About Xypex
What is Xypex?
Xypex is a non-toxic chemical treatment for the waterproofing and protection of concrete.
Its primary and most distinguishing performance feature is its unique ability to generate a non-soluble crystalline formation deep within the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete; a crystalline structure that permanently seals the concrete against the penetration of water and other liquids from any direction.
Xypex crystalline products are dry powder compounds composed of Portland cement, silica sand and many active, proprietary chemicals.
Xypex is a non-toxic chemical treatment for the waterproofing and protection of concrete.
The primary and most distinguishing performance feature of Xypex is its unique ability to generate a non-soluble crystalline formation deep within the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete – a crystalline structure that permanently seals the concrete against the penetration of water and other liquids from any direction.
Xypex crystalline products are dry powder compounds composed of Portland cement, silica sand and many active, proprietary chemicals.
How Xypex works
Integration within the concrete structure
To create its crystalline waterproofing effect, Xypex becomes an integral part of the concrete mass.
It does so by taking advantage of the natural and inherent characteristics of concrete; concrete is both porous (capillary tract system) and chemical in nature. By means of diffusion, the reactive chemicals in Xypex use water as a migrating medium to enter and travel through the capillary tracts in the concrete.
Unique crystalline barrier
This process precipitates a chemical reaction between Xypex, moisture and the natural chemical by-products of cement hydration (calcium hydroxide, mineral salts, mineral oxides and un-hydrated and partially hydrated cement particles).
The result is crystallization and ultimately a non-soluble crystalline structure that plugs the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete. In this condition the pores become discontinuous and the concrete is thereby rendered impenetrable by water and other liquids from any direction. The Xypex crystalline process will reactivate whenever water is present.
Potentially active for the life of the concrete
The Xypex crystalline process will reactivate whenever water is present. The crystallization process that Xypex causes within the pores and capillary tracts of concrete is illustrated below in electron microscope photos taken by an independent research team.
Why is Xypex so unique?
Xypex is a unique chemical treatment for the waterproofing, protection and enhancement of concrete.
Xypex products contain many active proprietary chemicals. These active chemicals react with the moisture in concrete and with the by-products of cement hydration to cause a catalytic reaction.
This unique reaction generates a non-soluble crystalline formation throughout the pores and capillary tracts of the concrete that permanently seals the concrete and prevents the penetration of water and other liquids from any direction. It can also self-heal cracks up to 0.4 mm.
Application of Xypex
New Build
Because Xypex becomes an integral part of the concrete substrate, it is uniquely effective and permanent, ensuring protection is maintained for the life of the concrete.
Retrospective Applications
Xypex also offers a range of crystalline products that are designed specifically to be applied as a surface coating to cured concrete and other substrates i.e. block work/masonry, to give a totally waterproof environment. These products are designed for use even when there is a hydrostatic head of pressure.
Xypex Technology Since 1969
Since 1969 Xypex crystalline technology has been used worldwide for concrete waterproofing, protection and enhancing the durability of concrete, in all climates and in a wide variety of construction situations. Xypex is specified and applied on thousands of major concrete structures around the world and the UK.
Proven Performance Worldwide
Xypex’s highly reliable position in the concrete industry has been propelled by its development of comprehensive quality systems. These systems have been certified to be compliant with such international quality standards as ISO 9001:2008, British Board of Agrément, Cahier des Charges and European Union Directives.
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.
A Global Chemical Business
In more than 80 countries, the proprietary crystalline waterproofing products of Xypex Chemical Corporation are stocked, sold and supported by a worldwide network of distributors and licensees. The crystalline technology that makes Xypex so uniquely effective in waterproofing, protecting and enhancing concrete, was developed in Vancouver in 1969. Since then, in both hemispheres, in every climatic challenge and in widely varying construction situations, our technology has been tested and proven.
In thousands of applications, Xypex has fulfilled on a promise we made to ourselves right from the beginning. Our market would be global, our distributor network would be second to none, we would build an infrastructure of people who would be knowledgeable, responsive and reliable — and our products, always, would be the best in the business.
Today, Xypex sets the standard of exacting excellence in its field, and continues to be specified and applied in more and more major concrete applications.
