Self-Leveling Epoxies

Self-leveling epoxy, polyester or reactive acrylic resin systems 9/105... 

Chem. Descrip. Silicone-modified polyester (51 1%) in solv. mixt. Uses Surf, wetting agent, flow aid, surf. tens, reducer for self-leveling epoxy coatings, sealants... 

Uses Curing agent in solv.-free and self-leveling epoxy flooring systems. 

Cab-O-SII TS-610 Cab-O-SII TS-720 Ircogel 903 WorldeAdd VP-614 B flow aid, self-leveling epoxy coatings WorldeAdd VP-614 B flow aid, semigloss enamels Rheolate 278 flow aid, semigloss paints Bermodol MAC 2001 flow aid, silicones... 

Manufocturers Comments Self-levelling epoxy. Fast moderate temperature curing. Good temperature and chemical resistance. ... 

Self-leveling These are generally based on solvent-free epoxy and there are a number of proprietary products available. Generally, they are 3-8 mm thick, but if the base floor is too rough, it is advisable to first level this with a cement/resin screed. 

Polymeric overlays are used on concrete pavements to protect them from dust, excessive wear, cracking, crazing, spalling and to provide an attractive appearance. These materials are applied on concrete pavements in the form of screeds, self-levelling material or floor coatings. Epoxies, polyurethanes and acrylics are commonly used, epoxies being the most commonly chosen. Table 1.4 gives the suitability of these materials for different environments. 

Epoxies have an excellent resistance to abrasion. The abrasion resistance of a particular system depends upon the type of formulation and conditions. For example coatings have the capacity to resist abrasion from rubber wheels, whereas screed floorings, repair mortar and self-levelling floors can resist thousands of cycles from steel wheels. 

Self-leveling floors are produeed from low-viscosity epoxy systems. Low-exotherm, unfilled systems are preferred. The entire floor should be cast in one operation, and thickness should preferably be at least 5 mm over the entire area. Because of their excellent chemical resistance to a wide range of chemicals, epoxies are often selected for flooring in chemical plants. Systems vary from trowelable to pourable or brushable and are usually filled. Choice of hardener and filler will depend on the specific chemicals encountered. Although tables of chemical resistance from suppliers will aid in selection of a suitable system, this system should always be tested using the chemicals that the floor is expected to withstand. 

Thixotropic epoxies are convenient when the adhesive has to be applied from below or on vertical surfaces (Fig. 1, left). Epoxy grouts are employed to fill large volumes and should, therefore, be able to eliminate trapped air bubbles, should not stratify, should exhibit alow cure exotherm and be self-levelling (Fig. 1, right). 

Self-levelling on horizontal surfaces (e.g., potting compounds, epoxy encapsulation of computer chips). 

Features Superior water/corrosion/chem. resist, props. fast cure response good flow, leveling, and wetting props. compat. with short and med. oil alkyds, polyesters, acrylics, epoxies, cellulosics readily self-... 

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