What is epoxy?
Epoxy also known as polyepoxite is a thermo set produced by the bonding of two compounds, the epoxide which is the resin and polyamine which is the hardener. The result of the mixture is a tough sealant that is resistive to chemical absorption.
What are uses of epoxy?
Epoxy has many uses in the construction industry.
It can be used as paints, coatings and adhesives. They are handy in carpentry and woodworking which can be a substitute to wood glue. It can be used in situations where quick drying is needed since it sets faster compared to wood glue. Epoxy can also be used in laminating plywood with fiberglass.
Other uses of epoxy are in industrial tooling, electrical systems, marine application and aerospace industry.
(This picture is contributed by "Swati Sharma")
What is epoxy flooring?
Epoxy flooring may be generally defined as several layers of any type of epoxy resin that is applied on a floor surface. The applied epoxy on the flooring should have a minimum of 2mm in thickness.
(This picture is contributed by "Nidhi")
What are the uses of epoxy flooring?
Epoxy flooring is applied to places where the floors need to be slip resistant. These places include pedestrian lanes, warehouses, loading bays, and areas where there is constant traffic by load carrying trucks.
This type of floor coating is also used where there is a need for clean, dust-free, easily maintained environments. Facilities that manufacture electronic, chemical, cosmetic and food products are industries that need high sanitary measures.
(This picture is contributed by "Monu Jangid")
What are the types of Epoxy flooring?
There are three main types of epoxy flooring. The solvent borne epoxy, waterborne epoxy, and the 100% solids epoxy. These categories are according to the type of fluids mixed. Epoxy coatings used on floors can be both applied on the flooring of homes and factories. They are flexible and durable and can form a decorative terrazzo flooring when applied on home floorings.
(This picture is contributed by "Nenni")
Solvent Borne Epoxy is a type of solvent when applied leaves a hard epoxy coating.
The hard epoxy coating is due to a solvent that contains concentrated amounts of organic compounds. This type of epoxy similar to other types of epoxy is cohesive and is capable of having a thin layer when applied to floor surfaces.
There are disadvantages in using solvent borne epoxy. It is combustible and can be toxic when vapors that have evaporated from the solvent borne epoxy are inhaled.
A more environmentally friendly alternative would be the waterborne epoxy. It provides a high degree and resistive coating to concrete and metal surfaces. The waterborne epoxy can easily blend to other waterborne polymers when modified latex adhesives are needed. It can vary on thickness of its application on surfaces and water alone can clean it easily. Though considered safer than other epoxy flooring, it still contributes negative impacts to the environment in a certain degree.
(This picture is contributed by "Nenni")
Applying Epoxy Coating....
The 100% Solids Epoxy is a type of epoxy flooring that has the least negative impact to the environment. The drawback to this advantage though, is that, since it is a 100% solids epoxy, therefore it is harder to apply. With having a mixture that has lesser fluid carrier, the viscosity or the tackiness of this epoxy is quite high. Though having this disadvantage, it can still be flexible to certain applications. A need of having a dry run for its use can be advantageous before applying it to a surface.
What are the benefits of using epoxy flooring?
When applied correctly, epoxy floors are extremely durable and resistant to chemical spills, stains and dust. It is also slip-resistant and easily cleaned. The epoxy flooring comes in with several colors that includes clear, slate or silver gray, and can also have specific colors like white or dark based color tinted.
You can give any color to your floor...Like this.