Commercial epoxy floor coating application benefits by Epoxy Oilserv Limited
Epoxy floor application areas
Epoxy Floor application processes
Epoxy Flooring Application chemistry
In principle, curing can be achieved using any molecule containing a reactive hydrogen that can react with the epoxide groups in the resin. Epoxy can either react with itself (homopolymerisation) or by forming a copolymer with polyfunctional curatives or hardeners. Common classes of hardeners for epoxy resins include amines, acids, acid anhydrides, phenols, alcohols and thiols, all of which have varying relative reactivity.
Some epoxy resin/hardener (see our brief literature on epoxy flooring) combinations will cure at ambient temperature but many need to be heated for the most effective curing. Insufficient heat during the curing process will result in a network with incomplete polymerisation, and thus reduced mechanical, chemical and heat resistance.
Advantages in Food industry
It is also possible to adapt epoxy floor coatings to also provide a non-slip surface for safety, but this usually involves a compromise because bacteria and other contaminants can be caught in the textured surface of the flooring. Non-slip properties are achieved by incorporating sand/filler to bulk out the epoxy mixture and give it a ‘porridge’ consistency which can be troweled and brushed onto the substrate.
The appearance of the flooring can be made an integral part of the health and safety régime of a workplace. Bright colours can differentiate between various zones and can be used to highlight hazardous areas while glossy tones can make the working environment more pleasant for the staff.