Everyone’s Guide to Epoxy

Our Eco-Polymers are:

  • Environmentally Safe
  • Solvent-free
  • 100% solids hybrid with no solvents
  • Provide Excellent Chemical & Heat resistance

Novolac Epoxies

Epoxies made with Bis F, a Bis F and novolac mixture, or Novolac resin exhibit greatly improved chemical and heat resistance compared to the much more common Bis A epoxies. Probably 98% of all epoxies are ‘regular’ Bis A epoxies. Assume Bis A epoxy unless specifically told otherwise. Novolac epoxies are more expensive than regular epoxies. They exhibit higher ‘heat distortion temperatures’, higher ‘T sub G temperatures’ (both of these are measures of when the epoxy begins to soften with heat). The values for these measurements vary slight with the different resins, and by whether the vendor reports conservative values or optimistic numbers. Generally Bis A epoxies will begin to soften in the 120-160 degree F range. Novolac epoxies initially raise this value by about 25 degrees F. More important is what happens above this temperature. All epoxies will reharden when the elevated temperatures fall below this transition temperature. However, Bis Novolac epoxies will continue to cure when exposed to temperatures of about 150 degrees F for a few hours. After this ‘additional curing’ they generally can withstand about 300 degrees F (dry environment) without problems. An exception to this is our non-hazmat novolac epoxy (FC 2100 N). The non-hazmat curing agents used greatly reduce the temperature resistance (but not the chemical resistance). For ‘true’ novolac temperature resistance use our Nova Clear hazmat novolac epoxy. Chemical Resistance: A good quality Bis A epoxy will handle 70% sulfuric acid. A novolac epoxy will handle 97 or 98% sulfuric acid.

ECO-POLYMER APPLICATIONS

ECO-POLYMER is a new generation of hybrid 100% solids NOVOLAC epoxy coating and repair system with optional rubber, ceramic and Kevlar™ additives, providing outstanding impact resistance, great wear, excellent compressive and tensile strength and elongation. Eco-Polymer may be applied to damp or wet surfaces and have proven to have outstanding resistant to gasoline, jet fuel, diesel fuel and other petroleum products. Combined with bonding strength greater than 3000 psi, this NOVOLAC epoxy has proven to be more than four times more effective against salts, alkalis, sewage and dilute mineral acids than traditional epoxies. ECO-POLYMER has proven ideal for protecting concrete and steel in aqueous service in water/waste management, wet wells and manholes. Today with new curing agents, this hybrid NOVOLAC resin combine for ease of application, by roller, brush or spray, and is safe for the applicator and the environment. These used friendly products are formulated without solvents or VOCs and are basically odorless, so they may be applied in occupied areas.

GETTING YOUR MONEY’S WORTH

The reason for coating and repairing an asset is to extend its service life and provide protection from erosion and corrosion damages of chemicals and wear from abrasion or impingement.

The only way to reduce the price of a coating product is to use inferior resins and or fillers like solvents.

The purchase price of a coating or repair material by it’s self, is a very small part of the overall cost of most project.

Though, purchasing what may appear to be a bargain material at the time, that later proves to causes health problems or fails to provide the proper protection to the asset and shortens is useable life cycle, is the most costly of error.

THE PROBLEMS WITH SOLVENTS

Most States and the EPA have regulations regarding the acceptable levels of these carcinogenic agents allowed in products due to health and environmental concerns. Not only are they a health hazardous substance, they are one of the primary causes of coating failures. As the solvents evaporate in to the air, and water the coating becomes thinner and holes are created in coating’s structure, causing permeability problems. This process continues long after the original curing process. The results are a failing coating system that will allow the penetration of harmful chemicals to undermine the coating and damage the structural base metal or concrete.

CSS has a compiled a report entitled “How Understanding the Benefits of Underwater Epoxy Technology Will Simplify Your Most Demanding WET or DRY Repair and Coating Projects

Contact us today for more information.