XYPEX – No Equal

When you select Xypex, you’ve chosen the best: more than 40 years of independent testing of our original crystalline technology ...and still NO EQUAL.

Exceed Expectations

Pursuing an entirely new path, Xypex developed a unique technology (Xypex Crystalline Technology) that takes advantage of the natural and porous characteristics of concrete. With water as the catalyst, Xypex’s proprietary chemicals react with the natural by-products of cement hydration (calcium hydroxide, mineral salts, mineral oxides, and un-hydrated and partially-hydrated cement particles), forming a non-soluble crystalline structure within the interconnected pores and other voids in concrete. In this way, the crystalline structure becomes a permanent, integral part of the concrete matrix itself, preventing the ingress of water and other liquids even under strong hydrostatic pressure, and providing protection against harsh, aggressive environments.

Since the introduction of Xypex, tens of thousands of concrete structures around the world have been waterproofed and protected with this unique crystalline technology and, over the years, extensive research, testing and performance success have furthered the awareness, understanding and confidence in Xypex, earning both the technology and the company an enviable reputation as the world standard in crystalline waterproofing.

Xypex has enjoyed considerable success, so it comes as no surprise that products attempting to imitate our proprietary crystalline technology can be found in today’s marketplace. Responding to the growth in permeability-reducing admixtures, the American Concrete Institute (ACI) issued a document (ACI 212-3R-16) that clarifies performance expectations by separating additives into two sub-categories: additives for concrete not subject to hydrostatic pressure; and additives for concrete that is subject to hydrostatic pressure, including crystalline technology.

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)

Using the high-power imaging capability of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), we display visual evidence that clearly differentiates Xypex from all other products in the waterproofing admixtures category.

SEM image review concrete

The SEM images that follow, show conclusively that the many and varied Xypex non-soluble crystalline structures formed within the Xypex-treated concrete are unique, and truly have ...NO EQUAL.

Image #2 University of New South Wales, March 2003

PERMEABILITY
AusIndustry Start Graduate Program
SEM-105

As part of an extensive test program, samples were subject to water pressures equivalent to 100 m (330 ft.) of head. The 50 mm (2 in.) thick Xypex treated samples showed no signs of water penetration at this pressure, whereas the untreated control samples leaked even at 60 m (196 ft.) of water head. Below we see an SEM image of a Xypex treated sample at 2500x magnification. Note the dense mesh of Xypex crystals.

CRACK-HEALING
Xayaburi Hydroelectric Power Plant, Laos
SEM-114

As part of the approval process, Xypex treated concrete was subjected to crack-healing testing. Concrete panels were cast, cracked by force and subjected to ponding of water over the cracks to measure the flow. The untreated control samples had cracks with an average width of 0.23 mm and continued to leak beyond the 25 day limit for the test. The Xypex treated panel had cracks with an average width of 0.38 mm and leakage through the cracks stopped after just four days. This was a site demonstration of the crack-healing abilities of Xypex and was subsequently captured in this SEM image.

PROTECTION AGAINST CHLORIDE ATTACK
Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Ratchaburi Power Station
SEM-113

The Ratchaburi Power Station is located on the estuary of the Mae Klong River and is exposed to destructive chloride attack. Xypex Concentrate and Modified were used to treat the 4-year-old roof decks of the cooling towers. Concrete cores extracted from the cooling towers were subjected to microscopic examination. In the SEM image taken at x7000 magnification and a depth of 20 mm, we see the developing crystalline formation interwoven with flat plate-like structures similar to calcium hydroxide. This formation protects the reinforcing steel from harmful effects of chloride attack.

PROTECTION AGAINST CHEMICAL ATTACK
Jinghong Hydropower Station, Yunnan Province, China
SEM-115

In this image we can see the diverse mesh of the non- soluble crystalline structure that forms deep within the pores and capillary tracks of the concrete mass. Not only will the crystalline technology prevent the ingress of water into the concrete but will also protect the concrete from chemical attack. Whether from chlorides, sulfates, acids, hydrocarbons or industrial chemicals, Xypex will provide protection within a pH range of 3-11. Xypex has been proven both in independent laboratory tests and actual projects to extend the service life of concrete far beyond planned expectations.

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