SOLVING THE FLOORING CRISIS Vik Vithlani of Sherwin-Williams discusses the role that science and


technology have played in addressing some of the challenges faced in the development of resin floor systems.


Barriers to effective, modern flooring systems have always been the lengthy drying and sticking process, associated costs from loss of activity, odours present during application and the impact on the environment.


To overcome some of these issues, many flooring systems traditionally rely on the use of a resin based system called Methyl Methacrylate (MMA). Acrylic resins utilising MMA form a variety of industrial and commercial flooring systems, and are known for their fast cure speed.


However, MMA resins are not without their difficulties. Highly-trained teams are needed to prepare the subfloor and install the flooring correctly, and problems are often reported after installation.


Environmental issues and well-publicised factory shutdowns of a number of MMA-producing plants around the world, particularly in Asia and the US but also recently in the UK, have meant the supply chain has been hit hard by a shortage. This has meant that prices have increased in Asia, Europe and the Americas.


Global shipping rules dictate that BPO cannot be shipped together with MMA resins, and require special shipping methods.


BPO is also usually supplied in bags, and is reliant on being weighed on-site before mixing. This can potentially result in human error if higher or lesser amounts are mixed.


MMA-based systems emit an extremely high odour and the area being prepared must be properly ventilated as the polymer hardens. While methyl methacrylate is not described as acutely toxic by the World Health Organisation (WHO), it does describe it as a mild skin irritant with the potential to cause ‘skin sensitisation in susceptible individuals.’ This odour also brings with it a high risk of tainting.


SCIENCE AND TECH PROVIDING


THE SOLUTION Having conducted research and listened to the market, Sherwin-Williams Protective & Marine Coatings EMEAI has developed the Elladur flooring range.


Elladur is a polyaspartic resin-based system, and maintains fast curing properties compared to alternative epoxy or polyurethane resin-based systems. It does not rely on monomer technology as a raw material and therefore remains unaffected by the global shortage and dramatic price increases.


Polymerisation (curing) of Elladur resins is achieved without BPO. Elladur is also supplied in factory-controlled units, as opposed to bags, so there is no requirement to weigh components on-site prior to mixing – removing the risk of human error.


In addition, the curing of MMA resins is done so with the addition of a powder hardener – the powder benzoyl peroxide catalyst (BPO). This product also remains in global shortage following the fire of a major BPO producer in China two years ago.


A RISKY BUSINESS The use of both MMA and BPO products bring with them well-known issues. The concentrated version of BPO, used as a catalyst with MMA resins, is explosive so extreme care must be taken when transporting it around the world and on building sites themselves.


40 | FEATURE


Whilst Elladur and polyaspartic resins in general cure fast and at low temperatures, they do not cure as quickly as MMA which means installers have the time to perfectly finish the application of the floor in question.


Other advantages are that, as a solvent-free, low VOC system, there is no odour, so no ventilation is required. There is also zero risk of tainting, even with food and beverage or pharmaceutical products being handled or manufactured in the area.


These flooring products allow for a high build, and are also 100% UV stable, as opposed to MMA-based flooring systems which have no UV properties, bringing a range of benefits for the customer and the applicator.


www.sherwin-williams.com www.tomorrowscontractfloors.com


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