Hycrete Technologies, LLC Hydrophobic Concrete Additive
by John Laumer, Philadelphia on 01.12.06
Back in October of 2005 we posted about the first products to receive Cradle to Cradle certification through McDonough Braungart Design Chemistry (MBDC). One of them was "Hycrete", a form of concrete made intrinsically waterproof (hydrophobic really) by use of an additive offered by a New Jersey-based firm Hycrete Technologies, LLC. Hycrete Technologies "...manufactures Hycrete Admixture, a hydrophobic concrete admixture product developed in response to industry demand for a low-concentration, environmentally friendly additive. The admixture blocks penetration of water by forming a nonsoluble precipitate that fills concrete pores and attaches itself to polar particles, thus sealing internal voids". Importance of Hycrete Admixture to the "green building" market is discussed below.
From the Hycrete press release we are informed that: "... According to William McDonough, founding partner of McDonough & Partners and a leader in the sustainable development and green office movements, “The need for external membrane and coating systems is eliminated [with Hycrete]. Any time a process in construction can be avoided, more is accomplished with less, and savings through time and material are realized.”"
Additionally, use of Hycrete can reduce the need for hydrocarbon-based waterproofing sprays, foundation seal membranes, or roof-covering membranes. The latter would be particularly important on "living roof" projects where the presence of potted plants holds moisture in contact with roof materials and where maintenance access under the plantings is difficult. Elimination of the entire membrane-application step can help keep a project on schedule even with rain and snow.
Although no one cares, I work at a concrete lab and talked to one of the guys I work for about this product. This was his most simplistic response:
“I reviewed these technical reports when I worked for TxDOT.
I'm not saying that it will not work but there is some concern that in the
high pH of concrete if the product will be durable. Also all of their
corrosion testing done at University of Conn was very shoddy. I have not
seen the stuff done at UMass.
The product is mainly used as an additive to motor oil to prevent engine
corrosion. Someone threw it in concrete and realized that it may be able to
be a corrosion inhibitor.”
He was really concerned about the longevity of the concrete and thought this might not be all it’s cracked up to be.
==== author's response follows ===
Formulations change over time, adapting to new specifications. Perhaps someone knowledgeable about current characteristics will help us out.
My name is David Rosenberg and I am the CEO of Hycrete Technologies. Reading some of the posts, I want to clarify a few things.
1) Kevin Pruski was the principal investigator at the TX DOT. Kevin is very interested in the benefits of the Hycrete admixture. He may be willing to talk to those interested.
2) Hycrete admixture was tested in 8 years of DOT comparative testing. This is independently sponsored and conducted testing against competing technologies. Hycrete admixture outperformed by far other products tested and all DOT’s that were engaged in the testing are either using Hycrete admixture in projects or looking for projects to use Hycrete. The testing results were fantastic.
3)The testing results at U Mass Amherst were equally fantastic and were also DOT sponsored and comparative. Professor Civjan was the principal investigator there. I am sure professor Civjan would be happy to talk to those interested.
4) Hycrete materialis a derivative of a product first invented for the use as an anti-corrosion agent in engine oils. That is why if you dissect a car engine you are likely not to see corrosion. That product was soluble in water and has been around for over forty years. Hycrete material was invented by the same original inventor of the first, but was made to be soluble in water. Hycrete admixture is a corrosion inhibitor, but another huge benefit is that when it reacts with calcium (found in concrete) it goes from a solution to a non soluble material that has a long hydrocarbon chain and takes on properties of an oil and repels water. It is very unique to have a water based material that has properties of an oil. It is very cool stuff.
We would be happy to share testing information and testimonials to all. I understand the skepisism, it sounds to good to be true, but the material is that good. The benefits for the environment are tremendous with technologies like Hycrete admixture. We are trying to do our part to help out. I can be contacted directly at (201)386-8110.
Sincerely,
David Rosenberg
====== author's response follows ===
Thank you to Mr. Rosenberg and everyone else for the informative and respectful comments so far. It's a great way to learn from each other.