3. Introduction
A primer is an essential component of a strengthen the concrete substrate. They are also safer
high-performance flooring or coating and more environmentally friendly than solvent con-
system. No matter how good the rest of the system taining systems. Waterborne primers have low-viscos-
may be, the ultimate and long term performance of the ity and are typically odorless, but evaporation of the
system will only be as good as the foundation on water is essential to the development of optimal cure.
which it has been applied. On concrete substrates the Systems containing a solvent (or water) fill the voids in
primer can help strengthen the substrate by penetrat- the concrete substrate initially but upon evaporation
ing into the concrete as well as provide a barrier to out of the solvent leave these voids partially filled and,
gassing, which can cause blistering and delamination. therefore, strengthen the concrete to a lesser degree
Primers will also facilitate the application of highly filled than solvent-free primer systems. Huntsman
trowelable materials such as mortar screeds. Advanced Materials offers a line of solvent-free, low-
viscosity curing agents designed to provide excellent
Low-viscosity, solvent-free primers are typically pre- adhesion to suitably prepared concrete and sand-
ferred because they are able to penetrate and blasted steel substrates.
top coat
primer penetration
concrete substrate
1
4. Aradur® 450 and Aradur® 450 S Epoxy Curing Agents
Real life situations, unfortunately, are very differ- should not be used in formulations that cure too fast
ent from the near ideal conditions encountered in the under the existing temperature conditions. The recom-
laboratory. For instance, the substrate may be subject mended epoxy resin for use with the Aradur® 450 and
to condensing humidity, damp, or in the worst case, be Aradur® 450 S for formulation of primer systems is
completely saturated with water. Huntsman Advanced Araldite® PY 313 epoxy resin (a non-crystallizing
Materials has developed Aradur® 450 epoxy curing bisphenol A/F blend modified with a reactive diluent).
agent and Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing agent. These
products are low-viscosity formulated polyamidoamine Typical properties of Araldite® PY 313
type curing agents. Even when applied to damp sub-
epoxy resin / Aradur® 450 and
strates e.g., dew coated steel or wet concrete, coat-
ings formulated with Aradur 450® epoxy curing agent Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing agents
will provide outstanding adhesion properties. Aradur®
450 S systems may be applied and cured under water The low-viscosity and relatively long gel-time of sys-
provided that the system is suitably formulated. Their tems based on Araldite® PY 313 epoxy resins and the
low sensitivity to humidity makes both Aradur® 450 and Aradur® 450 products are important in achieving a high
Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing agents especially suitable degree of adhesion to concrete. These properties are
for concrete primers. With these epoxy curing agents it also important in the formulation of pigmented coatings
is possible to apply a coating on concrete within one for concrete or metal substrates. The typical properties
week of cure, as long as it is free of any cement lai- of these systems cured at several temperatures are
tance. The typical properties of Aradur® 450 and given in Table II. At lower temperatures, e.g., 5°C-
Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing agents are given in Table I. 15°C (41°F-59°F), Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing agent
offers significantly shorter tack-free time than Aradur®
Both curing agents have the same equivalent weight, 450 epoxy curing agent. At 23°C (73°F) Aradur® 450
which makes it easy for the formulator to customize a epoxy curing agent has a moderate gel-time with a
formulation for a wide variety of environmental condi- slightly longer cure time. It should be noted that these
tions and temperatures within the 5°C to 35°C (41°F to test results were generated under controlled laboratory
95ºF) range. In general Huntsman Advanced Materials conditions on cold rolled steel substrates. Under nor-
recommends the Aradur® 450 products be used in the mal conditions where the substrate, such as a con-
following temperature ranges: crete floor, may be at a significantly lower tempera-
ture than the atmospheric temperature, the cure
Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing agent: speed may be significantly longer. Also the addition
5°C to 18°C (41°F to 59°F) of fillers and/or pigments will also reduce the cure
speed. As stated previously, the gel-time and the
Aradur® 450 epoxy curing agent: mixed viscosity are important factors in obtaining
15°C to 35°C (59°F to 95°F) good penetration and, consequently, optimum adhe-
sion properties to concrete.
These products are based on the same chemistry. It is
therefore, possible to fine tune the reactivity of a system The basic properties of coatings based on low-viscosity
for a given application temperature. In order to achieve epoxy resins Araldite® PY 313 epoxy resin and Araldite®
optimal adhesion properties on dry, damp or wet con- GY 9513 epoxy resin (a modified bisphenol A epoxy
crete, the binder system needs sufficient time to pene- resin) cured with the Aradur® 450 and Aradur® 450 S
trate into the substrate; therefore, these products epoxy curing agents are listed in Table III.
2
5. TABLE I: TYPICAL PHYSICAL PROPERTIES* OF THE ARADUR® 450 CURING AGENTS
ARADUR® 450 EPOXY CURING AGENT ARADUR® 450 S EPOXY CURING AGENT
Viscosity @ 25°C, cP 1,000 – 2,000 600 – 1,400
Amine Value, mg KOH/g 250 – 290 270 – 310
H+ Active Eq. Wt., g/eq 115 115
Color, Gardner < 10 < 10
Density @ 20°C, lb/gal 8.4 8.6
Flash Point, °C (°F) 76 (169) 85 (185)
* Typical Physical Properties are based on Huntsman Advanced Materials test methods. Copies are available upon request.
TABLE II: TYPICAL PROPERTIES OF ARALDITE® PY 313 EPOXY RESIN / ARADUR® 450 SYSTEMS AT SEVERAL TEMPERATURES
ARADUR® 450 EPOXY CURING AGENT ARADUR® 450 S EPOXY CURING AGENT
Mix Ratio with Araldite® 60 60
PY 313(1) epoxy resin phr (weight)
Test Temperature/ 5°C/ 15°C/ 23°C/ 35°C/ 5°C/ 15°C/ 23°C/ 35°C/
Relative Humidity 80% 60% 50% 35% 80% 60% 50% 35%
Mixed Viscosity(3), cP >4,000 2,800 1,350 500 >4,000 2,400 1,150 500
Gel-Time(4) (100-g mass), 699 393 139 56 391 154 47 34
minutes
Tack-free Time(5), hours >24 8 5.5 2.5 14 6.5 4 1
Dry Through Time(5), hours >24 10.5 7 3.5 21 8.5 6 2
Visual Appearance Un- Semi- Glossy Glossy Semi- Semi- Glossy Glossy
cured gloss gloss gloss
3
6. Aradur® 450 and Aradur® 450 S Epoxy Curing Agents
TABLE III: TYPICAL PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ARADUR® 450 PRODUCTS AND LOW-VISCOSITY ARALDITE® EPOXY RESINS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
ARADUR® 450 EPOXY CURING AGENT ARADUR® 450 S EPOXY CURING AGENT
Araldite® Epoxy Resin PY 313(1) GY 9513(2) PY 313 GY 9513
Mix Ratio, phr (weight) 60 57.5 60 57.5
Mixed Viscosity(3) @ 23°C, cP 1,350 1,200 1,150 1,025
Gel-Time(4) (100-g mass), minutes 139 243 47 84
Tack-free Time(5) @ 23°C, hours 5.5 9.5 4 6.5
Dry Through Time(5) @ 23°C, hours 7 11.5 6 9.0
Visual Appearance Glossy Glossy Glossy Glossy
Mechanical Properties*
Pencil Hardness(6) 2H H 2H H
Persoz Hardness(7), seconds 200 165 167 174
Cross-cut Adhesion(8) 5A 5A 5A 5A
Impact Resistance(9) (D/R), in lb. 30/2 34/6 42/0 38/4
*Coating dry film thickness of 11 mils after curing seven days at 23°C/50% RH
(1) Modified bisphenol A / F epoxy resin blend (epoxy eq. weight: 180 – 192) (6) ASTM D 3363
(2) Modified bisphenol A epoxy resin blend (epoxy eq. weight: 196 – 205) (7) ASTM D 4366
(3) ASTM D 4440 (ICI Cone & Plate) (8) ASTM D 3359 (0 = worst, 5 = best)
(4) Tested by TECAM gelation timer (9) ASTM D 2794
(5) Tested by Gardner Circular Drying Time Recorder on a 10 mil wet coating
The Aradur® 450 and Aradur® 450 S Epoxy Testing Procedure for Adhesion
Curing Agents Offers Excellent Adhesion to Concrete
to Dry, Damp and Wet Concrete
The standard construction grade concrete blocks (mea-
The Aradur 450 and Aradur 450 S products are
® ® suring 7.75" L x 3.75" W x 2.5" D) used in this test were
designed to have excellent adhesion to dry, damp and sandblasted and prepared in the following manner:
wet concrete. It is also possible to apply a coating
based on these products to a concrete surface within Dry concrete blocks: Concrete blocks were stored at
one week of cure, provided that the surface has been ambient temperature (~23°C, 73°F) and relative humidity
suitably treated, e.g. free of any cement laitance. In (~ 60%) before coating.
laboratory studies, the adhesion of coatings based on
the Aradur® 450 and Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing Damp concrete blocks: Concrete blocks were prepared
agents to concrete was demonstrated. by submersing in cool tap water for 24 hours. The block
4
7. was removed from water bath and the standing water The coatings were applied by brush to an approximate
was removed from the surface to be coated, using a wet film build of 5-7 mils then allowed to cure at ambi-
paper towel, immediately prior to applying the coating. ent conditions. On the sixth day of cure, three aluminum
dollies were affixed to different areas on the surface of
Wet concrete blocks: Concrete blocks were sub- the coating with an epoxy adhesive. On the seventh day
mersed in water for 24 hours, then placed in a basin of cure, the pull-off strength was determined in accor-
filled with cool tap water up to approximately 1/4 inch dance with ASTM D 4541-95 (Pull-off Strength of
below the exposed surface of the block. The excess Coatings Using Portable Adhesion Testers). All pull-off
(standing) water was removed from the surface with a strength values reported here represent an average of
paper towel and the coating was applied. The blocks three measurements per concrete block.
remained in the water, with the water level being
approximately 1/4 inch from the concrete block surface, Typical adhesion performance properties of unpigment-
throughout the curing period. ed systems applied over properly pretreated concrete
substrates are shown in Figures 1 and 2.
Picture 1. The wet concrete test apparatus.
a b c
Picture 2 . (a) Portable adhesion tester. (b) Pull-off test in progress. (c) Test dolly after pull-off test. Notice the adhered concrete present on face of dolly.
5
8. Aradur® 450 and Aradur® 450 S Epoxy Curing Agents
Pull-Off Strength of Unpigmented Coatings Based on Araldite® PY 313 Epoxy Aradur® 450 epoxy curing agent
Resin and Aradur® 450 Epoxy Curing Agents on Concrete (23°C/50% RH) shows the highest level of adhe-
sion followed by Aradur® 450 S
epoxy curing agent. Versions of
Aradur® 450 epoxy curing agent
offer a much higher level of adhe-
sion than Aradur® 283 epoxy cur-
ing agent (a modified polyami-
Pull-Off Strenght, psi
doamine) in all cases. The failure
mode of the systems based on
* Araldite® PY 313 epoxy resin was
*
* almost entirely by delamination on
damp and wet concrete.
Adhesion failure did not occur
with Araldite® GY 9513 epoxy
*
* resin, except for the Aradur® 2965
Dry Concrete Damp Concrete Wet Concrete (a low viscosity cycloaliphatic
Aradur® 283 epoxy curing agent Aradur® 450 epoxy curing agent hardener) epoxy curing agent on
Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing agent damp and wet concrete. The
Figure 1. Compared to Aradur® 283 epoxy curing agent, the Aradur® 450 products offers superior adhesion lower viscosity and longer gel-
on damp and wet concrete when used with Araldite® PY 313 epoxy resin. (*Indicates delamination of coating
times of the Araldite® GY 9513
from the substrate.)
system compared to the Araldite®
Pull-Off Strength of Unpigmented Coatings Based on Araldite® GY 9513 Epoxy PY 313 epoxy resin systems (see
Resin and Aradur® 450 Epoxy Curing Agents on Concrete (23°C/50% RH) Table III) demonstrates that these
two factors play an important role
in the adhesion to concrete sur-
faces. The benefits of using
Araldite® PY 313 epoxy resin
include its faster curing speed and
its high resistance to crystalliza-
tion. The faster curing speed is an
Pull-Off Strenght, psi
important factor for application or
in cases where the substrate tem-
perature is below 23°C or when
the primer is formulated with pig-
ments or fillers.
*
* Pigments and fillers do not appear
to affect the adhesion properties
Dry Concrete Damp Concrete Wet Concrete
of Aradur® 450 systems on con-
Aradur® 2965 epoxy curing agent Aradur® 450 epoxy curing agent
crete. The adhesion of pigmented
Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing agent
formulations (Table IV) was evalu-
Figure 2. The excellent adhesion of the Aradur®450 products epoxy curing agent’s maintained with ated at various temperatures. The
Araldite® GY 9513 epoxy resin on the concrete substrates used in this test. (* Indicates delamination of
coating from the substrate.) evaluation on concrete was per-
6
9. formed in a manner similar to that of TABLE IV: PRIMER FORMULATIONS BASED ON ARADUR® 450 PRODUCTS
the unpigmented systems. The per-
formance of these pigmented for- RAW MATERIALS ARADUR® 450 ARADUR® 450 S ARADUR® 2965
EPOXY CURING EPOXY CURING EPOXY CURING
mula on concrete is illustrated in AGENT AGENT AGENT (CONTROL)
Figures 3-5.
Araldite® Epoxy
Resin PY 313, pbw 100 100 100
When comparing pigmented to
unpigmented at 23°C (73°F), the Titanium 30 30 30
mode of failure had changed from Dioxide, pbw
delamination in the unpigmented
Barytes, pbw 40 40 40
systems to concrete failure in the
pigmented systems, except for Curing Agent, 60 60 60
Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing agent pbw
on wet concrete. Total Parts 230 230 230
At lower ambient temperatures, e.g. Pigment:Binder 0.44 0.44 0.44
ratio, w/w
at 15°C (59°F), Aradur® 450 epoxy
curing agent and Aradur® 450 S Epoxy:Active 1.0 1.0 1.0
epoxy curing agent combined with H+ eq. ratio
Araldite® PY 313 epoxy resin exhibit * *
good adhesion to damp and wet
concrete as concrete failure
occurred in all cases; the control Pull-Off Strength of Pigmented Coatings Based on Araldite® PY 313 Epoxy
based on Aradur® 2965 epoxy resin Resin and Aradur® 450 Products on Concrete (23°C/50% RH)
(a low-viscosity cycloaliphatic hard-
ener) delaminated from damp and
wet concrete.
Each system shows excellent adhe-
sion on dry concrete at 35°C (95°F).
On damp concrete none of the
Pull-Off Strenght, psi
Aradur® 450 products showed any
delamination as in the case of the
Aradur® 2965 system. Although the
primers had excellent adhesion on
dry concrete, Aradur® 2965 epoxy
curing agent or Aradur® 450 S epoxy
curing agents are not recommended
because of the short working time Dry Concrete Damp Concrete Wet Concrete
(pot life) of these hardeners at ele-
Aradur® 2965 epoxy curing agent Aradur® 450 epoxy curing agent
vated temperatures.
Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing agent
Figure 3. At 23°C, Aradur® 450 products provide much better adhesion on damp and wet surfaces than the
Aradur® 2965 epoxy curing agent based control. (* Indicates delamination of coating from the substrate.)
7
10. Aradur® 450 and Aradur® 450 S Epoxy Curing Agents
Pull-Off Strength of Pigmented Coatings Based on Araldite® PY 313 Acceleration of Aradur®
Epoxy Resin, Aradur® 450 and Aradur® 450 S Epoxy Curing Agents on 450 and Aradur® 450 S
Concrete (15°C/65% RH)
Epoxy Curing Agents
To achieve good adhesion of a
primer to concrete two key fac-
tors must be addressed, namely,
the reactivity (gel-time) of the
primer at the working temperature
Pull-Off Strenght, psi
and the mixed viscosity of the
system. Sufficient time must be
* allowed for the primer to pene-
trate into the concrete before the
viscosity increases as the curing
* reaction takes place. The lower
the initial mixed viscosity of the
primer, the more it will penetrate
Dry Concrete Damp Concrete Wet Concrete into the substrate.
Aradur® 2965 epoxy curing agent Aradur® 450 epoxy curing agent
Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing agent As demonstrated, Aradur® 450 S
Figure 4. At low temperatures Aradur® 450 products still show a high level of adhesion even to damp
epoxy curing agent, the acceler-
and wet concrete. (* Indicates delamination of coating from the substrate.) ated version of Aradur® 450 epoxy
curing agent, generally has the
Pull-Off Strength of Pigmented Coatings Based on Araldite® PY 313 Epoxy lowest level of adhesion to damp
Resin and Aradur® 450 Epoxy Curing Agent on Concrete (35°C/60% RH) and wet concrete of Aradur® 450
and Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing
agents. Further acceleration of the
Aradur® 450 and Aradur® 450 S
epoxy curing agents hardeners is
therefore not advisable.
Pull-Off Strenght, psi
*
Dry Concrete Damp Concrete
Aradur® 2965 epoxy curing agent Aradur® 450 epoxy curing agent
Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing agent
Figure 5. On damp concrete at 35°C (95°F) Aradur® 450 products are superior. (* Indicates delamination of
coating from the substrate.)
8
11. Summary
Aradur® 450 and Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing agents • Both products are the same equivalent weight and is
offer several advantages for the preparation of solvent- based on the same chemistry, enabling “drop-in”
free concrete primers, namely: replacement of the curing agent depending on the
environmental conditions. They can also be combined
• Outstanding adhesion properties on damp substrates, in any ratio to suit specific conditions of application or
e.g. dew covered steel or wet concrete. environment.
• The possibility of coating recently cast concrete pro- • Excellent adhesion and curing properties when used
vided that the surface has been properly treated (e.g. with Araldite® PY 313 epoxy resin and Araldite® GY
sand-blasted) to eliminate all remaining cement lai- 9513 epoxy resin.
tance.
The Aradur® 450 products can provide the formulator
• Good adhesion and curing properties when applied with some peace of mind, knowing that a properly for-
and cured under water,if properly formulated. mulated primer system will perform under adverse
weather conditions when the substrate is suitably pre-
• The ability to apply a primer in rainy and high humidity pared. Furthermore, the formulator now has the tools to
conditions, or almost immediately after hydroblasting, ensure that the other components of the flooring or
allows application to continue in spite of the elements. coating system will be applied on a sound foundation in
the form of an Aradur® 450 product based primer.
• Aradur® 450 and Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing agents
allow for application at temperatures between 5°C (41°F) Note: While the Aradur® 450 products can provide some
and 35°C (95°F). In general, the recommended tempera- ambient cure systems with outstanding adhesion when
ture range for coatings based on these products are: properly cured and applied, their ultimate performance
will depend on the quality and properties of the actual
Aradur® 450 S epoxy curing agent: substrate. In other words, while the adhesion of an
5°C-15°C (41°F-59°F) Aradur® 450 system can easily exceed the hydrostatic
pressure, the strength of the concrete itself must exceed
Aradur® 450 epoxy curing agent: the hydrostatic pressure forces, otherwise cohesive fail-
15°C-35°C (50°F-77°F) ure of the substrate may occur.
Important
The following shall supersede any provision in Buyer’s forms, letters and intended use is the sole responsibility of Buyer. The product(s) has not
papers. THERE IS NO WARRANTY OR CONDITION, WHETHER been tested for, and is therefore not recommended for, uses for which
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED BY ANY STATUTE OR OTHERWISE, prolonged contact with mucous membranes, abraded skin, or blood is
INCLUDING WARRANTIES AND CONDITIONS OF MERCHANTIBILI- intended, or for uses for which implantation within the human body is
TY OR OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, FOR THE intended. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHALL SELLER BE LIABLE
PRODUCT OR PRODUCTS REFERRED TO HEREIN. TECHNICAL FOR INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTAL OR OTHER DAMAGES FROM
ADVICE FURNISHED BY THE SELLER SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE A ALLEGED NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR CONDITION,
WARRANTY OR CONDITION, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE, WHICH STRICT LIABILITY OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, ARISING OUT
IS EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED, ALL SUCH ADVICE BEING GIVEN OF MANUFACTURE, SALE, USE OR HANDLING OF THE PRODUCT
AND ACCEPTED AT BUYER’S RISK. While the information contained OR PRODUCTS REFERRED TO HEREIN. The sole remedy of Buyer
herein is believed to be accurate, Seller makes no representations as to and the sole liability of Seller for any claims shall be limited to Buyer’s pur-
the reliability of the results or as to the results of Buyer or as inducements chase price of the product(s) which is the subject of the claim or the
to infringe any relevant patent, now or hereafter in existence. Testing for amount actually paid for such product(s), whichever is less.
9