Below grade waterproofing with bentonite

A waterproofing article comprising:

• (i) a backing layer disposed over at least a portion of a first functional layer;
• (ii) a reinforcing layer overlying the first functional layer, opposite the backing layer;
• (iii) a second functional layer disposed over the reinforcing layer on a side opposite the first functional layer;
• (iv) a particulate layer disposed over on at least a portion of the second functional layer, wherein the particulate layer includes a particulate material embedded in a surface of the second functional layer;
• and
• (v) an optional polymeric layer disposed over at least a portion of the second functional layer and or the first functional layer, on a side opposite the reinforcing layer.

A method of making a waterproofing composition comprising:

• mixing a hydrophobic binder and a swellable filler, the hydrophobic binder comprising at least one of the following:
• a) a polymer modified asphalt comprising asphalt and a polymer additive;
• b) a hot melt adhesive;
• and
• c) a thermoplastic polymer;
• and
• a swellable filler comprising at least one of the following:
• (i) at least 15 wt. % and no greater than 85 wt. % of a swellable clay, and
• (ii) at least 0.1 wt. % and no greater than 70 wt. % of a super absorbent polymer;
• wherein the amounts in wt. % are based on a total weight of the waterproofing composition.

A method of making a waterproofing article comprising:

• forming a first functional layer by depositing a waterproofing composition onto a reinforcing layer or by depositing a swellable filler sandwiched between two layers of hydrophobic binders onto a reinforcing layer,
• the waterproofing composition comprising a hydrophobic binder, the hydrophobic binder comprising at least one of the following:
• a) a polymer modified asphalt comprising asphalt and a polymer additive;
• b) a hot melt adhesive;
• and
• c) a thermoplastic polymer;
• and
• a swellable filler comprising at least one of the following:
• (i) at least 15 wt. % and no greater than 85 wt. % of a swellable clay, and
• (ii) at least 0.1 wt. % and no greater than 70 wt. % of a super absorbent polymer;
• wherein the amounts in wt. % are based on a total weight of the waterproofing composition.