Advancements and Applications in Resinous Floors and Walls

Safe, cleanable, and durable, resinous flooring can be specified in numerous applications
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Sponsored by Stonhard
Karin Tetlow

Carpeting

While aesthetically preferable in some settings, carpeting is a potential health risk for many commercial and industrial applications. It can harbor bacteria, is expensive to maintain, and needs frequent cleaning. A dry concrete subfloor is essential, otherwise mold can develop beneath the underside of the carpeting.

Resinous flooring materials

The three materials commonly used for resinous flooring are epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic (MMA).

Epoxy

A copolymer derived from two or more monomeric species, epoxy is formed from two different chemicals, referred to as the “resin” or “compound” and the “hardener” or “activator.” Epoxy has a wide range of applications the include flooring, fiber-reinforced plastic materials and general purpose adhesives.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane polymers are formed by combining two bi- or higher functional monomers (a molecule that may bind chemically to other molecules to form a polymer). Polyurethanes are used in the manufacture of a wide range of products, from foam seating, rigid foam insulation panels to microcellular foam seals and gaskets and high-performance adhesives.

Acrylic (MMA)

Acrylic resin is a general term for any one of the plastics (resin) generated through chemical reaction by applying polymerization initiator and heat to a monomer. Methyl methacrylate monomer (MMA) is a transparent, colorless fluid substance and emits highly offensive odor during application. Surrounding areas must be properly ventilated and evacuated during installation.

Sealed Concrete

Eco-friendly, a sealed concrete floor is one of the most cost-efficient floor coverings and offers a multitude of design options. Drawbacksinclude the need for resealing every few months in high-traffic areas; it transmits sound easily; and can be expensive if several colors and designs are specified.

Resinous flooring

Typically comprised of materials that include polymeric materials such as epoxy, polyurethane, and acrylic (MMA) (see sidebar), resinous flooring is cast in place. In addition to its many advantages over traditional systems, poured-in-place resinous flooring has the significant benefit of meeting multiple requirements for a wide range of applications (see sidebar about defining performance on the next page). Through a strategic mix of materials typically categorized by manufacturers as different products, resinous flooring will serve heavy-duty manufacturing plants to signature corporate lobbies. Advantages of resinous flooring include:

Cleanability

With no joins or seams, a poured-in-place system cannot harbor bacteria or present cleaning difficulties. No buffing or waxing required.

Safety

Aware that cleanability can be associated with a high slippage index (a smoother floor can be more slippery), manufacturers offer resinous flooring systems in different textures. Data sheets will include both a Coefficient of Friction for a dry floor and Slip Index for a wet floor.

A seamless troweled epoxy floor is easy to maintain in classrooms.

Photo courtesy of Stonhard

 

 

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Originally published in Architectural Record
Originally published in October 2012

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