Epoxy Floor Finishing – what is epoxy?

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Epoxy Floor Finishing

Before talking about epoxy floor finishing, we must first understand what epoxy is. What is Epoxy? The term epoxy is a broad one. It can be used to describe the epoxide functional group, which is made up of a chain of carbon and oxygen atoms. Since functional groups determine the main characteristics of a molecule during a chemical reaction. This means molecules that contain the epoxide functional group can react chemically to create a rigid, yet highly flexible material.

On this article, we will look at it from the angle of floor finishing. Hence, epoxy as floor finishing refers to the epoxy resins that appear after curing. Curing is a chemical process in which a material hardens after exposure to air, heat, or chemical additives. In epoxy, curing occurs with the help of a catalyst, which is a chemical additive that increases the rate of a chemical reaction. This results in an exothermic reaction that creates a cross-linkage in the polymer.

Floor finishing Epoxy Floor Finishing

Epoxy floor finishing/coatings are commonly used for commercial and industrial flooring. Epoxy coatings are normally applied over concrete floors to provide a high-performance, smooth, and durable surface that can last many years and withstand heavy loads

Epoxy Floor Finishing - what is epoxy

Floor coatings or finishing with epoxy provide a professional, stain-resistant surface for cement floors. Epoxies are available in a range of different colors and come with or without color chips. The substance is for hiding imperfections in concrete surfaces. Applying epoxy coatings is a task that homeowners can do by themselves with a limited number of specialized tools. Successful coverage depends primarily on the proper preparation of your surface, as with any paint product

Reasons for the use of epoxy as concrete floor finishing

Several characteristics of epoxy make it a perfect choice of concrete floor finishing. Below are some of the reasons

  1. excellent durability
  2.  High bond strength and outstanding chemical resistance.
  3. Low permeability, critical for protecting concrete substrates.

Grading detection of epoxyEpoxy Floor Finishing

The grade detection of epoxy is determined by several key measures of performance which experts use in comparing one epoxy coating with another and to know if epoxy is really industrial grade. In this process, some floor coatings may pass performance testing with higher marks than others. The best of these will tend to have greater durability, enabling longer periods of use between recoats or replacements.

In comparing two epoxy products, the standardized test methods should be used to measure each. The tests and selected parameters used to measure both products must be exactly the same for correct evaluation. Below are some properties to look for in epoxy floor coatings test:

Points to consider when comparing epoxy floors

  1. Bond Strength: This test indicates how well the epoxy coating adheres to a properly prepared concrete substrate. Depending on the type of system and test method, bond strength of 400 psi or greater is typically recommended.
  2. Abrasion Resistance:  Results of this test can help predict how well an epoxy coating is likely to withstand various types of traffic. The use of a Taber Abrader Wheel is one way to measure abrasion resistance, though exactly how this standardized test is performed can vary among manufacturers. Therefore, knowing the specific methodology is important. This test measures the amount of coating removed during constant abrasion. Therefore, when comparing two products’ Abrasion Resistance, the lowest value denotes the product with the least amount of coating removed during testing, that is, the product that can better withstand typical abrasive conditions.
  3. Compressive Strength:  Understanding if a given epoxy coating system can withstand heavy loads without cracking can be vital in certain industrial and commercial facilities, where extremely heavy equipment and machinery are in use. While reviewing the tests of a thin epoxy coating is appropriate in some cases, it can also be useful to check the compressive strength of entire floor coating systems, which may include aggregate or other elements that can further improve performance.

Application processes

Although the epoxy flooring is typically spoken of as if it is a singular item.it should be noted that, it is actually a multilayer system, consisting at most usually, a primer, a quartz or sand broadcasting layer, a bearing layer, and perhaps, another quart broadcasting layer, and a topcoat, or finishing layer. Depending on the application, there may even be an additional primer laid down.

Installation system

Epoxy floor coatings can be installed in a variety of different ways, utilizing different application techniques that can include a broad spectrum of additives and enhancements to meet the demands of industrial, commercial and institutional operations.

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