Impregnáció

Impregnáció is a process used to fill the pores or interstices of a solid material with a liquid substance. This liquid, often referred to as an impregnant, can be a polymer, resin, wax, oil, or even a metal. The primary goal of impregnation is to enhance the material's properties, such as its strength, density, durability, or resistance to fluids and chemicals.

The impregnation process typically involves immersing the porous material in the impregnating liquid, often under vacuum or pressure. Vacuum helps to remove air from the pores, allowing the liquid to penetrate more deeply. Pressure can then be applied to force the liquid into the remaining voids. After saturation, excess liquid is usually removed, and the impregnant may be cured or solidified through heat, chemical reaction, or radiation.

Applications of impregnation are diverse. In the manufacturing of wood products, impregnation with polymers or resins enhances resistance to moisture, decay, and insects, and can improve dimensional stability. For metals, impregnation is used to seal porosity in castings, preventing leaks in components like engine blocks or hydraulic parts. In the textile industry, impregnation can impart water repellency, flame resistance, or antimicrobial properties to fabrics. The aerospace industry utilizes impregnation for composite materials, enhancing their structural integrity and performance under extreme conditions. The choice of impregnant and the specific process parameters depend heavily on the base material and the desired final properties.