Hychem E300 — Epoxy binder and primer for epoxy floor and wall toppings

Epoxy toppings can exert considerable shear forces on the underlying concrete substrate due to differential thermal movements. It is most important that the concrete surface is adequately prepared. The cement paste layer and any surface coatings already in existence need to be removed. This is best carried out using captive shot blasting, grinding or scarifying.

Prior to the application of E300, the substrate must be thoroughly prepared.

• The concrete substrate must be firm, clean and dry with a minimum compressive strength of 25 MPa and a minimum surface tensile strength of 1.5 MPa.
• New concrete must be allowed to cure for a minimum of 28 days.
• Ensure moisture content of concrete is less than 6%.
• Remove all surface laitance, contaminants, existing coatings, curing compounds and any weak or loose materials.
• Prepare the concrete surface by Grinding, Shot Blasting, Scarifying, Ultra High Pressure Water Jetting or Scabbling to provide the appropriate concrete surface profile (CSP) for optimum mechanical keying.
• The extent of surface preparation required is dependant upon but not limited to the thickness of the coating system to be applied. It is highly recommended that all surface preparation is carried out in accordance with industry standards and publications such as NACE 02203 item No. 22420 or ICRI Technical Guideline No. 03732.

Falls to drains must first be prepared using HYCHEM E300 and a coarse quartz sand mixture.

• In a clean container, mix HYCHEM E300 liquid components (Resin and Hardener @ 2:1) using a helical mixer at a speed of 500 rpm until the mix becomes homogenous (1–2 minutes).
• Add HYCHEM Quartz trowelling aggregate aggregates at a ratio of 4:1 by volume, gradually to the mix whilst still mixing.
• Move the mixer around from side to side and top to bottom and scrape the sides of the mixing vessel to ensure thorough mixing.

The epoxy sand mortar is poured onto the floor and spread out at approximately 5–6mm thickness, using a spreader gauge or gauged application box. The surface is then consolidated by hand trowelling and is allowed to cure. A coarser antislip may be incorporated by casting on to the trowelled surface. The cured topping is then surface sealed using the mixed resin containing appropriate pigment. Addition of a little quartz flower helps to provide coating depth.

Pre-conditioning product

It is important to note that even when the application environment is warm, products which have been stored in cold or cooler conditions should always be pre-conditioned ideally to 20–25°C to ease mixing, application and help avoid other potential issues such as amine bloom or blushing.

Applying a cold product in a warm environment is not recommended.

Roller application

• For priming add the mixed product at approximately 4–7m² depending on surface porosity.
• To assist workability in certain conditions, a solvent such as Xylene can be added to the mix at a maximum of 10% by volume if necessary. Please note this may affect the pot life and cure times slightly.
• It is always recommended to mechanical abrade the primer if it is an external application and/or it is recoated several hours after curing. Always remove any contaminants and ensure surface is clean and dry.

Joints in the floor need to be reflected in the epoxy topping. When the topping has cured, the surface needs to be sawcut and an epoxy joint sealant such as HYFLEX NS applied.

Xylene can be used for cleaning tools and equipment before the mixed compound begins to harden.

2 litres of HYCHEM E 300 are required to produce a 5mm epoxy topping.

Available in 3, 12, 30, 60 and 600 litre kits.

12 months from date of manufacture, stored under shelter at 25°C in original unopened container.

Epoxy polymer products may cause allergic reactions through skin contact. Goggles and protective gloves and clothing should be worn at all times. Ensure that there is adequate ventilation and air flow and avoid breathing the vapour.