After a thorough site inspection by critical personnel such as architects, engineers, or contractors, the group should be able to formulate a detailed specification of the floor coatings project. This must be carefully written because the specification will outline, on paper, the plan and resources that must be deployed to achieve project completion.
The specification must be developed considering the following:
1. The condition and history of the target floor area.
2. The quality and useful life of the concrete foundation.
3. The location of the target surface in relation to its surroundings.
4. The skills required from the coating applicators.
5. The test methods and acceptance criteria to be used.
6. The inspection methods to be used.
Factoring in these issues to the specifications will ensure that any current problems or future threats to the surface will be covered and addressed in this project. Furthermore, these data will guide the project planners in selecting the right industrial floor coating to solve the problem. For example, when the floor is found to be constantly exposed to high temperature and physical impacts, the right industrial floor coating should be one with great strength, elasticity and heat and abrasive resistance. Anything else will be inappropriate.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Pre-Project Assessment for Concrete Coatings Selection
Facility owners needing maintenance or repair of facility floors know that the choice of the most appropriate industrial floor coating is critical to the success of the project. Choosing the coatings is not an easy walk to the store, however. Facility owners should not rely merely on recommendations from shop clerks or colleagues or whatever sources. Every industrial floor coating is unique. Each one works for particular situations and needs. But the same goes for facility floors. Each floor may have unique requirements due to the way they are used in the facility.
A success factor in choosing the best industrial floor coating for the project lies in the conduct of a pre-project evaluation. This activity is a major gathering of inputs from all parties who will be involved in the project. Engineers, contractors, designers, architects, and even someone from the coating manufacturer may perform an assessment related to their respective tasks or roles in the project.
The stakeholders or parties involved will have to go onsite and conduct a thorough site inspection to determine the scope and scale of the project. Contractors may have to check for defects on the flooring and the extent of the damage to be fixed, if any. They must also check for potential problems and not just the visible or ongoing deterioration.
All parties may obtain the history of the project, such as the applications and methods used in the past, the maintenance history, performance, and cost, among others. This information is necessary to come up with a comprehensive view of the condition of the project. This knowledge is important in drawing up the final solution and the project’s plan of action.
A success factor in choosing the best industrial floor coating for the project lies in the conduct of a pre-project evaluation. This activity is a major gathering of inputs from all parties who will be involved in the project. Engineers, contractors, designers, architects, and even someone from the coating manufacturer may perform an assessment related to their respective tasks or roles in the project.
The stakeholders or parties involved will have to go onsite and conduct a thorough site inspection to determine the scope and scale of the project. Contractors may have to check for defects on the flooring and the extent of the damage to be fixed, if any. They must also check for potential problems and not just the visible or ongoing deterioration.
All parties may obtain the history of the project, such as the applications and methods used in the past, the maintenance history, performance, and cost, among others. This information is necessary to come up with a comprehensive view of the condition of the project. This knowledge is important in drawing up the final solution and the project’s plan of action.
Monday, June 28, 2010
A Checklist for Selecting Concrete Floor Coatings
Selecting the right industrial floor coating for your facility is not as easy as it seems. The selection process has to undergo careful consideration that cannot be done by a simple walk to the nearest paint store. Depending on your choice of industrial floor coatings on mere recommendations is actually a very dangerous thing to do, one that can cost your facility a lot of wasted money.
How to select the right industrial floor coatings for your facility project, then? Here is a checklist of the steps you should follow:
1. Assessment of the current state of your floors. This initial evaluation must be done carefully and accurately. This identifies the actual problem of your facility floors and the extent of the problem. From here, a sound solution can be developed.
2. Identification of requirements. From the initial assessment, the specification for the project is taking form. The problems and needs identified in the evaluation are matched with the possible solutions. The most appropriate solution is then selected, considering many important factors such as cost, constraints, and available resources.
3. Choosing the coatings and personnel. Using a previously laid out criteria, the most appropriate industrial floor coatings are selected, as well as the most qualified contractor for the project.
4. Setup of quality control and assurance process. The system to adhere to this process should be established and implemented carefully, to assure the success of the project.
How to select the right industrial floor coatings for your facility project, then? Here is a checklist of the steps you should follow:
1. Assessment of the current state of your floors. This initial evaluation must be done carefully and accurately. This identifies the actual problem of your facility floors and the extent of the problem. From here, a sound solution can be developed.
2. Identification of requirements. From the initial assessment, the specification for the project is taking form. The problems and needs identified in the evaluation are matched with the possible solutions. The most appropriate solution is then selected, considering many important factors such as cost, constraints, and available resources.
3. Choosing the coatings and personnel. Using a previously laid out criteria, the most appropriate industrial floor coatings are selected, as well as the most qualified contractor for the project.
4. Setup of quality control and assurance process. The system to adhere to this process should be established and implemented carefully, to assure the success of the project.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Durable but Beautiful Concrete Finishes
In opting for decorative concrete floor finishes, building owners get the double benefit of beauty and strength in one package. This is a more practical alternative to buying expensive carpeting, tiles, or hardwood floorings to cover the concrete foundation.
The useful life of concrete flooring is longer than other flooring materials used to hide the gray slab. Hardwood finishes require care and maintenance, and are vulnerable to water damages. Carpets and vinyl also suffer from daily wear and tear, stain easily, and cannot withstand moisture intrusion. Most of these floor coverings need to be replaced regularly. Whereas when decorative concrete coatings change the appearance of concrete floors, concrete can be the visible flooring for foyers, decks, hallways, function rooms, and other areas in the facility. Concrete floors can last for a lifetime and are easy to clean and maintain.
Decorative concrete coatings contractors skilled in concrete finishing and decoration can easily apply these decorative floorings. They can stamp or stain regular concrete based on the needs of the facility. They may work the colors and designs in the initial concrete mixing and pouring, or they can stain already existing slabs. For the latter, they may create a thinner concrete slab that covers the original concrete foundation and do their work on the new slab.
The cost of installing decorative concrete finishes may vary with the method and materials used. There are off-the-shelf packaged decorative concrete coatings, stainers or waxes for small projects that cost little. For more customized patterns and effects, contractors may charge by the hour on this specialty work. But generally, concrete finishing jobs cost less compared with projects using other flooring materials.
The useful life of concrete flooring is longer than other flooring materials used to hide the gray slab. Hardwood finishes require care and maintenance, and are vulnerable to water damages. Carpets and vinyl also suffer from daily wear and tear, stain easily, and cannot withstand moisture intrusion. Most of these floor coverings need to be replaced regularly. Whereas when decorative concrete coatings change the appearance of concrete floors, concrete can be the visible flooring for foyers, decks, hallways, function rooms, and other areas in the facility. Concrete floors can last for a lifetime and are easy to clean and maintain.
Decorative concrete coatings contractors skilled in concrete finishing and decoration can easily apply these decorative floorings. They can stamp or stain regular concrete based on the needs of the facility. They may work the colors and designs in the initial concrete mixing and pouring, or they can stain already existing slabs. For the latter, they may create a thinner concrete slab that covers the original concrete foundation and do their work on the new slab.
The cost of installing decorative concrete finishes may vary with the method and materials used. There are off-the-shelf packaged decorative concrete coatings, stainers or waxes for small projects that cost little. For more customized patterns and effects, contractors may charge by the hour on this specialty work. But generally, concrete finishing jobs cost less compared with projects using other flooring materials.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Stunning Textures in Concrete Finishes
For added versatility, concrete can be prepared in a variety of ways to add patterns and textures to the finished surface. There are several applications to achieve a textured concrete finish, and the designs are limited only by the imagination:
1. Stamping. Patterns are imprinted into the freshly-placed concrete surface with the artistic use of any hard object. Stones, tiles, wood, or brick are often used to cut patterned grooves on the surface. Decorative concrete coatings contractors trained in specific stamping techniques can create these beautiful patterns on patios, gazebo floors, hallways, decks, and various locations in the facility. The surface patterns can appear in random ways at the surface or outlined in groups to create interesting variations as well as to maximize use of the entire surface.
2. Scoring. Concrete surfaces that have been around for sometime can use a bit of spicing up with the simple method known as scoring. Shallow cuts are made on the surface using masonry-bladed abrasive saws, creating geometric patterns or simple grout lines. The scoring creates two colors -- one of the original concrete, and the other of the scored lines. When used in combination with decorative concrete coatings, colorants or sealers, the effect can be even more striking.
3. Aggregate finish. When aggregates like stone or gravel are applied to the top-most layer of freshly-poured concrete, a natural-looking and eye-catching surface effect is created. An aggregate of marble, shells, pebbles or colored stones can add even more color to the concrete surface. Clear sealers can bond the aggregates tightly to the surface, needing only minimal maintenance through time.
1. Stamping. Patterns are imprinted into the freshly-placed concrete surface with the artistic use of any hard object. Stones, tiles, wood, or brick are often used to cut patterned grooves on the surface. Decorative concrete coatings contractors trained in specific stamping techniques can create these beautiful patterns on patios, gazebo floors, hallways, decks, and various locations in the facility. The surface patterns can appear in random ways at the surface or outlined in groups to create interesting variations as well as to maximize use of the entire surface.
2. Scoring. Concrete surfaces that have been around for sometime can use a bit of spicing up with the simple method known as scoring. Shallow cuts are made on the surface using masonry-bladed abrasive saws, creating geometric patterns or simple grout lines. The scoring creates two colors -- one of the original concrete, and the other of the scored lines. When used in combination with decorative concrete coatings, colorants or sealers, the effect can be even more striking.
3. Aggregate finish. When aggregates like stone or gravel are applied to the top-most layer of freshly-poured concrete, a natural-looking and eye-catching surface effect is created. An aggregate of marble, shells, pebbles or colored stones can add even more color to the concrete surface. Clear sealers can bond the aggregates tightly to the surface, needing only minimal maintenance through time.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Bring Color to Your Floors with Decorative Concrete Coatings
Concrete is fast becoming a popular option for floor finishing because of its functional and decorative benefits. Concrete can now be treated with color coatings that transform the once gray-only concrete to a variety of colors. What is even more remarkable is that these decorative concrete coatings and colorants imbue concrete with the ability to mimic the look of true marble or wood materials. Practicality and beauty all at the same time.
Here are the decorative concrete coatings applications or effects that are possible with concrete:
1. Chemical stains. Lime-rich concrete reacts with chemicals to etch the surface with color. The staining process can mottle the surface with translucent textures, making interesting patterns in the concrete surface. The use of brushes, sprayers and even dry leaves or other materials can create striking designs.
2. Colored concrete. Adding colorants while concrete is being mixed results to a uniformly-hued slab. Pre-measured and bagged colorants can be purchased and simply added to the concrete mixer.
3. Waxes and sealers. Colored decorative concrete coatings can be used to seal the concrete surface and protect it from water. Clear-colored coatings add gloss and intensify the shade or pattern in the surface.
4. Release agent colors. Release agents are applied on stamped concrete surfaces to lessen friction. Color pigments in the release agent can create an antique look on the patterned surface.
5. Concrete colored hardeners. Colored, fine-grained and powdered aggregates are broadcasted onto freshly-poured concrete surface to transform it into a hard-finished surface. The effects are vivid hues on the topmost layer.
Here are the decorative concrete coatings applications or effects that are possible with concrete:
1. Chemical stains. Lime-rich concrete reacts with chemicals to etch the surface with color. The staining process can mottle the surface with translucent textures, making interesting patterns in the concrete surface. The use of brushes, sprayers and even dry leaves or other materials can create striking designs.
2. Colored concrete. Adding colorants while concrete is being mixed results to a uniformly-hued slab. Pre-measured and bagged colorants can be purchased and simply added to the concrete mixer.
3. Waxes and sealers. Colored decorative concrete coatings can be used to seal the concrete surface and protect it from water. Clear-colored coatings add gloss and intensify the shade or pattern in the surface.
4. Release agent colors. Release agents are applied on stamped concrete surfaces to lessen friction. Color pigments in the release agent can create an antique look on the patterned surface.
5. Concrete colored hardeners. Colored, fine-grained and powdered aggregates are broadcasted onto freshly-poured concrete surface to transform it into a hard-finished surface. The effects are vivid hues on the topmost layer.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Classy yet Cost-Friendly Concrete Finishes
Thanks to advances in concrete flooring technology, concrete floor finishes are no longer mere slabs of dull gray concrete. Poured concrete used to lack any semblance of aesthetic appeal, with a hundred percent emphasis on function rather than style. People step on concrete floors all the time, but interior designers went to such lengths to hide the concrete that people step on. With the use of carpets, hardwoods or vinyl floorings, concrete was often out of sight of building occupants.
These days, color and texture can be added to ordinary concrete to make it interesting to the eyes. This concrete reinvention has made it possible for concrete to come out into the open, being used to replace the more expensive finishes. Hardwood finishes tops the list of the most expensive of flooring materials, followed closely by natural stones like slate, granite, marble, and limestone. Stone tiles are lesser in cost but compared to concrete is still a very expensive material for floors.
With inventive use of decorative concrete coatings and techniques, dull concrete slabs are transformed into decorative floorings that enhance the beauty of any facility. These days, it is a cost-effective option to apply decorative concrete coatings in driveways, patios, walkways and even indoor rooms. Finishing the concrete surface with decorative concrete coatings offer versatility in textures and colors. Without the costly flooring materials that used to cover concrete, concrete coatings have come out to become one of the most popular choices in decorative floorings.
These days, color and texture can be added to ordinary concrete to make it interesting to the eyes. This concrete reinvention has made it possible for concrete to come out into the open, being used to replace the more expensive finishes. Hardwood finishes tops the list of the most expensive of flooring materials, followed closely by natural stones like slate, granite, marble, and limestone. Stone tiles are lesser in cost but compared to concrete is still a very expensive material for floors.
With inventive use of decorative concrete coatings and techniques, dull concrete slabs are transformed into decorative floorings that enhance the beauty of any facility. These days, it is a cost-effective option to apply decorative concrete coatings in driveways, patios, walkways and even indoor rooms. Finishing the concrete surface with decorative concrete coatings offer versatility in textures and colors. Without the costly flooring materials that used to cover concrete, concrete coatings have come out to become one of the most popular choices in decorative floorings.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Keeping Corrosion Costs Down
Corrosion often carries exorbitant costs to the affected structures. Metal or steel structures, in particular, are vulnerable to the damages of corrosion. Loss of structural integrity, the lessening of useful life, and, worse, severe disruption to the services they render, are but some of the major effects of corrosion to metal structures. Considering further that metal structures are often used as components for major infrastructures in the transportation, production, manufacturing, government and other sectors of the country, the economic cost of corrosion is one that cannot be ignored indeed.
In a 1970 study by Battelle-NBS, the cost of corrosion was calculated at $70 billion per year. This amount was 4.2% of the nation's gross national product (GNP) then. The most recent study on corrosion cost revealed that it has ballooned to $276 billion per year! This cost is so high that it amounts to 3.1% of the country's current gross domestic product (GDP).
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), tasked to carry out the systematic study to calculate corrosion impact to the economy, has partnered with NACE International, representatives of Congress, and the U.S. Department of Transportation to assess and provide ways to minimize this cost.
To lower the economic impact of corrosion, the FHWA recommends the following:
1. Unify the corrosion control and prevention efforts under one driving body, such as the National Research Council.
2. Corrosion control and prevention efforts should be done on a nation-wide scale.
3. Policies and corrosion management should be developed.
4. Increase the technological advances for corrosion cost-savings.
5. Effective implementation of corrosion control strategies.
In a 1970 study by Battelle-NBS, the cost of corrosion was calculated at $70 billion per year. This amount was 4.2% of the nation's gross national product (GNP) then. The most recent study on corrosion cost revealed that it has ballooned to $276 billion per year! This cost is so high that it amounts to 3.1% of the country's current gross domestic product (GDP).
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), tasked to carry out the systematic study to calculate corrosion impact to the economy, has partnered with NACE International, representatives of Congress, and the U.S. Department of Transportation to assess and provide ways to minimize this cost.
To lower the economic impact of corrosion, the FHWA recommends the following:
1. Unify the corrosion control and prevention efforts under one driving body, such as the National Research Council.
2. Corrosion control and prevention efforts should be done on a nation-wide scale.
3. Policies and corrosion management should be developed.
4. Increase the technological advances for corrosion cost-savings.
5. Effective implementation of corrosion control strategies.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Protective Coatings Against Surface Corrosion
The application of corrosion resistant coatings is one of the methods used to combat the electrochemical process of corrosion. Without these coatings, substrates like steel corrode easily. When the steel material fall to corrosion, its service life is shortened and can even result to severe structural failure.
When applied, certain corrosion resistant coatings undergo a curing process wherein the accompanying solvent completely evaporates. The resins of these coatings – vinyl, acrylics, bitumen and chlorinated rubbers – are left in original form, adherent to the surface after application.
Another type of protective coatings cures with the help of an irreversible polymerization process that completely changes the chemical composition of the original resin. Polymerization can be induced with the aid of oxygen, such as in the case of alkyds and certain thin-film oils. Epoxy and polyurethane corrosion resistant coatings, on the other hand, undergo a chemically-induced polymerization process.
Corrosion resistant coatings based on silicone have heat-induced polymers capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures. They are often used for corrosion control in boilers and furnaces.
Some protective coatings polymerize through hydrolysis. Moisture-cured polyurethanes are a good example of these. When applied, a protective film is created through the reaction with air-borne moisture. The same reaction is present in inorganic zinc coatings that are dispersed as zinc metal in powder form. When the coatings react with water in the air, they change to form a strong barrier. The zinc particles act as sacrificial materials to protect steel structures like bridges from corrosive agents.
The choice of corrosion resistant coatings depends on their intended use and application. Most corrosion control projects also consider the cost of paints in the selection process.
When applied, certain corrosion resistant coatings undergo a curing process wherein the accompanying solvent completely evaporates. The resins of these coatings – vinyl, acrylics, bitumen and chlorinated rubbers – are left in original form, adherent to the surface after application.
Another type of protective coatings cures with the help of an irreversible polymerization process that completely changes the chemical composition of the original resin. Polymerization can be induced with the aid of oxygen, such as in the case of alkyds and certain thin-film oils. Epoxy and polyurethane corrosion resistant coatings, on the other hand, undergo a chemically-induced polymerization process.
Corrosion resistant coatings based on silicone have heat-induced polymers capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures. They are often used for corrosion control in boilers and furnaces.
Some protective coatings polymerize through hydrolysis. Moisture-cured polyurethanes are a good example of these. When applied, a protective film is created through the reaction with air-borne moisture. The same reaction is present in inorganic zinc coatings that are dispersed as zinc metal in powder form. When the coatings react with water in the air, they change to form a strong barrier. The zinc particles act as sacrificial materials to protect steel structures like bridges from corrosive agents.
The choice of corrosion resistant coatings depends on their intended use and application. Most corrosion control projects also consider the cost of paints in the selection process.
Corrosion Protection Methods
To protect surfaces from corrosion damage, there are several methods commonly used by anti-corrosion specialists. One method in corrosion control and protection is the direct treatment of the surface to enable it to be corrosion-resistant. Another method is to install cathodic protection to the surface. Yet another is to implement what is known as a controlled permeability framework.
1. Treating the surface
Corrosion-prone surfaces undergo a special treatment to allow them to resist corrosive agents. One common surface treatment is to paint it with corrosion-resistant coatings. Another method is to apply plating. Either way, the surface is shielded from the corrosive environment. For coatings applications, corrosion inhibitors are often added to the mix to make the surface impervious from electrochemical reactions. Salts, chromates and other conductive polymers and chemicals are good corrosion inhibitors.
2. Cathodic protection
Another method to control corrosion of metal surfaces is through cathodic protection, which involves imbuing the surface with properties similar to a cathode in an electrochemical cell. An anodic material is sacrificed to the corrosion process. The goal is to polarize the surface with uniform potential, which halts the corrosive process.
3. Controlled permeability formwork
Controlled permeability formwork prevents corrosion by increasing the robustness of the coating material. Aside from corrosive agents, carbonation, frost, abrasion and other damages can weaken the surface cover. The permeability formwork enhances the strength of the cover, preventing corrosion in the long run.
1. Treating the surface
Corrosion-prone surfaces undergo a special treatment to allow them to resist corrosive agents. One common surface treatment is to paint it with corrosion-resistant coatings. Another method is to apply plating. Either way, the surface is shielded from the corrosive environment. For coatings applications, corrosion inhibitors are often added to the mix to make the surface impervious from electrochemical reactions. Salts, chromates and other conductive polymers and chemicals are good corrosion inhibitors.
2. Cathodic protection
Another method to control corrosion of metal surfaces is through cathodic protection, which involves imbuing the surface with properties similar to a cathode in an electrochemical cell. An anodic material is sacrificed to the corrosion process. The goal is to polarize the surface with uniform potential, which halts the corrosive process.
3. Controlled permeability formwork
Controlled permeability formwork prevents corrosion by increasing the robustness of the coating material. Aside from corrosive agents, carbonation, frost, abrasion and other damages can weaken the surface cover. The permeability formwork enhances the strength of the cover, preventing corrosion in the long run.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Guarding Substrates Against Corrosion
Corrosion is the chemical reaction between materials and their surroundings. It is a destructive process that causes structural disintegration. Knowing how surface materials corrode can help in protecting them against their corrosive environment. Corrosion-resistant coatings systems can be identified that are appropriate to the type of corrosion that the materials are vulnerable to.
Here are some of the known types of corrosion:
1. Rusting
Also known as electrochemical corrosion, rusting is the result of the reaction of metals when exposed to oxidizing agents such as oxygen. Oxidants attack the iron atoms in vulnerable metal surfaces. Parts of the metal surface became casualties of the process, turning into oxides of iron and salts. These new materials are visible as rust.
2. Galvanic corrosion
Different-type metals can take part in galvanic preferential corrosion when exposed to electrolytes. Metals have varying electrode potentials. A conducting path can be created that causes ionic migration from the anodic metal to the cathodic metal. The anodic metal corrodes at a faster speed than the "noble" cathodic metal. The latter may even stop corroding at some point. Corrosion-resistant coatings to prevent galvanic corrosion are of particular importance to the marine industry.
3. Microbial corrosion
Bacterial corrosion occurs with the aid of microorganisms. Feeding on oxygen, some microorganisms can directly oxidize iron materials. Biogenic sulfide corrosion is due to bacteria oxidizing sulfur to produce sulfuric acid. Bacterial concentration cells can also enhance galvanic corrosion by feeding on the by-products of the ongoing corrosion process.
4. Corrosion due to high temperatures
A high temperature environment, together with oxidizing agents like sulfur or oxygen, can trigger the oxidation process that corrodes the metal surface. This type of corrosion particularly concerns the power, aviation and automobile industries, where materials are often subjected to long periods of intense heat.
Here are some of the known types of corrosion:
1. Rusting
Also known as electrochemical corrosion, rusting is the result of the reaction of metals when exposed to oxidizing agents such as oxygen. Oxidants attack the iron atoms in vulnerable metal surfaces. Parts of the metal surface became casualties of the process, turning into oxides of iron and salts. These new materials are visible as rust.
2. Galvanic corrosion
Different-type metals can take part in galvanic preferential corrosion when exposed to electrolytes. Metals have varying electrode potentials. A conducting path can be created that causes ionic migration from the anodic metal to the cathodic metal. The anodic metal corrodes at a faster speed than the "noble" cathodic metal. The latter may even stop corroding at some point. Corrosion-resistant coatings to prevent galvanic corrosion are of particular importance to the marine industry.
3. Microbial corrosion
Bacterial corrosion occurs with the aid of microorganisms. Feeding on oxygen, some microorganisms can directly oxidize iron materials. Biogenic sulfide corrosion is due to bacteria oxidizing sulfur to produce sulfuric acid. Bacterial concentration cells can also enhance galvanic corrosion by feeding on the by-products of the ongoing corrosion process.
4. Corrosion due to high temperatures
A high temperature environment, together with oxidizing agents like sulfur or oxygen, can trigger the oxidation process that corrodes the metal surface. This type of corrosion particularly concerns the power, aviation and automobile industries, where materials are often subjected to long periods of intense heat.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Surface Protection with Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is gaining momentum as it is being used in an increasing number of industrial and commercial applications. Designing materials and devices on the atomic or molecular level makes it possible to change the chemical properties of affected materials. When it comes to surface protection, nanotechnology is put to good use with nano-scale protective coatings products that imbue the surface with high performance and outstanding resistance from many types of damages.
One notable nanotechnology application for surface protection comes from the Diamon Fusion® nanotechnology. It is a patented technology involving the manufacture of capped silicone films. The technology utilizes a chemical vapor deposition process that protects silicon-dioxide-based surfaces. The protective coatings work well in glass, ceramic, granite and porcelain surfaces. The vapor formulation reacts with moisture and silica in a two-stage chemical process. The first stage creates cross-linked films when reacting to a silica-treated surface. The second stage caps the surface to increase its water repellant properties. It also increases the surface's imperviousness to other contaminants.
One way to apply Diamon Fusion® protective coatings requires the use of a vapor deposition system on an air-tight room. This is perfect for high volume batch applications. Another way is by hand-applying the liquid product to the target surface. Both methods result to the application of protective coatings that are “cross-linked and branched, capped silicone films", as covered in the patents.
The protective coatings are visibly clear in color and will not affect the substrate they were applied on. They will not cause any discoloration, nor chip off the surface, nor unravel the chemical bond created create with the surface.
One notable nanotechnology application for surface protection comes from the Diamon Fusion® nanotechnology. It is a patented technology involving the manufacture of capped silicone films. The technology utilizes a chemical vapor deposition process that protects silicon-dioxide-based surfaces. The protective coatings work well in glass, ceramic, granite and porcelain surfaces. The vapor formulation reacts with moisture and silica in a two-stage chemical process. The first stage creates cross-linked films when reacting to a silica-treated surface. The second stage caps the surface to increase its water repellant properties. It also increases the surface's imperviousness to other contaminants.
One way to apply Diamon Fusion® protective coatings requires the use of a vapor deposition system on an air-tight room. This is perfect for high volume batch applications. Another way is by hand-applying the liquid product to the target surface. Both methods result to the application of protective coatings that are “cross-linked and branched, capped silicone films", as covered in the patents.
The protective coatings are visibly clear in color and will not affect the substrate they were applied on. They will not cause any discoloration, nor chip off the surface, nor unravel the chemical bond created create with the surface.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Protective Super-Paints
"I want to build a billion tiny factories, models of each other, which are manufacturing simultaneously… The principles of physics, as far as I can see, do not speak against the possibility of maneuvering things atom by atom. It is not an attempt to violate any laws; it is something, in principle, that can be done; but in practice, it has not been done because we are too big."
— Richard Feynman, Nobel Prize Physicist
When Feyman conceptualized the earliest origins of nanotechnology, he meant building things from the tiniest or atomic level and up. The technology grew with the passage of time and left the realms of fiction. Today, nanotechnology is a reality with many applications.
The advancement in nanotechnology covers the protective coatings industry. Last year, an Italian paint manufacturer bagged the prize for their nanotechnology work on protective coatings. Their development of superpolymers and coatings based on a nanotechnology patent resulted to anti-corrosive fire-resistant paints. Their products are based on nano-clay composites with excellent barrier properties. Nano-clay is one area of nanotechnology that promises cost-effective applications. The products are in production and will hit the market this 2010.
The nanotechnology-developed anti-corrosion formulations are expected to be heavily used in the construction and marine industries, where heavy machinery painting applications require the highest performance in protective coatings. Another nano-clay-based range of products will be used in the oil and energy industries, in the form of protective coatings resistant to thermal fluctuations.
— Richard Feynman, Nobel Prize Physicist
When Feyman conceptualized the earliest origins of nanotechnology, he meant building things from the tiniest or atomic level and up. The technology grew with the passage of time and left the realms of fiction. Today, nanotechnology is a reality with many applications.
The advancement in nanotechnology covers the protective coatings industry. Last year, an Italian paint manufacturer bagged the prize for their nanotechnology work on protective coatings. Their development of superpolymers and coatings based on a nanotechnology patent resulted to anti-corrosive fire-resistant paints. Their products are based on nano-clay composites with excellent barrier properties. Nano-clay is one area of nanotechnology that promises cost-effective applications. The products are in production and will hit the market this 2010.
The nanotechnology-developed anti-corrosion formulations are expected to be heavily used in the construction and marine industries, where heavy machinery painting applications require the highest performance in protective coatings. Another nano-clay-based range of products will be used in the oil and energy industries, in the form of protective coatings resistant to thermal fluctuations.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Nanotechnology Innovations
Nanotechnology products are increasing in number, as hundreds of manufacturers across all industries use nanotechnology in their product designs. Their participation in this nano-revolution of sorts benefits the end consumers, who now have more innovative products to choose from, and in nearly all types of applications -- food, cosmetics, clothing, appliances, and yes, even protective coatings.
The technology to control matter at its molecular level has immense potential. Here are some of them:
1. Nanotechnology applications are diverse and cut across all industries.
2. New materials with nano-scale dimensions can be created.
3. Nano-materials are now applied in areas of medicine, electronics, energy production, construction industry, protective coatings industry, to name a few.
Although nanotechnology is very promising, there are advocacy groups who are raising concerns over its adoption and use. Their concerns are summarized in the following:
1. Environmental impact of nano-material production and use
2. Toxicity of these new materials
3. Economic effect of the technology
Such concerns have raised the possibility of regulating the use of nano-materials, as well as a risk analysis as to its real impact to the world.
In the area of protective coatings, zinc oxide is used to create the nano-materials for surface protective coatings, paints and finishes. The nano-materials fall in the surface functionalized nano-particle category, where the surface chemistry can be controlled to change the behavior of the surface. With nanotechnology, the surface structure can be re-ordered to increase many properties, such as its adhesion, resistance, and corrosion properties. Furthermore, some surfaces can be imbued with IV-absorbing as well as anti-bacterial and antibiotic properties, which is not present in ordinary painted surfaces.
The technology to control matter at its molecular level has immense potential. Here are some of them:
1. Nanotechnology applications are diverse and cut across all industries.
2. New materials with nano-scale dimensions can be created.
3. Nano-materials are now applied in areas of medicine, electronics, energy production, construction industry, protective coatings industry, to name a few.
Although nanotechnology is very promising, there are advocacy groups who are raising concerns over its adoption and use. Their concerns are summarized in the following:
1. Environmental impact of nano-material production and use
2. Toxicity of these new materials
3. Economic effect of the technology
Such concerns have raised the possibility of regulating the use of nano-materials, as well as a risk analysis as to its real impact to the world.
In the area of protective coatings, zinc oxide is used to create the nano-materials for surface protective coatings, paints and finishes. The nano-materials fall in the surface functionalized nano-particle category, where the surface chemistry can be controlled to change the behavior of the surface. With nanotechnology, the surface structure can be re-ordered to increase many properties, such as its adhesion, resistance, and corrosion properties. Furthermore, some surfaces can be imbued with IV-absorbing as well as anti-bacterial and antibiotic properties, which is not present in ordinary painted surfaces.
Monday, June 7, 2010
Nano-Science and Protective Coatings
Nanotechnology is one of the latest buzz words in applied sciences these days. Also called "nanotech", it is concerned with the study of matter and how to manipulate matter's atomic and molecular composition. This is science at its tiniest, dealing with structures sized as small as possible and even in one dimension. The results of nanotechnology are appliances or materials that offer great benefits to mankind, despite their tiny size.
Because the principles of nanotechnology deal with any types of matter, its usability and applicability is wide-ranging. Some of the applications of nanotechnology are in medicine, electronics, energy/power generation, and even protective coatings used in construction. Nanotechnology has close to a thousand products currently in development or being manufactured. Passive nano-materials are being manufactured for use in cosmetics and the food industry. Carbon allotropes, on the other hand, are nano-materials being manufactured for clothing, food packaging, and appliances, among others. For surface and protective coatings used by the building industry, zinc oxide-based nano-materials are often used.
Protective coatings benefit from nano-technology particularly in the aspect of creating "surface functionalized nano-materials." The nano-particles created, like dodecanethiol functionalized gold nano-particles, possess unique surface chemistries that can be manipulated or controlled. These particles make possible the process of organic packaging. The adhesion properties of these nano-particles can be changed. In nano-powder form, they can be dispersed to polymers and protective coatings. When combined with these materials and applied on target surfaces, the coated surfaces gain improved magnetic, dielectric and catalytic properties. These surfaces are more resistant to UV rays, corrosion, and other forms of damages.
Because the principles of nanotechnology deal with any types of matter, its usability and applicability is wide-ranging. Some of the applications of nanotechnology are in medicine, electronics, energy/power generation, and even protective coatings used in construction. Nanotechnology has close to a thousand products currently in development or being manufactured. Passive nano-materials are being manufactured for use in cosmetics and the food industry. Carbon allotropes, on the other hand, are nano-materials being manufactured for clothing, food packaging, and appliances, among others. For surface and protective coatings used by the building industry, zinc oxide-based nano-materials are often used.
Protective coatings benefit from nano-technology particularly in the aspect of creating "surface functionalized nano-materials." The nano-particles created, like dodecanethiol functionalized gold nano-particles, possess unique surface chemistries that can be manipulated or controlled. These particles make possible the process of organic packaging. The adhesion properties of these nano-particles can be changed. In nano-powder form, they can be dispersed to polymers and protective coatings. When combined with these materials and applied on target surfaces, the coated surfaces gain improved magnetic, dielectric and catalytic properties. These surfaces are more resistant to UV rays, corrosion, and other forms of damages.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Waterproof for Building Code Compliance
To prevent moisture from penetrating the building and causing damages, it needs to be waterproofed. Waterproofing contractors often install a combination of moisture, air, vapor, and heat barriers to form a water-tight and air-tight waterproofing system. Waterproofing the building is one of the requirements for compliance with the International Building Code (IBC). Other states and local jurisdictions also require adequate waterproofing systems to be installed to comply with their area's respective building codes.
Why are building codes covering the need for waterproofing systems? It is because waterproofing systems are the only way to address many problems that arise from the harmful effect of air and moisture to the building.
Waterproofing contractors therefore make compliance to the building code as one of the basis when they chose and design the building's waterproofing system. The most appropriate product that satisfies the building code, next to compliance to project requirements, often forms the main determinant why any product is selected.
Waterproofing systems, products, and even contractors undergo evaluation to see if they are in compliance with any particular building code. Products are evaluated as to their design, intended use, suitability to types of soils and substrates, installation, among others. They are tested for their waterproofing performance, and whether or not they meet the level approved by the building code.
Why are building codes covering the need for waterproofing systems? It is because waterproofing systems are the only way to address many problems that arise from the harmful effect of air and moisture to the building.
Waterproofing contractors therefore make compliance to the building code as one of the basis when they chose and design the building's waterproofing system. The most appropriate product that satisfies the building code, next to compliance to project requirements, often forms the main determinant why any product is selected.
Waterproofing systems, products, and even contractors undergo evaluation to see if they are in compliance with any particular building code. Products are evaluated as to their design, intended use, suitability to types of soils and substrates, installation, among others. They are tested for their waterproofing performance, and whether or not they meet the level approved by the building code.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Waterproofing for Energy Efficiency
Moisture from air leakage increases the work load of HVAC systems in the building. If moisture penetrates the building and is not vented out one way or another, these mechanical systems work harder to maintain comfortable room temperatures. The added load requires these machines to use up more energy in the process.
Waterproofing contractors often focus a lot of attention into making the walls a first line of the building's defense. The waterproofing system to be installed on walls depends largely on the material composition of the walls. They may be made of wood, concrete, bricks, etc. The different structural material dictates the type of barrier that can be installed in these walls -- be it an insulating or heat barrier, a moisture barrier, an air barrier, a vapor barrier, or a combination of some of these.
Each of these barriers prevents water from penetrating the building, or limits the amount of moisture that comes in, or resists moisture intrusion into the building through thermal transfer. Waterproofing contractors design barrier systems that will be impervious to the external elements such as rain or wind. When wind blows moisture into the building, the building may suffer from heat loss and onslaught of cold drafts. This decreases energy efficiency as a result.
Air barrier systems, in particular, help maintain the appropriate interior temperature for lesser energy consumption. This contributes to lowering the energy costs, as determined by the U.S. Department of Energy, wherein 40% of a building's energy consumption is estimated to be due to cooling or heating the building.
Waterproofing contractors often focus a lot of attention into making the walls a first line of the building's defense. The waterproofing system to be installed on walls depends largely on the material composition of the walls. They may be made of wood, concrete, bricks, etc. The different structural material dictates the type of barrier that can be installed in these walls -- be it an insulating or heat barrier, a moisture barrier, an air barrier, a vapor barrier, or a combination of some of these.
Each of these barriers prevents water from penetrating the building, or limits the amount of moisture that comes in, or resists moisture intrusion into the building through thermal transfer. Waterproofing contractors design barrier systems that will be impervious to the external elements such as rain or wind. When wind blows moisture into the building, the building may suffer from heat loss and onslaught of cold drafts. This decreases energy efficiency as a result.
Air barrier systems, in particular, help maintain the appropriate interior temperature for lesser energy consumption. This contributes to lowering the energy costs, as determined by the U.S. Department of Energy, wherein 40% of a building's energy consumption is estimated to be due to cooling or heating the building.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Improving Indoor Air Quality with Waterproofing Systems
Waterproofing contractors often find that air-borne moisture is more difficult to remove from the building than liquid-form moisture. In the form of vapor, it can enter the building through diffusion and stay there. And when air-borne moisture seepage cannot be expelled from the premises, it can lead to the growth of mold organisms. When molds appear, the indoor air quality is compromised.
Waterproofing contractors must install a waterproofing system that can repel air-borne moisture. The system should also be able to withstand changes brought by wind, fan or stack pressures – air movements that act on the building constantly. Lastly, when air-borne moisture does finally seep into the interior, the waterproofing system must be able to expel it.
An effective waterproofing system should have air and vapor barriers for its components. The system takes into account the air forces acting on the building. At the same time it should serve as a drainage mechanism to guide moisture from the inner cavities to the outer areas. The barriers should be strong but able to adjust to the movement of the building surfaces wherein it is installed. Needless to say, it should be applied in a seamless manner all throughout the building to make for an air-tight waterproofing system.
Waterproofing contractors often install air/vapor barriers using water-borne acrylic resin-based products or rubberized asphalt emulsions. These products are cheaper, easy to apply and maintain, and environmentally safe to use.
Waterproofing contractors must install a waterproofing system that can repel air-borne moisture. The system should also be able to withstand changes brought by wind, fan or stack pressures – air movements that act on the building constantly. Lastly, when air-borne moisture does finally seep into the interior, the waterproofing system must be able to expel it.
An effective waterproofing system should have air and vapor barriers for its components. The system takes into account the air forces acting on the building. At the same time it should serve as a drainage mechanism to guide moisture from the inner cavities to the outer areas. The barriers should be strong but able to adjust to the movement of the building surfaces wherein it is installed. Needless to say, it should be applied in a seamless manner all throughout the building to make for an air-tight waterproofing system.
Waterproofing contractors often install air/vapor barriers using water-borne acrylic resin-based products or rubberized asphalt emulsions. These products are cheaper, easy to apply and maintain, and environmentally safe to use.
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