polyurea

In past years many types of elastomeric and coating specific polyurea have been put on the market. Only in some of these cases we can talk about “real” polyurea, while in others, we speak of other products improperly named.

The technology of polyurea system has unique and important features that is essential to recognise and distinguish. In too many cases in the market a system is defined pure polyurea or polyurea with the simple aim of confusing the buyer and, therefore selling a material without it has the appropriate features.

In many other cases, polyurea has been touted as a miracle product, usable in all conditions, to be sprayed on water and the optimal solution under any circumstances.

Both these conditions, together with the general lack of knowledge of chemistry and application methods of the product, have caused confusion in the market and in many cases unfortunately, disastrous results.

Our purpose is not to determine who is right and who is wrong or elevate us to only producers of the correct system, rather, we like to provide our clients with the proper tools to evaluate and choose the best solution to their problem.

A small technical study: CHEMISTRY OF POLYUREA

There are very important differences and similarities between polyurea and polyurethane when their chemistry is understood.
The first thing to say is that both systems can use the same (or similar) “A” component (ISO). Therefore the main differences are found in the “B” component (POLYOLS) of the system.

• The “B” component of the polyurethane system may involve different polyols (polyether, polyester) and normally requires a catalyst to get a quick curing. An advantage of the polyurethane system is that the catalyst can be dosed to control the reaction depending on the application. Some applications require a smooth finish and if the system hardens too quickly you get an orange peel appearance. In many applications material also require to penetrate into corners or cracks and therefore takes a longer time for curing.
  In this type of application it is usually chosen a polyurethane where through catalyst dosing it is possible to control the curing time.
  The catalyst can be dosed until obtaining a very fast reaction (seconds), even at low temperatures.
• • The polyurea system is characterised by polyols “polyeter- amines-” or “amines-compounds”.
  This polymer system is very responsive and does not require a catalyst; it is a self-catalysed polymer. The reaction is usually fast (between 5 and 15 seconds) and cures well even on cold surfaces. The reaction is so fast that the polyurea is normally insensitive to moisture and does not react with moisture and water present on surfaces (hence the myth that polyurea can be applied directly on water).
  A drawback of polyurea is that reaction might be too fast for certain applications that require a smooth surface and maybe a longer time of reaction.

Come scegliere quindi il prodotto più adatto alle Vostre esigenze?

Often, many applicators ask for polyurea, but do they actually mean specifically a polyurea? Or rather they want a product that is fast curing, solvent free, curing at low temperature, soft, flexible and with high physical characteristics?
Both systems, polyurethane and polyurea, meet this description. For decades the two products have mutually chased: both, in fact, have special applications in which the characteristics of each of them can excel. Without emphasising any one we will always find a specific product for the specific application.
One product, one technology cannot be considered as the only solution for all uses.
This is the reason why hundreds of manufacturers are developing different systems and different products. Let us add that a thoughtful manufacturer takes time and reflects before recommending the best product for an application, whether polyurethane or polyurea, in order to optimise the application and get the best results.
If you are recommended a “miracle product” as the solution to everything, be careful: some problems are on the way.

POLYUREA

WATERPROOFING, INSULATION, POOLS AND SPAS

INDUSTRY, SHIPBUILDING, PETROCHEMICAL, TANKS COATING

POLYURETHANE

WATERPROOFING, INSULATION, POOLS AND SPAS

POLYSTYRENE HARDENING, STAGE SETS, POOLS AND SPAS

INDUSTRY, SHIPBUILDING, PETROCHEMICAL, TANKS COATING

SPECIAL MORTARS AND OTHER FINISHES

CONSTRUCTION

INDUSTRY

SHIPBUILDING

PETROCHEMISTRY

POLYSTYRENE CLADDING

STAGE SETS