The durability of concrete is considered to be how well concrete can withstand chemical attack and weathering without deteriorating. Concrete may be exposed to many different conditions (e.g. sulfate attack, etc.) which can deteriorate it and reduce its designed performance. However, concrete does not need to be designed to resist all degradation factors. Its durability needs are dependent on the exposure conditions of the location where concrete is placed. Admixtures or supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) are used in the mix designs to impart improvements to concrete durability, providing appropriate resistance to maintain its desired engineering properties.

Kryton, the inventor of the crystalline waterproofing admixture, has recently expanded its product lineup with the introduction of Con-Fume® and Hard-Cem®, to address more concrete durability needs. Con-Fume is an industry standard silica fume, and Hard-Cem is an integral hardening admixture added to improve the abrasion and erosion resistance of concrete. These two products will provide additional durability solutions to Kryton’s product lineup to extend the service life of concrete.

Kryton’s Krystol® Technology in KIM is an established waterproofing tool used to around the world to waterproof concrete exposed to hydrostatic pressure. By growing insoluble needle-shaped crystals through the concrete, filling capillary pores and micro-cracks, the permeability of water through concrete is reduced. An added benefit to Krystol Technology is its ability to lie dormant indefinitely within concrete and self-seal cracks which may form at any time.

With a reputable waterproofing admixture addressing concrete durability needs, Kryton is now able to provide proven solutions to combat concrete abrasion and erosion. By adding Hard-Cem into concrete, the physical resistance of concrete abrasion in improved through the entire depth of the concrete. Hard-Cem is also compatible with air-entraining agents allowing for abrasion resistant concrete in freeze/thaw conditions. The resultant concrete with Hard-Cem will be able to maintain its desired engineering properties and extending the service life of the concrete. Con-Fume is industry standard silica fume meeting CSA, ASTM, and AASHTO standards. Con-Fume will reduce permeability and increase strength, producing more durable concrete.

Con-Fume, Hard-Cem and KIM are different admixtures that can easily be added to concrete at the batch plant, saving time on-site from application of a floor hardener or external waterproofing system. With the addition of Con-Fume and Hard-Cem, Kryton is taking a step at achieving its mission of providing waterproof, durable and sustainable concrete solutions. Contact us for more information to see how our products can help with your concrete durability needs.