NANOPHOS, a pioneering nano-technology company represented by the Saudi-based Building Technology Trading and Contracting Company (BLDGTEC), will be showcasing its latest products at The Big 5.

These innovative products include the SurfaPore range, which consists of powerful formulations for industrial or consumer use. “The product creates an invincible barrier against water, moisture and stains. SurfaPore needs only to be brushed or sprayed on cement surfaces, grout, stucco, natural or artificial stones, clay-based surfaces such as roof tiles, pottery, porcelain, marble, granite and wooden surfaces,” says Abdullah Alshamrani, president and CEO, BLDGTEC, adding that the technology can be used in various applications including waterproofing, protection, cleaning and restoration.
NanoPhos’ products are water-based and environment-friendly, do not contain hazardous solvents and do not change the surface appearance of materials. The company offers specific product formulations for various types of applications.
SurfaPore C offers protection and waterproofing for concrete, and natural or artificial stone. It is a water-based formulation, in which the nanoparticles have been specially engineered to deeply penetrate and shield the microscopic pores of cement or stone. While water and moisture are actively repelled, the materials on which they are applied retain their ability to “breathe”. SurfaPore C makes the surfaces moisture-free and, therefore, hinders mould and mildew growth.
SurfaPore M is an oil, water and stain-repellent product for marbles, granite and porcelain tiles. “A microscopic analysis of marbles, granite and porcelain tile surfaces reveals that multiple interconnected pores exist that readily collect dirt and get stained. Subsequently, these surfaces lose their shine and become discoloured. Cleaning them requires significant effort and some stains are impossible to remove and the application of corrosive chemicals frequently damages these surfaces.
“SurfaPore T is also formulated for the protection and waterproofing of marbles, granite and stone. It can be easily applied on existing or new surfaces and preserve their appearance,” says a spokesman for BLDGTEC.
“Another unique application for thermal insulation and waterproofing of painted surfaces that was recently introduced to the market is SurfaPore Thermodry,” he says.
Other products in the range include SurfaPore R, which is designed for the protection and waterproofing of clay-based surfaces; and SurfaPore W for the waterproofing and protection for wood.
BLDGTEC has begun aggressively promoting nano-technology in the Saudi market as part of its business strategy for future growth and will also be investing in nano-technology research and development, according to Alshamrani.
Besides SurfaPore, the Greece-based NanoPhos also produces DeSalin, which are effective formulations for industrial or consumer use that clean and restore various surfaces; and Surfashield, an innovative coating of nano-particles, which absorbs the naturally-available surrounding light and makes surfaces anti-microbial and self-cleaning.
BLDGTEC, a company with diversified activities, launched operations 12 years ago. It has researched and developed marketing strategies for products and total solutions in the oil and gas, petrochemical, telecommunication, electrical, marine and offshore and construction sectors.
The company’s highly-skilled engineering and product management staff tests and evaluates all the technologies available to assist customers solve specific problems.
BLDGTEC is also an agent for:
• Roxtec: A modular system used to seal cables and pipes that penetrate through walls, protecting against spread of fire, water and gas. Its applications are in control rooms in the marine, telecommunication and oil and gas sectors and petrochemical plants; GSM shelters; manholes and electric substations.
• Xypex: A crystalline technology that has set an international standard of excellence in concrete waterproofing.
• Nukote Coating Systems: A manufacturer of a wide range of advanced polymer coating and liner products, such as pure polyureas, modified polyureas, polyurethanes and ceramic metal polymers. 
• RK Haener (Haelok): A Swiss system used to join metal to metal pipes without welding, suitable for oil and gas, petrochemical, and marine applications and water desalination plants. It is intended for high-pressure applications and covers stainless steel, carbon steel, copper and copper nickels pipe sizes from 1/4 inches to 6 inches.