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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.
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Against gas
Prevents penetration of sulphur oxide and dioxide.
Graftex has a resistance to CO2 diffusion of 136 m for a 40-micron
layer.
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Against graffiti
Prevents stains, grime, etc...
Graftex lets you remove graffiti through a healthy, environmentally-friendly
method, using only high-pressure hot water.
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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. |
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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.
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