How to Distinguish Between Polyurea and Epoxy Grout Sealants?

Knowledge
15 Nov, 2024

In the diverse market of grout sealants, distinguishing between polyurea and epoxy variants can be challenging. Here are some insights from Feiyang:

How to Distinguish Between Polyurea and Epoxy Grout Sealants

1. Before Application:

Experienced users can differentiate by scent; polyurea emits a milder and more characteristic odor compared to epoxy. Using pH test strips to check the alkalinity of Component A can provide useful information. Alkaline readings typically indicate polyurea, while non-alkaline readings suggest other types of sealants. Mixing a known epoxy B component with the B component of the sealant under evaluation can reveal polyurea; if a heat-generating, gel-forming reaction occurs, it indicates polyurea.

Testing Method for Sealant Alkalinity

Testing Method for Sealant Alkalinity

2. During Application:

Polyurea grout cures faster, often becoming non-sticky within an hour at room temperature and ready for excess removal in three hours. In contrast, epoxy generally takes over two hours to surface dry and requires six hours for removal. This time difference becomes even more pronounced at low temperatures.

Curing Time Comparison between Polyurea and Epoxy

Curing Time Comparison between Polyurea and Epoxy

3. After Application:

When burned, polyurea produces less black smoke and burns more completely than epoxy, which generates significant black smoke due to incomplete combustion. Flexibility tests, such as repeated folding, can also be used to differentiate the materials. Semi-dry flexible epoxy cannot withstand repeated folding, whereas polyurea shows superior flexibility and can tolerate multiple folds. However, this test does not apply to colored sand materials.

Flexibility Test for Polyurea Grout Sealant

Flexibility Test for Polyurea Grout Sealant

Flexibility Test for Epoxy Grout Sealant

Flexibility Test for Epoxy Grout Sealant

Feiyang has been specializing in the production of raw materials for polyaspartic coatings for 30 years and can provide polyaspartic resins, hardeners and coating formulations. Some of our polyaspartic coating formulations: Polyaspartic Coating

Feel free to contact us: marketing@feiyang.com.cn

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