Epoxy impregnation of industrial floorings

RELATED MATERIALS

DUROFLOOR-BI Two-component, colorless epoxy impregnation

 

I. NATURE OF THE PROBLEM – REQUIREMENTS

Flooring in places such as parkings, garages, warehouses, laboratories, petrol stations, service stations, etc is constantly exposed to mechanical wear (friction) and chemical damage (petroleum products, wastes, oils etc).

These floor surfaces must resist wear from friction, not become dusty and have efficient resistance to chemical damage.

 

II. SOLUTION

The application of DUROFLOOR-BI, epoxy impregnation, successfully meets the above requirements.

It is a highly fluid, transparent, 2-component epoxy system with solvents. By virtue of its low viscosity, it is able to penetrate deep into the surface and fill all pores and hairline cracks. The impregnated surfaces are stabilized and display a high degree of hardness as well as abrasive resistance (friction) and resistance to chemical effects e.g. to petroleum products, wastes, oils etc.

 


III. APPLICATION

 

Substrate preparation

  1. The surface on which the epoxy impregnation is going to be applied must be dry (<4% moisture) and stable, free of dust, loose particles, grease etc. and protected from underneath moisture attack.

  2. The surface must be properly prepared as necessary, e.g. by rubbing down by brush or grinding with a terrazzo machine, in order to open the pores and allow DURUFLOOR-BI to penetrate.

  3. Subsequently, the surface should be carefully cleaned with a high suction vacuum cleaner.

 

Application of DUROFLOOR-BI

  1. Components A (resin) and B (hardener) are packed in two separate containers, having the correct predetermined mixing proportion by weight. The whole quantity of component B is added into component A. Mixing of the 2 components should take place for about 5 minutes, using a low revolution mixer (300 rpm). It is important to stir the mixture thoroughly near the sides and bottom of the container, to achieve uniform dispersion of the hardener.

  2. Depending on the absorptivity of the substrate, 1-2 coats of DUROFLOOR-BI should be applied by brush, roller or spray. The second coat should be applied approx. 15 minutes after the first one.
    Consumption: 150-250 g/m2 per coat, depending on the absorptivity of the substrate.

 

IV. REMARKS

  • The quality of the concrete must be at least C20/25 (minimum cement content 350 kg/m3) and be at least 28 days old (to obtain a significant degree of impregnation).

  • DUROFLOOR-BI can be applied to new concrete (approx. 3 days old) because it does not affect the setting process. Additionally, it can be applied to slightly damp surfaces (moisture up to 4%). However, in both cases only a small depth of penetration is achieved.

  • DUROFLOOR-BI contains solvents. In cases of applications in closed rooms, measures should be taken for good ventilation.

  • Non-uniform absorptivity of the substrate may cause a non-uniform surface appearance after impregnated.

  • Working time of epoxy systems decreases when ambient temperature rises.

  • Bonding between successive layers may be severely affected by the intervention of moisture or dirt between them.

  • Epoxy layers should be protected from moisture for 4-6 hours after application. Moisture may whiten the surface or/and make it sticky. It may also disturb hardening. Faded or sticky layers in parts of the surface should be removed by grinding or milling and laid again.

  • In case that longer time than predicted interferes between the application of successive layers or in case that old floors are going to be laid again, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned and ground before application of the new layer.

  • Before application, study the safety advice mentioned on the product’s labels.