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HOW WATERPROOF IS XYPEX-TREATED CONCRETE?
A major independent testing laboratory performed concrete waterproofing
tests on Xypex in accordance with Army Corps Permeability Specification
CRD-C48-73. The results showed that a two coat application of Xypex on 2 inch ( 50) mm thick 2000 psi (13.8 MPa) porous concrete totally eliminates leakage at pressures
of at least 405 feet (123.4 m) of head pressure
175 PSI (1.2 MPa), the limit of the testing apparatus.
HOW DEEP DOES THE XYPEX CRYSTALLINE FORMATION PENETRATE THE CONCRETE?
The Xypex chemical reactions that initially take place at the concrete
surface or
immediately adjacent areas, will continue deep into the concrete structure.
Independent testing measured the depth of Xypex crystalline penetration
into a cast-in-place concrete block at 30 cm (approximately 12 inches). The test concrete sample was
coated on the top surface with Xypex Concentrate and left outside the
research laboratory in ambient conditions for 12 months.
HOW LONG DOES XYPEX LAST?
A Xypex application, unlike most other systems, is permanent. Its unique,
dendritic
crystalline growth will not deteriorate under normal conditions.
HOW RESISTANT IS XYPEX TO AGGRESSIVE CHEMICALS?
Based on independent testing according to ASTM C 267-77 "Chemical
Resistance of Mortars", Xypex is not affected by a wide range of aggressive
chemicals including
mild acids, solvents, chlorides and caustic materials. Because Xypex is pH
specific (not chemical 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.
IS XYPEX AFFECTED BY TEMPERATURE, HUMIDITY, ULTRAVIOLET AND OXYGEN LEVELS?
When applied according to specifications, Xypex performs at 100% efficiency
within
-25°F to +265°F (-32°C to +130°C) constant temperatures or within -301°F to +2786°F (-185°C to +1530°C) periodic
temperatures. Humidity, ultraviolet and the oxygen level (oxidation) have
no effect on
a Xypex treatment.
DOES XYPEX PROTECT REINFORCING STEEL?
Yes. By preventing the intrusion of chemicals, salt water, sewage and other harmful
materials, Xypex protects concrete and reinforcing steel from deterioration and oxidation.
DOES XYPEX PROTECT CONCRETE AGAINST FREEZE/THAW DAMAGE?
Yes. By blocking the intrusion of water into concrete, Xypex helps protect the concrete from the damaging effect of repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
IS XYPEX TOXIC?
No. Xypex contains no volatile organic carriers (VOC) and can be applied safely in enclosed surroundings. Xypex is approved by numerous country and state health and waterworks departments for use on structures which contain potable water or foodstuffs. A few of these agencies are listed below:
- NSF International
- Swiss Federal Health Service
- Japanese Food Research Laboratories
- United Kingdom Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI)
- Singapore Institute of Standards and Industrial Research
- Australian Water Quality Centre
- Slovak Ministry of Health
IN WHAT FORMS ARE XYPEX PRODUCTS AVAILABLE?
Xypex crystalline technology is available in three forms: as a coating (for new or existing structures); as a dry shake material (for fresh horizontal surfaces); and as an admixture (added at the time of concrete batching). These three options will prove an asset to the value-engineering process and to the flexibility of the construction schedule.
CAN XYPEX BE APPLIED AGAINS EXTREME HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE?
Yes. Because Xypex is not dependent upon adhesion to the concrete surface and
instead becomes an integral part of the concrete mass through crystallization, it is
capable of resisting extreme hydrostatic pressure from either side (positive or negative) of
the concrete.
CAN XYPEX BE APPLIED WHILE THE CONCRETE IS WET?
Yes. In fact, the concrete must be wet or moist before applying the Xypex slurry coat.
Xypex requires moisture to generate the crystalline growth in the concrete. The presence of moisture is also necessary to ensure proper bonding of the slurry coat to the surface.
IS XYPEX USED TO WATERPROOF CRACKS, JOINTS
AND OTHER DEFECTS IN CONCRETE?
Yes. Xypex has a specific repair system that utilizes its unique crystalline waterproofing
technology to stop water flow through cracks, faulty joints and other defects. In the case of expansion joints or chronic moving cracks, a flexible sealant is recommended.
IS XYPEX SUITABLE FOR USE ON SURFACES OTHER THAN CONCRETE?
Xypex is totally compatible with the chemistry of concrete, whether poured-in-place,
pre-cast or concrete block. It is not suitable for application to cut-limestone, clay brick, wood, metals, asphalt or other non-concrete building materials.
WHAT IS THE APPEARANCE OF A XYPEX COATING?
A Xypex coating normally produces a grey-colored, cementitious surface. However, Xypex "White" is also available.
CAN PAINT AND OTHER FINISHING MATERIALS BE APPLIED OVER A XYPEX COATING?
Yes. Paint, epoxy coatings, cement parge coats, plaster and stucco can be applied or installed over a Xypex coating. For detailed instructions and precautions, please refer to the application section under "Coatings".
WHAT ARE SOME TYPICAL XYPEX APPLICATIONS?
Typical Xypex applications include reservoirs, sewage and water treatment tanks,
secondary containment structures, tunnels, underground vaults, foundations, parking structures, swimming pools, and below grade construction.
HOW IS XYPEX DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PRODUCTS?
The Xypex crystalline system for concrete waterproofing is substantially different from
traditional barrier products (membranes, cementitious coatings):
- Xypex creates a crystalline structure deep within the pores and capillary tracts of
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.
- Because Xypex is not dependent on surface adhesion to achieve its waterproofing
effect, it is resistant to extreme hydrostatic pressure.
- Xypex will seal hairline cracks up to 1/64 inch (0.4 mm).
- Xypex is not subject to the deterioration problems encountered by membranes.
- Xypex is permanent and reactivates whenever water is present.
WHAT ARE APPLICATION ADVANTAGES OF USING XYPEX INSTEAD OF MEMBRANES?
The crystalline nature of the Xypex waterproofing system provides many application advantages over traditional barrier products:
- Xypex does not require a dry surface; in fact, a wet surface is necessary.
- Xypex does not require dry weather to be applied.
- Xypex does not require costly surface priming or leveling prior to application.
- Xypex cannot puncture, tear or come apart at the seams.
- Xypex does not require protection during backfilling or during placement of steel, wire mesh or other materials.
- Xypex can be applied on either side of a concrete surface - the negative or the
positive (water pressure) side.
- Xypex does not require sealing, lapping and finishing of seams at corners, edges or
between membranes.
- Xypex is less costly to apply than most other methods.

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