Enhancing the properties of polyurethane-based floor coatings by using mineral fibres

In June 2008, a presentation was given on this subject at the 29th FATIPEC Congress in Ghent (B). The full paper on which this presentation was based will be published in “Surface Coatings International” within the next few months. The abstract is now available for reading.

ABSTRACT
This paper will show the benefits of using mineral fibres in polyurethane-based floor coatings. The high alumina, low silica fibres are pH resistant between pH=3 and pH=12. This makes them particularly suitable for use in solventborne, waterborne and high solid polyurethane-based coatings. Furthermore, they are worldwide exonerated from classification as a carcinogen.
 
In a readily available guide formulation, part of the filler used has been exchanged by said fibres. The mechanical properties of the resulting products have been investigated using a wide range of techniques.
 
The change in mechanical properties related to the stress and strain behaviour under applied force has been shown. The impact resistance has been determined according to ASTM D2794-93(2004). The scratch resistance, which is dependent on the weight applied to the tungsten carbide ball tool used, has been measured. The sandfall tester (ASTM D968-05) has been used to show the influence of the presence of mineral fibres to the abrasion resistance of polyurethane floor coatings.
 
Due to the influence of the mineral fibres on the mechanical properties, the floor coating can be accessed at an earlier stage. Furthermore, the use of mineral fibres can lead to a reduction of raw material costs, as upgrading to more expensive binder systems might not be necessary. Furthermore, implementing a new binder system can be a time consuming and expensive activity; also in this way the use of mineral fibres in the formulation can help to save costs.
 
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