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Graftex® water repellent protects concrete structures

Against water

Maintains the natural balance of concrete and prevents the penetration of acid rain water.

Graftex has an elasticity rate of ± 150%, which allows it to withstand the expansion and contraction of concrete.

Against gas

Prevents penetration of sulphur oxide and dioxide.

Graftex has a resistance to CO2 diffusion of 136 m for a 40-micron layer.

Against graffiti

Prevents stains, grime, etc...

Graftex lets you remove graffiti through a healthy, environmentally-friendly method, using only high-pressure hot water.

 

In some industrial centers, acid rain can have a pH as high as 2 (=acid), which is sufficient to dissolve cement. The surface of the concrete is attacked and it disintegrates; the concrete becomes porous and this porosity accelerates the rusting of the reinforcement in a chemical reaction called: carbonation.

 

 

The alkalinity of new concrete has a pH of 12 to 13. This high alkalinity protects the metal reinforcement bars in the concrete against oxidation.

 

However, the penetration of carbon dioxide (CO2)
and sulphur dioxide (SO2), combined with the

ambient humidity, lowers the concrete’s pH.

 

This chemical reaction, called “carbonation”,
leads to a slow but sure drop in the concrete’s alkalinity (pH 9). Once the alkalinity reaches this point, the rebars are no longer protected from corrosion.

 

 

Oxidation increases the volume of the steel appreciably, to the point that the concrete begins cracking and spalling.

 

Ultimately, the rusting rebars jeopardize the stability of the structure.

Filling of cracks and pores

The existence of pores and hairline cracks in concrete favours rainwater penetration, encourages carbonization and suiphurization, increases the dangers of frost damage and the corrosion of steel reinforcements. In order to protect concrete effectively against atmospheric conditions and pollution, a product is needed that is capable of filling cracks without affecting its diffusion properties.