Evolving With Times: Let's Go Polyurea
The list of materials used as waterproof coatings through the ages is lengthy. For centuries, asphalt-based products such as pitch and tar were the only choice. In the 20th Century, a range of other options developed, including paint, epoxy, Fiberglass and vinyl esters.
The latest coating technology is Polyurea. Developed in the late 1980s for the automotive industry, this material is now used in a wide array of applications. Use of this material as industrial waterproofing has skyrocketed in popularity in the past decade due to its fast-curing, corrosion- and abrasion-resistant characteristics.
One reason Polyurea coatings are exploding in popularity is the wide variety of positive attributes they exhibit. Virtually no other coating can compare to Polyurea when it comes to attainable physical properties, Polyureas can be formulated to achieve a tremendous range of properties from high elongation to superior tensile strength to hard or soft, all based on how the materials is formulated and correctly applied. It adheres tenaciously to a variety of different substrates (concrete, metals, wood and more) without primers and in a wide range of temperature and humidity environments.
What is Polyurea
The Polyurea is a synthetic polymer obtained from the reaction of a Diamine with a Diisocyanate, Polymerization reaction is very similar to polyurethane one, but in case of Polyurea, resulting link is a "urea", so it is called Polyurea. We say "if pure" because in the market there are numerous Polyurea-called "hybrid", which are a mixture between Polyurea and Polyurethane. These membranes do not have the same mechanical properties as the pure Polyurea.
PURE POLYUREA
HYBRID POLYUREA
Advantages and Properties of Polyurea
There are many advantages and properties of Polyurea membrane, then the most important detail:
· membrane without joints or overlaps and of maximum flexibility - up to 600% elongation.
· High Tear resistance
· High Peel off Strength
· Longevity
Applied by machine leading to reduced rate of error of mixing.
Fairly easy application by spraying
Can be applied on concrete, metal, wooden surfaces etc.
Can be used as final surface without any further finishes on light traffic.