Hycrete named one of 2008 Tech Pioneers by WEF

Last week the World Economic Forum selected Hycrete Inc. as one of 39 Technology Pioneers for 2008.
 

Hycrete manufactures a water-based chemical admixture that integrally waterproofs concrete, preventing corrosion of reinforcement bars. This system of waterproofing can eliminate membrane and coating methods of waterproofing, which improves the recyclability of the concrete.

Hycrete is Cradle-to-Cradle certified, meaning the concrete remains a recyclable and sustainable building product. When demolished, Hycrete treated concrete can be readily crushed into coarse aggregate, to be reused as a component in new concrete. Usually the waterproofing membranes are permanently bonded to concrete rendering it unsound for use as an aggregate so a lot of concrete ends up in landfill.

Hycrete has also won other environmental recognition such as one of the Going Green 100 top private companies for 2007. "

The company's CEO, David Rosenberg, describes the business as, "It's a water-based molecule that repels water.

The molecule consists of a water molecule with a long hydrocarbon attached that links up to metallic ions in whatever it's mixed into. In the right circumstances, the molecule behaves like an oil and pushes water away.

So far, contractors have mixed the substance into 53 major projects, including sound barriers on a freeway in New Jersey. In the future, the company may mix its material into drywall to prevent moisture seepage. You could also mix it into roofing material and then put a green roof on without worrying about trickle down.