OUR TECH NOLOGY

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.

5000x Magnification After 26 Days

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

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.
 RAIN

D E L A M I N AT E D
MEMBRANE

PUNCTURED
CONCRETE REMAINS
MEMBRANE
W AT E R P R O O F E V E N
I F T H E X Y P E X C O AT I N G
IS REMOVED

W AT E R XYPEX
P E N E T R AT E S C R Y S T A L L I Z AT I O N
CONCRETE PORES P R E V E N T S W AT E R
& CAPILLARIES P E N E T R AT I O N

CONCRETE
D E G R A D AT I O N

CORRODED REINFORCING
REINFORCING STEEL S T E E L P R OT E CT E D

Membrane Barrier Xypex Coating

The Problem with Membranes The Xypex Crystalline Solution

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.
 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.
AGGRESSIVE
CHEMICALS

XYPEX
C R Y S TA L L I Z A T I O N
PREVENTS CHEMICAL
P E N E T R AT I O N

X Y P E X C R Y S T A L L I Z AT I O N EXTREME
RESISTS EXTREME H Y D R O S T AT I C
H Y D R O S T AT I C P R E S S U R E PRESSURE

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.

Resisting Aggressive Chemicals Resisting Hydrostatic Pressure

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

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

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

XYPEX IS DIFFERENT
3
o 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.
3
o Because Xypex is not dependent on surface adhesion, it is resistant to extreme
hydrostatic pressure.
3
o Xypex is not subject to the deterioration problems encountered by membranes.
3
o Xypex seals hairline cracks up to 0.4 mm.
3
o Xypex is permanent and reactivates whenever water is present.
X Y P E X A P P L I C AT I O N A D VA N TA G E S
3
o 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.
3
o Xypex coatings do not require a dry surface; in fact, a wet surface is necessary.
3
o Xypex coatings can be applied to either side of the concrete.
3
o Xypex cannot puncture, tear or come apart at the seams.
3
o Xypex does not require costly surface priming or leveling and is less costly
to apply than most other methods.
3
o Xypex does not require sealing, lapping and finishing of seams at corners,
edges or between membranes.
3
o Protection during backfilling or during placement of steel, wire mesh or other
materials is not required.

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.com
BRO-TEC • 01-09

XYPEX is a registered trademark of Xypex Chemical Corporation • Copyright © 2009 Xypex Chemical Corporation • Printed in Canada