503R-93
Use of Epoxy Compounds with Concrete (Reapproved 1998)
1993, 28 pp.
$56.50

Epoxy compounds have found a wide variety of uses in the concrete industry as coatings, grouts, binders, sealants, bonding agents, patching materials, and general adhesives. Properties, uses, preparations, mixtures, application, and handling requirements of epoxy resin systems when applied to and used with concrete and mortar are presented. The adhesiveness of epoxy and its chemical, thermal, and physical properties are given. The modification of the fore-going properties to accommodate given situations is reviewed. Problems encountered in surface preparation are reviewed and procedures and techniques given to insure successful bonding of the epoxy to the other materials. Temperature conditioning of the base material and epoxy compound are outlined. The cleaning and maintaining of equipment is reviewed. Procedures to be followed in the application of epoxy compounds in the several use situations are given. The important factors which insure that the epoxy compound will harden (cure) and therefore perform its function are discussed together with alterations of the hardening rate. The allergenic and toxic nature of epoxies and the chemicals used with them in the industry create a hazard and precautions are detailed throughout the report.

Contents:
Chapter 1-Introduction

1.1-Background

1.2-General

1.3-Scope

Chapter 2-History of epoxies

2.1-Origin of epoxies

2.2-Early attempts at using epoxies

2.3-Development of epoxy applications with concrete

2.4-Present status of epoxies

Chapter 3-Chemical and physical characteristics of epoxy resins

3.1-General

3.2-Adhesion properties

3.3-Susceptibility to chemical attack

3.4-Electrical properties

3.5-Abrasion resistance

3.6-Resilience

3.7-Creep

3.8-Thermal expansion

3.9-Exothermic reaction during cure

3.10-Curing and aging stresses

3.11-Thermosetting properties

Chapter 4-Uses of epoxy resins

4.1-General

4.2-Protective coating

4.3-Decorative coating

4.4-Skid-resistant coating

4.5-Grout

4.6-Adhesive

4.7-Binder for epoxy mortar or concrete

4.8-Underwater application

4.9-Epoxy-modified concrete

Chapter 5-Preparing surfaces for epoxy compound application

5.1-General

5.2-Concrete surface evaluation

5.3-Removal of concrete for repairs

5.4-Surface preparation

5.5-Temperature conditioning

Chapter 6-Preparing epoxy compound and epoxy mixtures for use

6.1-General

6.2-Temperature conditioning of material

6.3-Mixing and proportioning

6.4-Mixing

6.5-Cleaning of equipment

6.6-Caution of solvents and strippers

Chapter 7-Applying epoxy compounds

7.1-General considerations

7.2-Specific applications

7.3-Underwater applications

Chapter 8-Hardening

8.1-Rate of hardening

8.2-Adjusting the hardening rate

8.3-Opening the job to service

Chapter 9-Handling precautions

9.1-General hazards

9.2-Safe handling

9.3-What to do in case of direct contact

9.4-Use of solvents

9.5-Education of personnel

Appendix A-Test methods

A.1-Field test for surface soundness and adhesion

A.2-Simplified field test for surface soundness

Appendix B-Terminology