Hychem TL5 EPL — Extended pot life high-build coating

HYCHEM TL5 EPL is not suitable for use with concentrated sulphuric (98%), 30% plus nitric acid, 10% plus acetic acid and 20% plus phosphoric acid. For exposure to these materials, contact the HYCHEM technical department.

Prior to the application of TL5 EPL, 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.
• Remove all surface laitance, contaminants, existing coatings, curing compounds and any weak or loose materials.

All organic matter, weak surfaces and poorly consolidated material must be removed. This is ideally carried out by water blasting with equipment delivering a minimum of 4,000 psi for new concrete.

Cleaned, badly deteriorated surfaces are often ready for coating, providing a natural undulating profile. Cleaned, new concrete surfaces tend to produce a plethora of blow holes which when coated give rise to coating blisters.

Correct treatment of this problem involves a number of issues.

Firstly, coating application must take place when substrate temperatures are falling and must not occur under direct sunlight.

Secondly, concrete porosity needs to be sealed with a coat of HYCHEM E500P primer or Hychem E300.

Thirdly, visible blowholes can be sealed with a thixotropic paste such as HYCHEM E500T. This can be applied as a surface screed or merely used to plug individual blow holes.

Application of the subsequent HYCHEM TL5 EPL should be after the screed has surface hardened and within a total period of 24 hours. In most existing concrete structures after adequate preparation, TL5 EPL does not always require the use of a primer.

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.

Coating application

Due to the rapid cure and resultant short potlife, it is recommended that the material is applied using a plural component airless spray with static mixing head. Consult your spray unit supplier for detailed specifications.

Applying HYCHEM TL5 EPL to small surfaces areas, this can be carried out by a trowel.

With correct choice of equipment, the coating can be applied at 65 sqm/hour at a coating depth of 3mm, using a volume output of 200 litres/hour.

INSPECTION

A detailed inspection test plan will be agreed upon depending on the application type. Testing for example of adhesion and shore hardness might be carried out.

• Clean equipment with epoxy diluting solvents such as Xylene.
• Hard, cured material will need to be mechanically removed.
• Use soap and water to wash hands.

Hychem TL5 EPL is available in 60 litre kits, 2 x 20 litre resin and 1 x 20 litre hardener.

Epoxy resin products are skin sensitizing and can have a caustic reaction. Read MSDS Data Sheet prior to use. Wear protective gloves, clothing and protective eyewear when using. Wash hands before eating and avoid breathing vapours.

Field support where provided, does not constitute supervisory responsibility. Suggestions made by HYCHEM either verbally or in writing may be followed, modified or rejected by the owner, engineer or contractor since they and not HYCHEM are responsible for carrying out procedures appropriate to a specific application.

The technical information and application advice given in this publication is based on the best information available at the time of print. As the information herein is of a general nature, no assumption can be made as to the product suitability for a particular use or application and no warranty as to its accuracy, reliability or completeness either expressed or implied is given other than those required by Commonwealth or State Legislation.

The owner, his representative or the contractor is responsible for checking the suitability of products for their intended use.