Water-borne polyurethane coatings offer good protection for industrial floor protection. The biggest difference is in durability and appearance. Since these are solvent-free the products are in huge demand. Solvent-based polyurethanes have traditionally set the performance standard for high durability coatings. Waterborne polyurethane coatings are generally based on polyether, polyester & polyacrylate soft segments, and aliphatic isocyanates that provide for good UV resistance. The intermediates used in formulating waterborne coatings include the following categories of polyols, isocyanates and specialty intermediates
Advantages of Water-Borne Polyurethane Coatings for Industrial Flooring
With a water-based product, there will be virtually no exposure to VOCs – volatile organic compounds. These compounds emit noxious fumes that are unsafe for people. Oil-based products contain petroleum-derived substances known to be carcinogens such as benzene or ethylene glycol.
A water-based coat dries much faster than the oil base. A few coats can be applied and dried all within several hours. Everything can be put back in place and the room can be ready to occupy the same day, with no residual odor. An oil base coat could take at least 24 hours to dry and a few days for fumes to subside. The water base can be walked on within 24 hours and will be much more quickly ready for high-level traffic.
Improved binders and additives have now developed high-quality water-based floor finishes equally as durable as an oil-based finish. With different brands, there are various grades of quality with top-level products being the most durable.
Water-based coatings take only 7 days to come to full cure as compared to 30 days with oil-based coatings. Our preferred water-based finish is 90% cured in only 24 hours, which means less downtime before the area is safe for use. It cures by reaction with atmospheric moisture to form a tough, elastomeric, waterproof membrane. The product is designed for use on horizontal and vertical surfaces, covered by a protective screed or render.
Products for water-based coating are significantly more durable than their counterparts based solvent, both the frictional resistance and abrasion resistance.
Different types of Waterborne Polyurethane Coatings products for Industrial Flooring
Two-component water-based polyurethane coating
Two-component water-based polyurethane coating provides an excellent primer coat for various flooring systems. It is clear in color to work well with any colored topcoat. It is low in solids to provide superior substrate penetration. This product has a tack-free time of about 5 to 8 hours. Therefore, if timed correctly, it is possible to apply your primer coat and color coat on the same day.
Application of these products extends to Warehouses, depots, logistic centres, wash areas, Airport hangars and food processing industry.
Pitch Modified PU Polyurethane coating
Pitch Modified PU Polyurethane coating is a single component, a water-based, polymer-modified, polyurethane-asphalt hybrid which cures to form a tough and highly-elastic membrane and provides durable and seamless waterproofing protection for concrete substrates. It is ideal for application on concrete decks, especially where surface profiles and the presence of services provided detailing difficulties for the use of pre-formed membranes.
Water-Based Polyurethane Dispersions(PUDs)
Water-Based Polyurethane Dispersions(PUDs) are one of the most growing segments for the surface coating industry due to their technological advances, that has made them effective substitutes for the solvent-based analogs. Due to having a lower amount of Volatile organic compounds(VOCs) and Hazardous air pollutants(HAPs), PUDs are used in many industrial and commercial applications. They are easy-to-use and effective properties as compared to their solvent-based analogs. Water-based polyurethanes dispersion for the manufacture of adhesive has excellent performance on heat resistant, fast drying, endurance bonding strength and atomization.
Three-component PU flooring
These products provide a seamless, jointless self-leveling water-based PU flooring system, for use where exceptional chemical, abrasion impact resistance is required. A complex blend of resins and additives make these capable of operating at 80 C (depending on thickness) with a uniform surface texture. It can also resist intermittent temperature exposure of upto 100 C These products are best-in-class flooring systems that are widely used in food industries that require steam washing and to resist heavy movement as well as the impact.
Polyurethane hybrid coatings
Polyurethane hybrid system is rapid curing, flexible, two-component hybrid polyurea system. It is derived from a reaction of an isocyanate prepolymer and an amine-terminated resin blend. It can be applied as an economic waterproofing and coating alternative to pure polyurea products. The material must be applied utilizing high pressure, heated plural component spray proportioning equipment. These Coatings find applications in interior and exterior as protection coats for concrete slabs.
Conclusion
With time and the need for solvent-free products, Water-Borne Polyurethane Coatings for Industrial Flooring is gaining momentum. Different types of products are being as per customized needs and applications. Consumers are more aware of the long-term impact that products are having on the environment, which is driving the coatings industry to develop more sustainable products.
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