Polyurea Coating Applications in Concrete and Steel Structures
A high performance paint which comes in spray cans, polyurea coating provides exceptional chemical resistance. It’s also excellent heat and weather resistant. Polyurea, also known as polyurea spray, polyurea liner or polyurea impregnated liner, is a tough, chemically inert substance with a very high level of thermal stability. It’s also water and polymer resistant. Temperature tolerance, though not listed separately, is extremely good.
Polyurea coating is composed of an amine or amino group. Amine’s are present in many polyurea derivatives, such as polyurea spray, polyurea liner, polyurea impregnated liner, polyurea flakes and polyurea powder. The amine acts as the major component and initiates a chemical reaction called a isocyanate. The isocyanate produced in the reaction has the effect of hardening the polyurea coat. Isocyanates have been found to resist abrasion and heat damage. The thicker and more durable polyurea coat can stand up to high temperatures of up to 300 degrees Celsius.
Polyurea coatings are available in a range of formulations. Some polyurea coatings have a single use; others come in cans, bundles or sheets. There are polyurea coatings used in the manufacturing of plastic bottles, cans, polyurea sheets used for furniture finish, floor finish, roofing applications, flashings, seals, gaskets, collar joints, hinges and other fastener applications.
Polyurea coatings with added moisture-repelling characteristics are also being developed. These new formulations make use of techniques such as thermo-genesis and superimposition. Thermo-genesis involves a chemical reaction between amine and the amine coating to produce the amine coating itself. Superimposition involves repeated layers of polyurea between two amine formulations. The resultant coating is highly resistant to abrasion and heat damage. These new formulations are yet to be introduced into the market.
Most of the polyureas available in the market are formulated from a combination of materials. Some polyurea formulations make use of materials like silica, aluminum oxide and calcium carbonate. In case of moisture-repelling formulations, most polyureas are formulated with ingredients such as Pefano, Poryl, talc and magnesium chloride. Humidity control is therefore very important while choosing polyurea products.
Polyurea coatings are an important addition to concrete and steel projects. Concrete and steel structures require special coatings to enhance their resistance against external and internal chemical corrosion. Both concrete and steel structures benefit from polyurea coatings as they do not allow moisture or chemicals to penetrate into their surface. Thus concrete and steel structures are able to remain strong and structure even under harsh weather conditions.
