If something is extremely solid, it is often said "that's as hard as concrete". Exactly this solidity makes concrete one of the most used materials in the construction industry. Approx. 29.0 million tons of cement as an essential component for the manufacture of concrete were used in Germany in 2018. According to the association of German manufacturers, VDZ, the figure was roughly 0.4% higher compared to the previous year. VDZ sees the industry continuing in a stable environment for the years 2019 and 2020.
Concrete is versatile, economical, and durable, but also more difficult to handle than it might appear, as architects and contractors can attest. The reason for this is that concrete is actually a permeable material that allows moisture contained below the slab, or trapped in the concrete itself, to migrate as a vapor phase to the concrete surface. This moisture transfer phenomenon leads to many flooring failures with annual losses in the millions worldwide.
Over the years, there have been various methods employed by the industry to mitigate moisture problems when installing flooring over concrete in new and existing constructions. But these methods can only be used in new construction or require complicated application in existing structures.
So what to do? To apply a moisture vapor barrier (MVB) coating on the surface of the concrete slab is a very effective solution to address moisture vapor that originates from either the ground soil or the concrete itself. Applicators can use this method for both existing and new construction jobs since it is the final step before applying the floor covering, such as tile, wood, carpet, laminate and more.
Evonik ANCAMINE® epoxy curing agents are excellent choices for floors where a moisture barrier is required. They have improved EHS profiles, with low to zero VOC and can provide 2X faster cure speed than competitive products, offering users improved quality and performance.
Evonik Crosslinkers – Creating Bonds That Last
Evonik Crosslinkers combines expertise in isophorone chemistry and epoxy curing agent technology to support customers worldwide in coatings, adhesives, civil engineering, high-performance elastomers, and composites.
Our comprehensive toolbox of amine-based curing agents, modifiers, diluents, and resins for ambient and heat-cure systems helps enhance the performance, durability, and processing efficiency of epoxy formulations.
Creating bonds that last, both in materials and in customer relationships, is the principle that guides our innovation, production, and technical support.
ANCAMINE® modified polyamine used as a curing agent for diluted liquid epoxy resin provides fast return to service cure rates and is a truly low emission product.
