Salt water swellable compositions and articles

Abstract

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 flocculent, 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.