What Is It & Why Is It Used For?

The installation procedure of epoxy floor coatings comprises the mixing of epoxy resin with a hardening agent. They react with one another before the mixture is applied on any concrete substrate. The epoxy resin may be pre-pigmented or clear depending on the use of particular systems. A few of the clear epoxy resins are having well-matched color packs which can be added to offer shades to the clear system. While others include distinct aggregate components for improving some particular performance properties just like compressive strength, impact resistance, and slip resistance.

A few popular examples of multicolored decorative elements are ceramic coated quartz and blended vinyl chips.

Functions of epoxy hardener: Epoxy resins are stable kinds of fluids which is having generally longer shelf lives. Only after getting combined with epoxy hardeners they are properly cured. If the hardener is not mixed with epoxy resin then the epoxy resin will remain on the floor in nearly liquid condition forever and obviously it will not offer a durable flooring system.

The characteristic of epoxy resin is quite different from paints. Paints work by relying on the fading of moisture to ultimately toughening into a thin film. But an epoxy resin coating on the floor will only achieve its high performance protecting features by experiencing a chemical reaction performed under certain circumstances between the epoxy resin and the hardener compound.

The process of epoxy floor coating is performed through induction, i.e. various floor coating materials are mixed together and left on the floor for about half an hour so that the elements chemically react together and get enough time to get well-placed before installation. It is better and safer than the ribboning in containers, as no dangerous molecular activity happens here.

Skill is required…

While mixing the epoxy resin and hardener, skill is required for the contractor as he gets only 15 minutes for the whole installation process. In fact, he may need to apply multiple layers of epoxy coatings within 4-12 hours’ time gap. The experience and knowledge of the contractor and the quality of commercial-grade epoxy can decide the excellence of the resinous floor coating system.

Formula impacts performance: The amount of epoxy hardener and its type required for the application depends on the type of epoxy resin being chosen for a similar application. The genuine floor coating with epoxy resin is liquid in nature which comprises of cent percent solids and depends a lot on a compatible epoxy hardener for creating firmly crosslinked molecular constructions which offer unbelievable strength, flexibility and virtual impermeability to the cured film.

The word epoxy refers to a wide range of polymer and pre-polymer groups and not only a single substance, but the type of epoxy can also put a great impact on the required amount and type of epoxy hardener.

The epoxy hardeners manufacturers use the formula for an epoxy floor coating using the molecular weight of it for determining the requirement of hardener to execute an effective cure. Different formulations offer multiple characteristics for handling moisture levels, heavier loads, and improved chemical resistance.