epoxy
Epoxy resin, also known as artificial resin, synthetic resin, or resin glue, is a thermosetting epoxide polymer. It is an important class of thermosetting plastics widely used in adhesives, coatings, and other applications.
Artificial Resins (Epoxy Resins / Epoxy / Polyepoxide)
Epoxy resin flooring is made by mixing a base agent (epoxy resin) and a hardener (amino resin) in a specific ratio. It is laid on a cement floor before hardening. After cross-linking and hardening, it forms a three-dimensional network structure, similar to the commonly known AB glue, which imparts unique physical, mechanical, and chemical properties to the floor. Because epoxy resin itself is brittle to ultraviolet light, a PU or UP coating is typically applied to the surface to protect the epoxy resin layer.
Applications
1. Aseptic and sterile flooring in office buildings, various electronic technology factories, GMP pharmaceutical factories, food factories, electronics factories, printed circuit board factories, hypermarkets, fresh food supermarkets, hospitals, clean rooms, and other locations. 2. Heavy-duty flooring for parking lots, driveways, warehouses, factories, and other light and heavy industrial workplaces.
It is most commonly used in composite materials for printed circuit boards, various electronic devices, and integrated circuit packaging materials. It is also widely used in coatings and adhesives, and in the reinforcement of civil engineering structures. It can be combined with carbon fiber or glass fiber to create a reinforcing material with extremely high tensile strength, offering a wide range of applications.
Features
1. One-piece, seamless molding, strong adhesion, and resistance to peeling and cracking.
2. Highly dense material, water-resistant, and extremely low water absorption.
3. Anti-static, dust-proof, antibacterial, and mildew-resistant, making it easy to clean.
4. Excellent water, oil, and chemical resistance.
5. Heavy-duty, impact-resistant, and abrasion-resistant, ensuring a long service life.
6. Short construction period.
Maintenance Tips
For newly constructed floors, the surface generally takes about 7 to 8 hours to harden and become passable. It takes about 2 to 3 days for the hardening to allow heavy traffic, such as vehicles or machinery, to occur. When moving machinery and equipment, use protective pads to prevent scratches.
Epoxy is a weakly alkaline material, and general maintenance is simple. Simply mop the floor with a damp mop to clean it. Alternatively, use a neutral or weakly alkaline detergent to clean the floor. Cleaning the floor with a detergent that is too pH-sensitive will damage the epoxy surface.
Epoxy floor cleaning instructions:
1. Mop with a damp mop to remove dust and other debris.
2. Clean the floor with a neutral or weakly alkaline detergent and water to remove dust, sludge, and other debris.
3. Clean the floor with a weakly alkaline detergent (if a weakly alkaline detergent is unavailable, a weakly acidic detergent will also work) to remove grease and oil stains.
4. Avoid using solvents (such as toluene/rosin) or detergents with a strong pH-sensitive effect.
It is recommended to maintain the floor every 1-2 months for long-term use.
How long does it take for the epoxy resin to fully cure after application?
Epoxy resin cures within 8 hours of application and fully cures in 2-3 days. Keep the surface dry and ventilated for at least a week. The application period is shorter in summer and longer in winter.
Why hasn't the epoxy resin hardened after application?
This may be due to improper mixing of epoxy resin Part A (main agent) and epoxy resin Part B (hardener). Alternatively, the application worker may be unprofessional and mix the materials incorrectly, which can easily cause the epoxy resin to not cure completely.
Why do epoxy resin flooring swell and crack?
1. The contractor failed to follow the proper application procedures.
2. The floor was not properly dried before application (the original floor was too humid).
3. The original floor is emitting moisture or exhibiting oil stains.
4. The original base cement is weak.
5. The epoxy resin and base cement do not bond well during application, leaving gaps and the epoxy's chemical activity, preventing complete curing.
To prevent blisters: To prevent blisters on the epoxy layer, three things must be avoided during epoxy floor paint application: water, direct sunlight, and dust. A waterproof layer should be applied to the base layer to prevent moisture from seeping upwards. The moisture content within the base layer or waterproof layer should be strictly controlled to within 8% before applying the epoxy resin.
When applying epoxy resin, use high-quality epoxy primer.
After application, avoid direct sunlight to minimize temperature fluctuations between the surface and interior of the epoxy layer.
When applying the base layer or waterproof layer, be sure to clean away any dust or debris. Ensure that no gaps remain between the epoxy layer and the base layer or waterproof layer after application.
Do I need to apply epoxy resin primer to cement floors first?
If the cement floor is unsanded, it's essential to apply a primer first. The fine polymer structure of the primer allows it to easily penetrate the cement pores. If there's only foot traffic, one coat of primer is sufficient. If there's traffic or heavy vehicles, a second coat of topcoat is recommended.
Clean the surface and remove any dust. Allow three days for the moisture to dry before applying. The moisture content of the cement base should be below 8% before application.
More information
https://www.medusa-paint.com.tw/epoxy-resin.html