Temperature, in general, plays a vital role in determining how effectively certain things will work within an environment. In the sense of installing epoxy resin floors, it is required to be applied in a specific range of temperatures, given that it can affect its overall results. When working with epoxy resin flooring products, temperature can have a big influence on the final result. High temperatures increase viscosity and turnover time, but you will need to be quick because the product’s pot life is reduced. Meanwhile, issues such as sluggish curing, dampness, and poor surface smoothing must be dealt with in cold conditions.
For a brief background, epoxies are polymer compounds that harden when exposed to heat. It can be used as a component of glues or as a surface coating. Epoxy can actually be a useful material for aviation, autos, building, concrete surface repair, hydropower structural strengthening, and electronic gadgets because it is lightweight, anti-corrosive, and has other mechanical properties. Epoxy resins can be used to glue metals, wood, polymers, and other materials together. And while epoxy stays robust in most common situations, excessive heat and heat mixed with moisture can cause deterioration of the polymer matrix.
Actually, there are temperature conditions to consider depending on application of epoxy resin floors. This includes whether it is for a blast freezer, a dry or wet warehouse, and so on. As a result, knowing where the flooring will be utilized is critical in determining which type of epoxy floor can tolerate the temperature of that specific area. For this reason, the ideal temperature during the said application should be between 10 to 30°C, or 50 to 80°F.
If application temperature expectations are met, high-performance coatings are formulated to react reliably. These goods, which are made up of a variety of reactive components, are designed to exploit the surrounding air to convert a liquid to a solid in a short amount of time. A high-performance coating, once they have already been mixed, has a set length of time to form, react, and harden, also known as form, cross-link, and cure. The product, slab, and air temperatures are considered to be within the range stated by the product manufacturer during this chain of events.
Affects Curing Time
When the temperatures are at their highest, curing takes place much more quickly because they cause the reaction to happen faster. This is why it is important to apply your epoxy-based product in accordance with the temperature range written in the technical data sheet of your resin product.
However, if you were to use that same epoxy in a too cold climate, you may have to wait longer for the chemicals to react and cure properly. So, on the flip side of all this, you will find that using epoxy resin in hot weather can cause them to dry out before you can use them all. Thus, it is important to remember that resin products require specific temperatures. They do not just bond well under any condition.
Changes Viscosity
When applying epoxy resin floors, you want to ensure that its thickness allows for easy exothermic reaction. However, the impact of temperature on viscosity is one thing to consider as well. Warm temperatures will work against what you are trying to achieve unless there is enough ventilation and space in between components so as not to cause them to heat up too much.
With lower temperatures comes with more time required before hardening occurs, which would be beneficial toward finishing the job. In either case, you should still have enough ventilation present when using epoxy because it will release toxic fumes during its application.
Can Lead to Improper Working Time
Although working at lowered temperatures certainly has its benefits, it could also lead to a longer curing time. This will mean that you will have to wait even longer before using the space. It is actually a tough decision. You can avoid the hassle of other complications like surface roughness and difficulty in smoothing the product if you were to continue working inside. Rather than turning off the air conditioner and opening up some of the windows for fresh air.
Humidity Effects
Environmental exposure of epoxy-based materials leads to their degradation, such as the drying out process. Ultraviolet radiation, moisture and temperature all play a role in breaking down an epoxy’s matrix. And when that occurs, the epoxy loses its useful mechanical properties such as flexural strength. As it stands in just a room temperature environment with 95% relative humidity, epoxy starts to plasticize and swell – this only increases with temperature.
When it comes to epoxy compounds, polymer composites absorb a lot of air and moisture. This can cause the ingredients in the epoxy to break down or otherwise become weaker over time. The good news, though, is that by applying a few extra layers of the compound during the initial application, one can ensure that they receive more even coverage while also preventing any small cracks from forming in the end application.
Key Takeaway
Knowing how temperature affects epoxy resin floors can certainly help you understand why it is so important to keep it at the proper temperature. Since it holds a variety of unique properties, it is important to keep in mind the right temperature levels, so the end results, if it has finally been installed, would not be affected. Also, to reap all of its benefits, without sacrificing all of its properties.
