Program Summary
Alchemco is dedicated to preserving the sustainability and resilience of concrete structures, offering a trusted and innovative waterproofing solution that nurtures and protects against premature deterioration. Our subsurface waterproofing membrane is a system of advanced science, where proprietary compounds are carefully enhanced with enzymes to create an auto-regenerative solution. Once applied, our system penetrates the concrete matrix, becoming a permanent resident that works proactively over time. As new cracks form, moisture activates the embedded technology, forming a gel to seal the cracks and densify the structure, ensuring ongoing protection. Even cracks up to 2.0 mm in width are sealed, promoting both durability and peace of mind, as your structure becomes stronger with time.
Contact Information
Mario Baggio
Alchemco, 3532 Mayland Ct. Henrico, VA 23233
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Direct Line: 804-502-7178
www.alchemco.com
Detailed Description of Program
Describe your product/technology:
Alchemco products offer an exclusive waterproofing solution to protect concrete structures from premature deterioration. Our product is a subsurface waterproofing membrane that is created by modifying sodium silicate with enzymes. Once our product has penetrated our waterproofing chemicals remain dormant inside of the matrix of the concrete. When future cracks occur, moisture that penetrates and reaches our technology will form new gel and seal such cracks. This densifies the concrete structure with time. Stable cracks up to 2.0 mm in width (width of a car key) will be sealed during the application of our waterproofing.
Why is it innovative?
Our technology has a unique and proprietary biochemically modified catalyst that separates it from all other spray applied concrete sealers and waterproofing products. It provides two distinct catalytic reactions that occur, which creates a virtuous cycle or “repeating cycle” that continually repeats itself over and over for the remaining service life of the structure that is treated with our technology. Silicates within our technology react with metallic ions creating a complex Calcium Silicate Hydrate (CSH) gel. This gel swells when it encounters water (blocking cracks, pores, capillaries, voids, etc) waterproofing the concrete and eliminating moisture. Over time, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere extracts some of the Calcium from the CSH gel to form Calcium Carbonate. Creating an inert mass that further reduces the permeability and porosity of the concrete, by permanently blocking the cracks, voids, micro-fractures, etc. Carbonation of concrete problem that is usually associated with Carbon Dioxide is not a problem for our technology because this repeating cycle allows the ph of the concrete to increase which surrounds the steel reinforcement instead of lowering it. Our technology’s cycle continues so long as moisture, calcium and other ions and carbon dioxide are available. This same repeating cycle enables future cracks, pores, microfractures, voids etc to be sealed. Our ongoing chemical reaction creates a dynamic & reliable self-healing process within the concrete. The process of “carbonation” is generally considered detrimental to concrete, as it lowers the ph level of the concrete. Our technology does not have this problem. It creates a “repeating” carbonation cycle which does not lower the alkalinity level of the concrete, but in fact increases the alkalinity level. This action enhances the protection of the steel reinforcement. Additionally, our technology can be applied horizontally, vertically & underside. In summary, when our technology meets water, it forms a waterproofing gel that swells; filling and blocking off the spaces (cracks) that allowed water to enter. Upon this, the “factory” gets to work depositing Calcium Carbonate to permanently seal it. The waterproofing gel will then remain “dormant” until water encounters it again restarting the cycle and protecting the structure from the inside out.
What would a field demonstration entail?
To provide a field demonstration, our product must be applied to a clean, dry dust-free concrete surface, at least 14 days after the concrete has been poured in place. The concrete surface must be clean, and all cracks must be properly cleaned and prepared. Any existing coatings or sealers should be removed prior to application to ensure proper penetration of our technology. It should only be applied when the concrete temperature is between 45F and 100F. Our product should be applied using a low-pressure pump style sprayer. Sprayer may be a canister style, back pack sprayer or a tank fed spraying system. Start by flooding all cracks, this includes cracks less than 5/64” (2 mm) and cracks that have been routed or ground. After flooding all cracks, spray our technology in a uniform pattern over the surface of the concrete. Apply the product uniformly at a rate of 180-200 sq ft per gallon. Upon spraying our product on all surfaces, allow the product to dry. Within 5 hours, begin the washing process. Washing is to be done with clean, clear water. Once the washing is complete and dried, the application is complete, and the structure is ready to be put back in service.