Polyurea coatings come with unique advantages that set them apart from other protective coatings. They also have some special requirements and limitations for proper application. This blog has listed a few points that you must know before you consider these coatings.
1. Meaning of Polyurea
Polyurea is an elastomer substance derived from step-growth polymerization. It involves combining an isocyanate and synthetic resin reactive materials. Thus, the reaction of resin blend with isocyanate through the step-growth process of polymerization helps produce polyurea.
Various formulations of isocyanates and resins can provide flame retarding properties, moisture resistance, desired setting time, and other unique features.
A hybrid coating is a polyurea blended in polyurethane with predetermined proportions. The hybrid coating provides specific physical properties of the pure polyurea at low costs.
2. Difference between Aromatic Polyurea and Aliphatic Polyurea
Polyureas derived from aromatic diisocyanates are distinguished by ultraviolet (UV) light sensitivity.
Artificial UV light or sunlight exposure can cause deterioration of the polyurea’s color change and physical properties such as chalking and darkening. Aromatic polyurea is a low-cost alternative but is not appropriate as a top coat; it can be adequate for a base coat application.
Polyureas are derived from aliphatic diisocyanates can resist color change due to exposure to sunlight. They need to maintain their physical properties under UV exposure conditions as well. They are preferred for outdoor applications as they can help improve the aesthetics with a glossy appearance and can be used to lower film thickness by around 30 mills. However, it could be expensive compared to aromatic polyureas due to the complicated process.
3. Polyurea and its unique features
No coating system can replace polyurea in all respects. The reason is because of its durability and unique physical properties. However, the surface preparation requirements of polyurea are very stringent.
Polyurea protects steel, concrete, and wooden structures and surfaces from corrosion and abrasion damage. It can help preserve a deteriorating concrete structure and help to repair and keep canals intact. It resists industrial and commercial floor applications’ salts, oils, chemicals, and scratches. It can also preserve boats and other vessels by protecting them from deterioration and cracking.
4. Comparison between polyurea to epoxy and polyurethane
Compared to epoxy coatings, polyurea is vastly superior in durability, temperature, chemical, abrasion, UV, and moisture resistance. Its cure time is also quicker.
Compared to polyurethane, polyurea has moisture resistance chemical resistance alongside superior durability.
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 has been using polyurea coating for more than three decades. The coating is popular because of its impact resistance and other mechanical properties.
Polyurea provides abrasion protection in construction and mining equipment and lining dumpers useful for abrasive materials like metallic and coal ores. It protects rollers and conveyors of conveyor systems that transport metallic 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 applied as the base coating to prevent cathodic disbanding.
Security and defense sectors
Polyurea coating has proven durability and quick setting features. It can absorb explosive energy, polyurea coatings, and linings, and impact resistance can easily find use in the security and defense sectors.
Healthcare
Ideally, wall and floor coverings will be resistant to bacteria and viruses in a hospital environment. The reason is that there is a constant risk of patients acquiring a secondary infection. Scratches, crevices, and cracks on the floor can cause moisture seepage and spread dangerous 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 structure makes it an elastomer of higher durability. It is the secret of its suitability in construction and other fields.
6. Critical issues and Limitations for Polyurea coatings
Polyurea coatings come with unique limitations and considerations. The reason is that the coating is quick-curing and highly reactive. The setting of the coating without adequate wetting-out time may cause poor adhesion to the substrate. Formulators need to ensure the complete wetting out of the surface before the coating sets.
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 coating is one of the good options to consider. You can enjoy complete peace of mind knowing that you have a floor system that is durable and safe.
If you are looking for the best concrete coating company and want to know more about Polyurea floor coatings, get in touch with us for more information!