Salt Water Swellable Waterproofing Composition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waterproofing compositions and articles fail to prevent the penetration of high conductivity salt-containing water, such as ocean water, due to insufficient swelling and cohesion when in contact with salt-contaminated water.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a partially cross-linked acrylamide/partially neutralized polyacrylic acid copolymer, smectite clay, an elastomer like butyl rubber, a plasticizing agent, and a cationic flocculant, which swells and remains cohesive in high conductivity water, forming a barrier against salt water penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional waterproofing compositions (water-swellable clays like bentonite, multi-layer articles with fabric layers) are used, then they provide effective waterproofing against non-contaminated water, but they fail to prevent penetration of high conductivity salt-containing water due to insufficient swelling and cohesion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters by incorporating a cationic flocculant (polymer) into the clay-based waterproofing composition. This changes the electrochemical properties of the mixture, enabling it to maintain swelling and cohesion in high conductivity salt water environments where conventional bentonite alone would fail. The cationic polymer interacts with the clay particles to form a more stable, salt-resistant gel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material by combining conventional water-swellable clay (bentonite) with a cationic flocculant polymer. This composite leverages the swelling capability of bentonite while the cationic polymer provides structural integrity and resistance to salt water. The combination produces a material that maintains both swelling and cohesive properties in high conductivity environments, solving the limitation of using either component alone.
2Stability of the object's composition
If water-swellable clay is applied to provide waterproofing barrier, then it swells in fresh water to form effective seal, but it loses swelling capacity and structural integrity when in contact with salt-containing water
Solution Approach 1:
The cationic flocculant polymer acts as an intermediary substance between the water-swellable clay particles and the salt water environment. It mediates the interaction by forming a protective network around the clay particles, allowing them to maintain their swelling capacity even in the presence of high conductivity salt water. The polymer bridges the clay particles together, preventing them from dispersing or losing structural integrity in salt water.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composition effectively prevents salt water penetration by achieving significant free swell and maintaining structural integrity, making it suitable for use in various applications including concrete joints and geocomposite liners, even in the presence of high salinity.
Implementation Method 1
a partially cross-linked polyacrylamide/partially neutralized polyacrylic acid copolymer... that swells in contact with salt-contaminated water
Implementation Method 2
a smectite clay
Implementation Method 3
a cationic flocculant... will waterproof surfaces against the penetration of high conductivity water while remaining cohesive
Implementation Method 4
at least one elastomer, e.g., butyl rubber
Data Source
Figure 1~6
AI summary
The compositions, articles and methods described herein remain intact for sealing between and around structures that contact salt water. The compositions include: (i) a partially cross-linked polyacrylamide/partially neutralized polyacrylic acid copolymer; (ii) a smectite clay; (iii) an elastomer, e.g., butyl rubber; (iv) a polyolefin polymer or copolymer; and (v) a cationic flocculant, the compositions have exceptional and unexpected free swell and cohesiveness when in contact with high conductivity water or multivalent ion-containing- contaminated water. The articles of manufacture described herein all include a combination of (i) a partially cross-linked acrylamide/acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer; (ii) a smectite clay; (iii) an elastomer, e.g., butyl rubber; (iv) polyisobutene or polyisopropene; and (v) a cationic flocculant, and are used for waterproofing against high conductivity salt-containing water preferably when used in putty-like or paste-like consistency to fill areas between and around structures, e.g., to surround a pipe inserted in a concrete wall, or to seal between two concrete sections.