OUR TECHNOLOGY

Concrete Waterproofing by Crystallization™

XYPEX CRYSTALLINE TECHNOLOGY

“Crystalline technology was an idea that grew because Xypex chemists questioned what concrete was all about, and found a way to make it better.”

More than forty years ago, demonstrating some brilliant ingenuity, a group of chemists at Xypex Chemical Corporation developed a technology that would change the way concrete is protected from intrusive liquids.

Concrete, the basic building material of the modern world, would be made to effectively overcome its biggest deficiency – the natural porosity that makes it subject to potential leaks. Xypex Crystalline Technology capitalized on concrete’s chemistry to create an integral reaction that permanently waterproofs and protects the concrete by plugging its pores and capillaries. In its area of expertise, Xypex has no equal.

By using the basic laws of physics and chemistry, the early scientists at Xypex designed a concrete waterproofing system that was both brilliant in its simplicity and effective in its results.

The fact that Xypex Crystalline Technology is now specified and used on thousands of diverse water-proofing projects around the globe is a testament to the original concept.

As concrete and construction methodologies have changed over the years, Xypex has adapted to the environment with innovative ideas and products. Our commitment to research and extensive testing worldwide is based on the demands of engineers, architects and contractors who are always looking for better ways to build. We take pride in responding to customer driven needs.

Crystalline waterproofing technology was an idea that grew because Xypex chemists questioned what concrete was all about and found a way to make it better. Today, we continue the tradition.

Dave Ross TECHNICAL ADVISOR

Basic to the development of Xypex Crystalline Technology was

a thorough understanding of concrete’s chemical and physical

makeup. Concrete is porous. Its tunnel-like capillaries are a natural

part of its mass, and permit the passage of water and other liquids.

Researchers at Xypex recognized the opportunity for a chemical

treatment that would fill these capillaries to prevent the penetration

of water and other liquids from any direction. By means of diffusion,

the reactive chemicals in Xypex products use water as a migrating

medium to enter and travel down the capillaries of the concrete.

This process precipitates a chemical reaction between Xypex,

moisture and the by-products of cement hydration, forming a

new non-soluble crystalline structure. This integral structure fills

the capillary tracts rendering the concrete waterproof.

THE CRYSTALLINE DIFFERENCE PROTECTS CONCRETE INTEGRITY

Xypex forms a non-soluble crystalline structure that is integral with the concrete. Capillaries become discontinuous and impermeable to water, even under extreme hydrostatic pressure.

CONCRETE (UNTREATED) XYPEX CRYSTALLIZATION (INITIATION) XYPEX CRYSTALLIZATION (MATURE)

5000x Magnification After 26 Days

Membranes and other traditional barrier systems are intended to work on the outside of concrete. They rely on the bond they achieve with the concrete surface. The illustration shows what can occur when the surface-bond of a membrane is broken. Whether by puncturing or hydrostatic pressure, the membrane has delaminated, opening pathways through which water and other damaging liquids can easily enter, penetrate and damage the concrete. The protection, durability and overall integrity of the concrete is weakened, and the reinforcing steel has corroded.

Xypex products are designed to work inside the concrete. Xypex chemicals penetrate the pores and capillaries of the concrete, react with the by-products of cement hydration and form a non-soluble crystalline structure deep within the slab. In this condition, the concrete becomes impermeable, preventing the penetration of water from any direction, and preventing the corrosive effects of moisture and oxidation on reinforcing steel.

Xypex products are used on many projects where aggressive chemicals threaten the integrity of concrete. Wastewater treatment plants, bridges, chemical containment structures, highways and marine environments all benefit from Xypex crystalline technology and its ability to prevent the penetration of a wide range of chemicals including mild acids, solvents, chlorides and caustic materials. Because Xypex is pH specific, it will protect concrete from any chemical whose pH range is 3.0 to 11.0 constant contact, or 2.0 to 12.0 periodic contact.

Resisting Aggressive Chemicals

This illustration of concrete shows how Xypex Crystalline Technology works to remedy the primary problems that concrete encounters because of its naturally porous condition. The illustration also highlights the areas where traditional barrier and membrane systems are weak or ineffective and why Xypex products provide a reliable solution.

Resisting Hydrostatic PressureThe Problem with Membranes

Membrane Barrier

The Xypex Crystalline Solution

R A I N

A G G R E S S I V EC H E M I CA L S

P U N CT U R E DM E M B R A N E

D E L A M I N AT E D M E M B R A N E

X Y P E X C RYS TA L L I Z AT I O NR E S I S T S E X T R E M E

H Y D R O S TAT I C P R E S S U R E

E X T R E M E H Y D R O S TAT I C P R E S S U R E

C O R R O D E D R E I N FO R C I N G S T E E L

R E I N FO R C I N G S T E E L P R OT E CT E D

WAT E RP E N E T R AT E S

C O N C R E T E P O R E S& CA P I L L A R I E S

C O N C R E T ED E G R A DAT I O N

X Y P E XC RYS TA L L I Z AT I O N

P R E V E N T S C H E M I CA LP E N E T R AT I O N

E S S I V EM I CA L SM I C

X Y P E XC RYS TA L L I Z AT I O NP R E V E N T S WAT E R

P E N E T R AT I O N

Xypex can also be installed as an additive. In this form, Xypex Crystalline Technology becomes integral with the entire concrete matrix from the time of batching.

C O N C R E T E R E M A I N S WAT E R P R O O F E V E N I F T H E X Y P E X C OAT I N G I S R E M OV E D

Reservoirs, swimming pools, aquariums, wastewater treatment plants, dams, marine and a host of below-grade structures are subject to the pressure of water and other fluids from either the inside or the outside of their concrete framework. Because Xypex is not dependent on surface adhesion but instead becomes an integral part of the concrete mass, it is capable of resisting extreme hydrostatic pressure. Independent test results have shown that a two-coat application of Xypex eliminates leakage at pressures of at least 400 ft. of head pressure.

Xypex Coating

Membranes and other traditional barrier systems are intended to work on the outside of concrete. They rely on the bond they achieve with the concrete surface. The illustration shows what can occur when the surface-bond of a membrane is broken. Whether by puncturing or hydrostatic pressure, the membrane has delaminated, opening pathways through which water and other damaging liquids can easily enter, penetrate and damage the concrete. The protection, durability and overall integrity of the concrete is weakened, and the reinforcing steel has corroded.

Xypex products are designed to work inside the concrete. Xypex chemicals penetrate the pores and capillaries of the concrete, react with the by-products of cement hydration and form a non-soluble crystalline structure deep within the slab. In this condition, the concrete becomes impermeable, preventing the penetration of water from any direction, and preventing the corrosive effects of moisture and oxidation on reinforcing steel.

Xypex products are used on many projects where aggressive chemicals threaten the integrity of concrete. Wastewater treatment plants, bridges, chemical containment structures, highways and marine environments all benefit from Xypex crystalline technology and its ability to prevent the penetration of a wide range of chemicals including mild acids, solvents, chlorides and caustic materials. Because Xypex is pH specific, it will protect concrete from any chemical whose pH range is 3.0 to 11.0 constant contact, or 2.0 to 12.0 periodic contact.

Resisting Aggressive Chemicals

This illustration of concrete shows how Xypex Crystalline Technology works to remedy the primary problems that concrete encounters because of its naturally porous condition. The illustration also highlights the areas where traditional barrier and membrane systems are weak or ineffective and why Xypex products provide a reliable solution.

Resisting Hydrostatic PressureThe Problem with Membranes

Membrane Barrier

The Xypex Crystalline Solution

R A I N

A G G R E S S I V EC H E M I CA L S

P U N CT U R E DM E M B R A N E

D E L A M I N AT E D M E M B R A N E

X Y P E X C RYS TA L L I Z AT I O NR E S I S T S E X T R E M E

H Y D R O S TAT I C P R E S S U R E

E X T R E M E H Y D R O S TAT I C P R E S S U R E

C O R R O D E D R E I N FO R C I N G S T E E L

R E I N FO R C I N G S T E E L P R OT E CT E D

WAT E RP E N E T R AT E S

C O N C R E T E P O R E S& CA P I L L A R I E S

C O N C R E T ED E G R A DAT I O N

X Y P E XC RYS TA L L I Z AT I O N

P R E V E N T S C H E M I CA LP E N E T R AT I O N

E S S I V EM I CA L SM I C

X Y P E XC RYS TA L L I Z AT I O NP R E V E N T S WAT E R

P E N E T R AT I O N

Xypex can also be installed as an additive. In this form, Xypex Crystalline Technology becomes integral with the entire concrete matrix from the time of batching.

C O N C R E T E R E M A I N S WAT E R P R O O F E V E N I F T H E X Y P E X C OAT I N G I S R E M OV E D

Reservoirs, swimming pools, aquariums, wastewater treatment plants, dams, marine and a host of below-grade structures are subject to the pressure of water and other fluids from either the inside or the outside of their concrete framework. Because Xypex is not dependent on surface adhesion but instead becomes an integral part of the concrete mass, it is capable of resisting extreme hydrostatic pressure. Independent test results have shown that a two-coat application of Xypex eliminates leakage at pressures of at least 400 ft. of head pressure.

Xypex Coating

For diverse challenges in concrete waterproofing, Xypex products uniquely approach the problem of intrusive water to protect the integrity of concrete. Morebenefits

XYPEX CHEMICAL CORPORATION 13731 Mayfield Place, Richmond, British Columbia, Canada V6V 2G9 Tel: 604.273.5265 Toll Free: 1.800.961.4477 E-mail: enquiry@xypex.com Website: www.xypex.comXYPEX is a registered trademark of Xypex Chemical Corporation • Copyright © 2009 Xypex Chemical Corporation • Printed in Canada

BR

O-TEC • 01-09

Research & Development PH & Batch Quality Control Rapid Chloride Permeability Crystal Morphology

CONCRETE BENEFITSEasy to use, and more effective than traditional barriers, Xypex coatings, dryshake, and additives make concrete better by waterproofing, protecting and enhancing its durability.

X Y P E X I S D I F F E R E N T

o 3 The Xypex crystalline process works deep inside the concrete mass to prevent the penetration of water and aggressive chemicals. In contrast, barrier-type products function only at the surface of the concrete.

o 3 Because Xypex is not dependent on surface adhesion, it is resistant to extreme hydrostatic pressure.

o 3 Xypex is not subject to the deterioration problems encountered by membranes.

o 3 Xypex seals hairline cracks up to 0.4 mm.

o 3 Xypex is permanent and reactivates whenever water is present.

X Y P E X A P P L I C A T I O N A D V A N T A G E S

o 3 Xypex is available as a coating, dry shake or additive. This is an asset to the value engineering process and to the flexibility of the construction schedule.

o 3 Xypex coatings do not require a dry surface; in fact, a wet surface is necessary.

o 3 Xypex coatings can be applied to either side of the concrete.

o 3 Xypex cannot puncture, tear or come apart at the seams.

o 3 Xypex does not require costly surface priming or leveling and is less costly to apply than most other methods.

o 3 Xypex does not require sealing, lapping and finishing of seams at corners, edges or between membranes.

o 3 Protection during backfilling or during placement of steel, wire mesh or other materials is not required.