October 15 2021 0Comment
Polyurea floor coatings: What you need to know

Polyurea floor coatings: What you need to know

) Polyurea coatings offer unique benefits that are different from other types of protective coatings. There are some requirements and limitations that must be met in order to properly apply them. We have highlighted a few things you should know before considering these coatings.

1. Meaning of Polyurea

Polyurea is an elastomer substance derived from step-growth polymerization. This involves the combination of synthetic resin reactive and isocyanate. Polyurea is formed when resin mix with isocyanate goes through the step-growth process.

There are many isocyanates that can be used to provide unique properties such as flame retarding, moisture resistance, set time and other special features.

A hybrid coating is a mixture of polyurea and polyurethane in predetermined amounts. The hybrid coating offers specific physical properties at low cost.

2. Difference between Aromatic Polyurea and Aliphatic Polyurea

Polyureas derived from aromatic diisocyanates are distinguished by ultraviolet (UV) light sensitivity.

Sunlight or artificial UV light can cause polyureas to lose their color and other physical properties like chalking and darkening. Although it is an affordable alternative, aromatic polyurea can be used as a base coat.

Polyureas made from aliphatic isocyanates are resistant to color changes due to sunlight exposure. They must also maintain their physical properties in UV exposure conditions. These are ideal for outdoor applications because they have a glossy appearance that can improve aesthetics and can lower film thickness by about 30 mils. It is more expensive than aromatic polyureas due to its complicated process.

3. Polyurea and its unique features

No coating system can replace polyurea in all respects. Polyurea’s unique physical and durability properties are the reason. Polyurea has very strict requirements for surface preparation.

Polyurea protects surfaces and steel structures from corrosion and abrasion. It is able to help preserve a damaged concrete structure, and it can also be used to restore and maintain intact canals. It is resistant to chemicals, salts, oils and scratches found in commercial and industrial floor applications. It protects boats and other vessels from cracking and deterioration.

4. Comparison between polyurea to epoxy and polyurethane

Polyurea is greatly superior in durability, temperature, chemical, abrasion, UV, and moisture resistance compared to epoxy coatings. It also cures faster.

Polyurea is more durable than polyurethane and has a higher chemical resistance.

5. Significant application for polyurea coatings

You can find numerous applications that can benefit from polyurea coatings; these include:

Material handling and automotive industry

The auto industry is using polyurea coating for more than three decades. Because of its impact resistance, and other mechanical properties, the coating is very popular.

Polyurea is used to protect construction equipment and mining equipment from abrasions. It can also be used for lining dumpers that are designed for the handling of abrasive materials such as metallic and coal ores. It protects conveyors and rollers that transport metal ores, stones and abrasive coal.

Irrigation, pumps, and pipeline systems

Polyurea gives protection from corrosion and abrasion of pipelines that carry out corrosive and abrasive materials. It is used as a base coating to prevent cathodic bonding.

Security and defense sectors

Polyurea coating has proven durability and quick setting features. Polyurea coatings and linings can be used in defense and security sectors. They can absorb explosive energy.

Healthcare

In a hospital environment, ideally, wall and floor coverings will be resistant to bacteria and viruses. There is always a risk that patients will contract secondary infections. Cracks, crevices and scratches on the floor can lead to moisture seepage, which can spread deadly diseases.

Surfaces of concrete and steel bridges

Polyurea is used for the initial coating and as a maintenance/repair coating because of its fast-curing ability, impact resistance, elongation, and tensile strength. Polyurea’s unique structure makes it an elastomer with higher durability. This is what makes it so versatile in construction and other areas.

6. Critical issues and Limitations of Polyurea coatings

Polyurea coatings have special limitations and considerations. This is because the coating is highly reactive and quick-curing. Poor adhesion to substrates may result from the lack of adequate wetting time. Before the coating sets, formulators must ensure that the entire surface is wetted out.

Conclusion

These are the top things you must know about polyurea floor coatings before you get it done at your home, business, or garage setting. Polyurea floor coatings are a good option. With a durable and safe floor system, you can rest assured.

If you’re looking for the best concrete company and would like to learn more about Polyurea floor coats, get in touch for more information!

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