorocyclopentylsilane, trichloro(dichloromethyl)silane, trichloro(hexyl)silane, trichloro(octadecyl)silane, trichloro(octyl)silane, trichloro( lh, lh,2h,2h-perfluorooctyl)silane, trichloro(phenethyl)silane, trichloro(phenyl)silane, 3-(trichlorosilyl)propyl methacrylate, trichloro(3,3,3- trifluoropropyl) silane, trichlorovinylsilane, triethoxy(octyl)silane, triethoxyphenylsilane, 3-(triethoxysilyl)propionitrile, 3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl isocyanate, triethoxyvinylsilane, trimethoxy[3-(methylamino)propyl]silane, trimethoxy(octadecyl)silane, trimethoxy(7 -octen- 1 -yl)silane, trimethoxy(octyl)silane, trimethoxy[2-(7-oxabicyclo[4.1.0]hept-3-yl)ethyl] silane, trimethoxy(2- phenylethyl)silane, trimethoxyphenylsilane, trimethoxyphenylsilane, 3-

(trimethoxysilyl)propyl acrylate, n-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]aniline, nl-(3- trimethoxysilylpropyl)diethylenetriamine, n-[3-

(trimethoxysilyl)propyl] ethylenediamine, 3 -(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate selectophore™, 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate, l-[3-

(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]urea, n-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]-n'-(4- vinylbenzyl)ethylenediamine hydrochloride solution, trimethoxy(3,3,3- trifluoropropyl)silane, 2-[(trimethylsilyl)ethynyl]anisole, tris[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl] isocyanurate technical grade, vinyltrimethoxysilane, vinyltrimethoxysilane.

5. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the additional compound is a geopolymer.

6. The composition according to claim 5, wherein said geopolymer is an organic geopolymer or an inorganic geopolymer.

7. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the geopolymer comprises a polymeric Si-O-Al framework.

8. The composition according to claim 7, wherein the geopolymer has a repeating unit comprising the following formula:

9. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a solvent.

10. The composition according to claim 9, wherein the solvent is an aqueous solution.

11. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein R is selected from methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and pentyl.

12. The composition according to claim 11, wherein R is methyl.

13. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the alkyl siliconate is selected from methyl lithium silicate, methyl sodium silicate, methyl potassium silicate, or mixtures thereof.

14. The composition according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the volume ratio between the alkyl siliconate and said additional compound is from 10:1 to 1:1.

15. A liquid mixture comprising an alkyl siliconate and at least one additional compound selected from a silane or a geopolymer.

16. The liquid mixture of claim 15, which is prepared by dissolving silane with a reaction product obtained from reacting a metal hydroxide with an alkyl silanetriol.

17. The liquid mixture of claim 16, wherein said metal hydroxide is selected from lithium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide.

18. The liquid mixture of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the alkyl silanetriol is methyl silanetriol.

19. The liquid mixture of claim 15, wherein the alkyl siliconate has the formula:

R tlM⁺

Ό - Si - O

O

wherein

R is Ci_₆ alkyl;

M is a metal ion; and

n is an integer from 1 to 3.

20. A method of providing water-repellency and fungal resistance to a surface, the method comprising a step of applying a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14 to the surface to form a coating thereon; and optionally drying or curing the coating.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein said surface is selected from concrete, brick, masonry, ceramics, stones, cloth, or wood.

22. Use of the composition according to any one of claims 1 to 14 for coating a surface to thereby provide water-repellency and fungal resistance thereon said surface.