have been around for almost three decades, designed to exhibit a high cross-linking density, cementitious polyurethane systems are non-toxic, non-hazardous, and highly chemical-resistant and can now be installed more efficiently and effectively. They have been widely used in the food and beverage, food processing and manufacturing globally.
Because of the huge disparity in temperature in a short period of time, Polyurethane mortar flooring is ideal in slaughterhouses, meat/fish/dairy processing, breweries, and heavy-duty industrial food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
Floors in these environments are subjected to abuse, heavy traffic, chemical attack and the most hostile conditions out there. Polyurethane mortars do well in these abusive environments but not every area in a plant will require them. Epoxy systems still rank high on the preferred material selection list; however, trickier and more demanding environments are better suited with a cementitious polyurethane system. Coatings not only need to protect concrete from harmful substances, but from mechanical stress, too. In a cold range of temperature transition, epoxy coatings often become brittle and strained, reducing their ability to withstand mechanical loads. Moreover, this often presents a serious wear problem.
The cementitious polyurethane makeup has a similar modulus of elasticity to that of concrete. This virtually eliminates differential flexing that is prevalent with most other resins.
There's no primer needed before applying the mortar, which saves considerable downtime, approximately half. Because of higher odors associated with epoxy coatings, meat/fish and dairy processing areas generally require venting. Fans help to displace the odors. Polyurethane mortar systems contain very low odor and are of no risk to open food products.
In addition to being able to absorb and withstand radical heat and cold temperature change, polyurethane mortar systems also have sound deadening properties. These are particularly beneficial in areas where steel wheels are used in such places as bakeries. Polyurethane mortars can effectively handle abuse from dropped pots and utensils in commercial kitchens. Now, more than ever before, demand is ever-increasing for these cement-based polyurethanes because they can be quickly installed over new and old concrete with little or no substantial downtime.
1. They cut the flooring project time almost in half, allowing for rapid application and curing, and polyurethane mortars withstand the test of time in hostile environments where radical temperature shifts, heavy impact and damaging chemical agents are par for the course.
2. Fast return to service, cement-based polyurethanes can be applied to freshly poured concrete, thus eliminating the typical 28-day wait time for the concrete to cure.