Xypex Crystalline Technology

More than 55 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.

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

Xypex Crystalline Technology Animation

How Xypex Crystalline Technology works to waterproof and protect concrete continues to hold the interest and fascination of concrete specifiers and contractors, worldwide. By way of a highly magnified view of one capillary, the animation illustrates how Xypex penetrates concrete and how the catalytic reaction that results ultimately leads to the formation of insoluble crystals and a concrete structure that is permanently waterproofed even against extreme hydrostatic pressure.

Xypex Advantages

Xypex is unique. The crystalline nature of the Xypex waterproofing system provides many application advantages over traditional barrier products.

Xypex is Different

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.
It cannot puncture, tear, or come apart at the seams.
It does not require protection during backfilling or during placement of steel, wire mesh or other materials.
It 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.
It is less costly to apply than most other methods.

Application Advantages

The Xypex crystalline system for concrete waterproofing is substantially different from traditional barrier products, like membranes and cementitious coatings. Check these
differences:

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.
It will seal static hairline cracks up to 0.5 mm.
It is not subject to the deterioration problems en countered by membranes.
Xypex is permanent and reactivates whenever water is present.

Xypex’s Quality and Environment

Forged through decades of scientific research and testing, in the lab and in the field, Xypex products are manufactured to exceed the highest industry standards. Our QC/QA process has been certified for compliance under ISO 9001:2015, British Board of Agrément, Cahier des Charges and European Union Directives. That’s why engineers, architects and concrete materials experts across the globe specify Xypex to waterproof and protect their concrete structures

Xypex’s Standarts and Tests

The ongoing consistency and resulting confidence in Xypex operations, products and services, stems from our strict adherence to these quality systems and standards. This focus also provides a framework for continual improvement and enhanced benefits for our customers throughout the world.