Vakuuminjicering

Vakuuminjicering, or vacuum impregnation, is a process used to impregnate porous materials with a liquid by applying a vacuum to remove trapped air and facilitate penetration of the liquid into the material’s pores. The technique is employed to improve saturation, reduce porosity-related defects, and enhance properties such as durability and strength.

The typical workflow involves placing the object in a vacuum chamber and evacuating air from the pores to create a low-pressure environment. The impregnation liquid is then introduced, and the vacuum is released or alternated with higher pressure cycles to drive the liquid deeper into the structure. Repetition of vacuum and pressure steps may continue until the desired level of impregnation is achieved. After impregnation, the material often undergoes curing or drying to set the liquid within the pores.

Common domains of use include wood treatment, where preservatives or resins are driven into timber to improve decay resistance and dimensional stability, and composite manufacturing, where vacuum-assisted processes like VARTM (vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding) draw resin through dry fiber mats. Other applications cover impregnation of ceramics, porous metals, foams, filters, and electronics potting compounds to enhance mechanical integrity, thermal performance, or sealing properties.

Advantages of vakuuminjicering include improved penetration into complex pore structures, reduced voids, and more uniform material properties. Limitations can involve equipment costs, longer cycle times, and the need for chemically compatible liquids that cure or set correctly. Environmental and safety considerations are important when handling preservatives or reactive resins, including ventilation and proper waste disposal.