Nature-Zyme consists of a multi-enzymatic formulation containing water, fermented organic compounds and other proprietary ingredients. Nature-Zyme can be used effectively over a wide range of soil gradation mixes (aggregate sizes). Materials containing approximately 20% cohesive fines (non-granular) have been found a satisfactory target. However, excellent results have been achieved outside this range. Additionally, the soil should contain a wide range of material sizes to provide shear strength and internal friction which increases load bearing values. Nature-Zyme has proven effective over a wide range of soil types. This range continues to expand as Nature-Zyme is used in more diverse locations throughout the world. The Contractor may make any adjustments in the material which may include, but not be limited to, increasing colloidal fines or reducing the amount of material passing a #200 sieve as directed by the engineer or consultant.
Several thousand enzymes are currently recognized and used. Enzymes in our bodies are the catalysts that make our parts function. Enzymes are found in cosmetics shampoos, detergents, cleaning agents and a multitude of other products that make them function more efficiently. Soil enzymes are a natural element which catalyzes soil bacteria reactions with nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and other soil nutrients.
(1) Duplicate enzymes are manufactured by the fermentation process to produce Nature-Zyme. An enzyme is by definition a catalyst which rapidly carries a chemical reaction to completion without becoming a part of the end product. To better understand what is happening in the case of the enzymes in Nature-Zyme we can look at the compaction of the clays in silts in nature, i.e. formation of shales.
A similar process takes place when Nature-Zyme is added to soil and aggregate for the purpose of compaction which will occur at a greatly increased reaction rate. Processes that normally take millions of years are rushed through in a matter of hours and days.
In a natural reaction such as takes place between clays and organic materials to 'waterproof' the clay, large quantities of organic materials are required. Stimulating this action in soil bacteria with Nature-Zyme provides a means for a soil faction of crushed aggregates, with a small amount of clay, to react in a similar way in three to five days. This bio-technique is initiated when Nature-Zyme is introduced into the system and stimulates the carbon dioxide in the air which is needed by the natural bacteria in the clay enabling them to multiply by the millions.
Nature-Zyme combines with organic molecules to form a reactant intermediary which exchanges with the clay lattice breaking down the clay structure and causing a shrinking effect which prevents any further absorption of water or resultant swelling with loss of density.
(2) The enzyme is regenerated by the action and goes on to perform again. Because the ions are very large, little osmotic migration takes place and intimate mixing is required which is aided by the destructive effect of the organic ions in the clay lattice. Compaction of the clay/aggregate mass near optimum moisture by construction equipment produces the high densities characteristic of shales.
High densities, along with ingredients in the fermentation process which neutralize the negative valance in the clay lattice to create bonding,
(3) These are essential to the process, particularly with lower clay content. The resultant surface has many of the characteristics of a solid, durable shale yet is produced in a fraction of time required by nature.
