SPECIALTY
POLYUREA

WHY POLYUREA?

POLYUREA is a remarkable technology with a wide range of uses; a spray on, fast curing, chemical and abrasion resistant, waterproof material with a history of success. As with any coating system, proper material selection, proper surface prep, correct application equipment, and the use of compatible primers are all required.

EXPERIENCE COUNTS
Mid-Valley is arguably the most experienced contractor in the application of POLYUREA available for hire in the Southeastern US. And with this technology, experience and Quality control mean everything to providing long-term value to successful projects.

Customers investigating POLYUREA should be aware there is no application process or restrictions to purchasing the equipment and materials required from most manufacturers, and as a result, many less experienced contractors are available to install this technology at a range of costs. But in this application, the value of experience is priceless.

Many clients have experience with POLYUREA , and not all are positive, mainly due to the over-selling of the technology's capabilities or application errors. But specified and installed correctly, POLYUREA can be the best long-term solution to many Industrial coating issues.

This remarkably durable and flexible substance not only protects from corrosion and abrasion, but some formulations can even provide structural strength to concrete or steel structures. However, POLYUREA is only as good as proper preparation of the surface and professional application of the material. That takes a major investment in state-of-the-art equipment and a commitment to specialized training, both of which Mid-Valley has made.

Most major manufacturers of pure POLYUREA coatings have approved Mid-Valley as one of a very few contractors qualified to install these coatings, for example, Versa-Flex, Sherwin Williams, Tnemec, and Bridge Preservation Coatings. In addition, Mid-Valley is approved to install the Hybrid Polyurethane Elastomeric systems from these and other manufacturers.

PREVENTION IS THE BEST POLICY
Ideally, preventing damage before it occurs saves you money in the long run. So coating your equipment, concrete tankage, or exposed steel before it begins to corrode makes a lot of sense. Its high abrasion resistance makes POLYUREA ideal for coating open containers, utility trailers, dump truck beds, roll-off containers, garbage/medical waste dumpsters, and structural steel. This incredible coating also stands up to saltwater, wastewater, and diesel, making it ideal for solving containment challenges. When applied to wood, POLYUREA provides an impervious coating and extends its useful life.

MORE GREAT REASONS FOR CHOOSING A POLYUREA COATING
In addition to protecting your equipment, POLYUREA has numerous benefits. First, it has a Class A Fire Rating. When a continuous flame is on this material, it emits no toxic gases and will not drip when burned. And, once the source of the flame is removed, the material ceases to burn. Once it is cured, POLYUREA will not leach gases, so it is ideal for coating potable water tanks. It can even provide UV protection. Because of its enormous elasticity and abrasion resistance, it stands up to rugged treatment. It is especially suitable in harsh environments and under extreme conditions, where other materials fail. Its elastic nature also provides a shock-absorbing benefit. Increased soundproofing is yet another great benefit of POLYUREA . POLYUREA also has decorative features, being available in multiple and customized colors.

About Polyurea

Product Description: Polyurea is a state of the art, high performance, elastomeric membrane. This seamless system exibits extraordinary performance characteristics. Polyurea is abased amine-terminated polyether resins, amine chain extenders and MDI pre-polymers. It provides a flexible, tough resilient monolithic membrane for a wide range of applications. With the absence of VOC's polyurea is safe to apply in almost all situations.
Application And Preparation:

Correct equipment and a certified polyurea applicator are critical. Preparation is job site specific and each site presents its own challenges. F.S.I. Inc. has a manufacturer representative review each job to insure proper preparation and application.

Colors:
Polyurea is an aromatic. Therefore, as with all aromatics, over a period of time color change as well as superficial oxidation will occur. The minimal oxidation, however, will not affect performance. Aliphatic urethane and other suitable topcoats can be applied where long-term aesthetics are important. Advantages of Polyurea:

• Almost instant get time
• 100% Solid, No VOC's
• Fast Cure, Can be handled/walked on in less than a minute.
• In one application, can apply to desired thickness
• Seamless and Flexible
• Application at -20F to +300F
• DEP approved for secondary and primary containment
• NSF 61 Approved for potable Water
• Resists thermal shock
• Resistant to many chemicals
• May be top-coated
• Waterproofing
• USDA/Agriculture Canada Approved
• Is a hyperphobic and affected very little by cold surfaces

Properties and Characteristics:
Polyurea systems cure quickly. Because of their rapid gel time, moisture will not affect their set up or curing. This is an advantage in high humidity climates, or regions with relatively high rainfalls. In addition it can be sprayed at very low temperatures with minimal effect on tack-free time, allowing for applications on substrates such as cold steel that typically is a heat-sink substrate.
Polyurea has excellent abrasion resistance, which is important in foot traffic areas. In laboratory evaluations for abrasion-resistance, only 1l0mg of coating were lost after 1,000 revolutions in a typical test.

Polyureas have high heat resistance. They can be formulated to show high flexibility and high impact / toughness and still have excellent heat distortion resistance. Systems with high temperature stability can withstand working temperatures up to 121C and intermittent temperatures up to 177C.

Polyurea coating systems are resistant to water and petroleum-based chemicals, such as... gasoline, hydraulic fluid, diesel fuel, motor oil, MTB, toluene, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and caustic such as... sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide and hydrogen sulfide.

One of the most important advantages of polyurea is that they are 100% solid materials. They contain no VOC's, which make them environmentally friendly, and they release no vapors, fumes or chemicals during or after application.

These coatings have been used in primary containment and to protect secondary containment facilities as well as other exposed structures, such as bridges, steel tanks, silos and pipes. In addition, polyurea has found use as coatings for roofs, floors, walls and road surfaces. They can be applied to concrete as well as to metal and foam insulation. They have also been used in marine applications.

In Conclusion:
Polyurea elastomers, a fairly recent addition to the protective coatings menu, can cure quickly, at a wide range of temperatures, and in the presence of moisture. They offer excellent resistance to abrasion, high heat, and high impact. In addition, they resist water and acidic and alkaline environments. These 100% solid materials can be sprayed to a desired thickness in a single application with plural component equipment. And they are being used for a wide range of protective coating applications. Product Comparisons:

Polyurea Vs Polyurethane

Polyureas are closely related to polyurethanes. Both are two component systems made with Isocyanate-based materials. However, while the second component in polyurethane is polyol resin, the second component in polyurea is a polyether amine.

In terms of performance, conventional polyurethanes require a catalyst, which is sensitive to temperatures and moisture. Low temperatures can slow the reaction and moisture can interfere with the reaction causing blistering and other negative effects. Polyureas, on the other hand do not require a catalyst. Reactivity for these coatings is fast, typically 3-10 seconds. Consequently they are able to cure at temperatures as low as -20 C and in the presence of moisture.

Polyurea Vs Epoxy

In terms of performance, unlike polyureas, epoxies require a catalyst. They are sensitive to temperature, humidity and moisture, giving them a narrow window for application. Unlike polyureas, epoxies have extensive cure time and little or no elongation properties. This leads to frequent failure of the coating with expansion or movement of the substrate.

Technical Specifications:

 

Cathodic Disbondment Study Effective Gel Time, sec.	2.5
Tensile Strength, psi	2255
Elongation, %	225
Tear Strength, pli	430
Shore D hardness	52
100% Modulas, psi	1565
Taber Abrasion, mg wt loss (100 gms, 1000 revs, H-18	160
Elcometer adhesion, psi 2-mil blast profile)	>2000
Cathodic Disbondment -24hrs 150 F -14 days, 150 F	1mm 1-2mm
-55 F 1/2 mandrel bend	PASS

Warning:
Polyurea products manufactured from these chemicals may present a fire hazard if improperly used. Each user of such products should determine weather there is a potential hazard in a specific application and take the necessary precautions.

Disclaimer:
The information herein is believed to be reliable. but unknown risks may be present. No warranties express or implied,: including patent or warranties of merchantability of fitness for use, are made by the manufacturer with respect to products or information set forth herein. Nothing contained herein shall constitute permission or recommendation to practice any invention covered by a patent without license from owner or the patent. Accordingly, buyer assume all risks whatsoever as to the use of these materials and buyers exclusive remedy as to establish the suitability of product application in any particular use. Products may be toxic and require special precautions in handling. For all products, user should obtain detailed information on toxicity, together with proper shipping, handling, and storage procedures. Failures to adhere to any recommended procedures shall relieve the manufacturer of all liability with respect to the materials and the use thereof.

Huntsman Technical Bulletin - Chemical Resistance Testing
Chemical Resistance Training for Polyurea Spray Elastomers

Chemical Resistance ASTM D 3912
Chemical 12 Month Exposure

Acetic Acid 10%	No Visible Damage
Methanol S.	Swelling - 48 hours
Gasoline	Slight Sfc. Change - No hardness loss
Diesel Fuel	No Visible Damage
Toluene	S. Swelling - <24 hours
MTBE	Slight Sfc. Change
5% MTBE/Gasoline	Slight Sfc. Change
Motor Oil Slight	Sfc. Discolor - No hardness loss
Hydraulic Fluid Slight	Sfc. Discolor - No hardness loss
2-Methylbutane	No Visible Damage
Water - Room temperature 82 C 14 days	No Visible Damage
10% NaCl/Water - Room temperature 50 C 14 days	No Visible Damage
10% Sugar/Water	No Visible Damage
Sulfuric Acid - 50 C 14 days 5% 10% 3%	No Visible Damage No Visible Damage No Visible Damage
Hydrochloric Acid 5% 10%	No Visible Damage No Visible Damage
Phosphoric Acid - 10%	No Visible Damage
Ammonium Hydroxide 10% 20%	No Visible Damage No Visible Damage
Sodium Hydroxide - 50 C 14 days 100% 20% 50% 1%,	No Visible Damage No Visible Damage Slight Sfc. Discolor - No hardness loss Slight Sfc. Discolor - No hardness loss
Potassium Hydroxide 10% 20%	No Visible Damage Slight Sfc. Discolor - No hardness loss