Polyurea
Polyurea is a spray-applied elastomeric coating formed by the reaction of an isocyanate component and a resin blend component. Unlike other lining technologies such as epoxy, polyurea offers an unprecedented combination of strength, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. These properties make it ideally suited for protecting a wide range of infrastructure and assets from damage caused by weathering, chemical exposure, impacts, and abrasion.
Superior Adhesion and Durability
One of the key advantages of polyurea is its ability to form an extremely strong bond with virtually any properly prepared surface. This outstanding adhesion allows it to protect structures by seamlessly uniting with the substrate. Additionally, polyurea forms a highly cross-linked molecular structure during application which gives it excellent durability and longevity in many harsh environments. Properly applied Polyurea Coatings can maintain protective function for 15-25 years with little maintenance required.
Flexible and Impact Resistant
Unlike more brittle protective coatings, polyurea is highly elastic and resilient. It can expand and contract with structural movements to protect against cracks and debonds from cyclical stresses. Polyurea also does an excellent job absorbing impact forces without damage. This makes it ideal for protecting assets and infrastructure that may experience occasional collisions, debris strikes, or falling/bouncing objects. The material's flexibility prevents damage even at the point of impact.
Chemical and Corrosion Resistance
Polyurea provides outstanding resistance to a wide range of chemicals, solvents, acids, alkalis and corrosion. It maintains integrity when exposed to de-icing salts, petroleum products, acids/bases at heavy industrial plants, and other harsh substances. The material forms an impervious barrier that prevents damaging substances from reaching the underlying substrate. Even when mildly affected by certain harsh chemicals, polyurea's self-healing properties allow it to repair minor blemishes over time.
Lightweight and Easy to Apply
Compared to other protective coating options with similar performance, polyurea has a much lower density. This makes it less expensive to ship and easier for applicators to work with. Polyurea is also ideally suited for spray application which allows for fast, efficient coverage of large complex surfaces. Multiple passes can achieve any specified thickness in short order. The quick dry and re-coat times of polyurea greatly accelerate job completion.
Applications for Infrastructure Protection
Given its outstanding properties, polyurea coatings has found widespread use protecting critical infrastructure that must withstand challenging weather and usage conditions. Some common applications include:
- Tunnels and Bridges - Polyurea forms a seamless membrane that protects concrete, steel and other surfaces from water, de-icing chemicals and impacts. It is increasingly specified for bridge deck waterproofing.
- Wastewater Facilities - The chemical resistance of polyurea makes it excellently suited for protecting tanks, channels, pipes and other assets at water treatment plants and other industrial sites.
- Parking Structures - The flexibility and durability of polyurea allows it to protect parking decks and ramps from damage caused by snow/ice removal and everyday traffic impacts.
- Stadiums and Arenas - Polyurea creates seamless, abrasion resistant membranes for protecting floors and other surfaces against foot traffic, equipment and weathering.
- Transportation Infrastructure - Runways, roads, highways and other transportation structures benefit from polyurea's protective qualities against corrosion, de-icing chemicals and plow damage.
Cost-Effective Protection
While the initial material cost of polyurea may seem higher than other options, life cycle cost analysis demonstrates it provides excellent long-term value. The durability, flexibility and corrosion resistance of polyurea means significantly less long-term maintenance requirements compared to less resilient coatings. It maintains its protective properties for many years with minimal patching or repairs. For assets that must withstand harsh conditions with high traffic or usage levels, polyurea is increasingly seen as the most cost-effective protective solution.
In conclusion, polyurea coatings offer an unparalleled combination of physical properties for protecting infrastructure and other assets from damage. Its excellent adhesion, flexibility, impact resistance, and long-term durability make it suitable for a wide range of challenging protection applications. As usage increases, polyurea is demonstrating its ability to provide effective, affordable corrosion prevention and structural reinforcement.
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