Polyurea have evolved significantly over the years, leading to the development of three generations: aromatic polyurea (first generation), aliphatic polyurea (second generation), and polyaspartic polyurea (third generation). Currently, aromatic polyureas hold a market share of 70%, aliphatic polyureas account for 5%, and polyaspartic polyureas make up 25%.
Common Characteristics of the Three Generations of Polyurea:
- Universal adhesion: Exhibits strong adhesion to substrates such as concrete, brick, metal, wood, and plastic.
- Seamless film formation: Relies on chemical reactions to form a dense, continuous, and seamless coating, free from pinholes, bubbles, or shrinkage. Due to the high stability of urea bonds and the density of the film, the coating offers exceptional resistance to water, alkaline, and acidic conditions.
- Superior abrasion resistance: Polyurea coatings are ten times more wear-resistant than carbon steel and three to five times more than epoxy resin, commonly used in industrial heavy-duty flooring subject to frequent traffic and impact, demonstrating excellent resistance to impact and fatigue.
- Outstanding weatherability: Polyurea withstands harsh environmental conditions, resistant to acids, bases, and salt spray, with a long protective lifespan.
Differences Among the Generations of Polyurea:
The first-generation aromatic polyurea, the most economical waterproofing and anti-corrosive material on the market, has two critical disadvantages: it cannot withstand UV exposure and is not suitable for outdoor use, showing discoloration within 2-3 years. Additionally, its 7-second curing time complicates application and compromises overall adhesion.
The second-generation aliphatic polyurea improves upon UV resistance and aging, suitable for various outdoor conditions with enhanced weatherability. However, it cannot be applied in moist environments or at temperatures below 3 degrees Celsius and is more expensive.
Distinguishing Features of Third-Generation Polyaspartic Polyurea:
- Adjustable reactive activity allows for extended gel times, ranging from several minutes to hours, facilitating a variety of application methods such as high-pressure, high-temperature spray, brushing, troweling, and rolling, broadening its application scope and simplifying construction.
- The increased gel time significantly enhances substrate wetting and material adhesion.
- Modified resin structures produce coatings with improved tensile strength, elongation at break, and abrasion resistance.
- Resistant to extreme temperatures, it withstands conditions as low as -50 degrees Celsius and as high as +200 degrees Celsius, unaffected by moisture and applicable on water or ice surfaces.
Polyaspartic Polyurea:
Polyaspartic polyurea is a reaction product of modified isocyanate prepolymers and polyaspartic ester (known as polyaspartic resin), a secondary amine compound with a unique positional effect that significantly reduces reactivity compared to standard aliphatic amine resins.
Advantages of Polyaspartic Polyurea:
- Exhibits superior weatherability, aging, and UV resistance, suitable for outdoor use for many years without aging or powdering; remains glossy after washing, with over 95% performance retention after 4000 hours of QUVA testing.
- Easily applied by hand brushing, rolling, or troweling.
- Strong adhesion prevents coating delamination and failure.
- Elastic properties of the polyaspartic system counteract the effects of thermal expansion and contraction due to significant temperature differences, preventing cracks while maintaining adhesion.
- Excellent low-temperature performance; the coating remains intact without cracking at temperatures down to -50 degrees Celsius.
- Integrates waterproofing and decorative functions, achieving ideal visual effects as per design.
- High resistance to acids and bases; after soaking in a 5% H2SO4/NaOH solution for 30 days, the coating remains intact without blistering.
The only downside of polyaspartic polyurea is its higher cost compared to standard polyureas, yet its aesthetic appeal and durability are unmatched.
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 Formulations
Feel free to contact us: marketing@feiyang.com.cn
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Learn more polyaspartic knowledge: Polyaspartic FAQ
