Epoxy resin?
Polyepoxyds, or epoxyd polymers, often mistakenly called « epoxy » are made by polymerisation of epoxyd monomers with a hardener (crosslinking agent) which can be acid anhydride, phenol or more often amine (polyamine, amino amide) based : they are three-dimensional polymers.
The best known representative of the epoxyd polymers is the Araldite glue. Their very first synthesis was performed during the 1940’s. Epoxyd resins harden (an irreversible reaction) in the presence of a hardener, when heated (thermosetting materials). Epoxyd resin + hardener → polyepoxyd. For formulation, various hardeners, active or non-active diluents, plasticisers, solvents, additives (dyes, stabilisers… are incorporated. Source Wikipedia.
The advantages of a SOGAP epoxy flooring
Quick, resistant, attractive, eopxy resin offers many assets. It enables to create seamless and sealed flooring which complies with technical standards and all requirements of the industrial sector:
- 3 times more resistant than concrete
- More waterproof than other floor covering products
- Performs better than concrete against wear and tear
- Stability at high temperature (thermal shocks)
- Easy to maintain on a daily basis (especially against dust)
- Chemical (acid) resistant
- Anti-static, anti-slip, conductive and sound proof
- Complies with food standards (EEC Directive 93/43 of 14/06/93)
- Complies with the technical specifications of the pharmaceutical industry
- The resin is also odourless, and may be solvent-free
- All kinds of colours are available
- Weither the finish is smooth, grainy, matt, glossy or shiny, resin flooring is incredibly durable.
- Your floor will be laid in less than 48hrs (on average)
Cross-section of an epoxy floor
- Number of slayers : 4
- Base (concrete, coated or other slab) : 100mm thick
- Primer : 1mm thick
- Self-levelling or resin mortar : 2 to 6mm thick
- Film former agent : finishes are both aesthetically and technically outstanding : shiny, matt or glossy, smooth or slip-proof or with an orange-peel effect, 1mm thick
Laying technique
Flooring preparation (concrete, tiles, wood, steel…)
Essential step to ensure the sustainability of your flooring, the base is prepared by sanding, sand-blasting or planing beforehand.
Primer application
The Primer is the essential basis for the hanging of epoxy systems. We use specific primers for each support.
Resin mortar application
The epoxy coating is applied when the primer is catalysed. We use 1 to 12 kg per square metre self-levelling systems, according to needs. They provide a flatness and a better mechanical resistance (3 times more resistant than concrete) to the flooring. Alternative solution, we recommand in certain cases troweling epoxy resin mortars. These 9 to 30 kg per metre square systems demonstrate a remarkable mechanical resistance and are smoothed. These mortars allow the repair of potholes or expansion joints within 24h.
Finish application
It requires expertise and precision from our application teams. This is a thorough work, and the part that will make the attractive and protective success of the coating.
Signage application
Doorways, storage limits, pedestrian crossings, security elements… a floor marking can be made with an epoxy resin finish, standing for sustainability and easier maintenance.
