Unlocking the Potential of Polyurea: A Comprehensive Guide for Canadian Coating Industries

by with No Comment Coatings MarketPolyurea Market

Welcome to the world of polyurea, a versatile and high-performance coating revolutionizing various industries across Canada. In this blog post, we will dive deep into the fundamentals of polyurea, its numerous applications, and the advantages it offers to businesses in the Canadian market. So, let’s embark on this informative journey together and discover how polyurea can enhance your projects and operations.

What is Polyurea?

Polyurea is a cutting-edge, two-component, spray-applied elastomer that combines the properties of both plastics and rubbers. It is created by the reaction of an isocyanate component with an amine-terminated resin blend. This innovative material boasts exceptional durability, flexibility, and chemical resistance, making it a popular choice for a wide range of industries, including construction, automotive, marine, and more.

Why Polyurea is Gaining Popularity in Canada

Polyurea’s growing popularity in Canada can be attributed to several factors that set it apart from traditional coating materials. Here are some of the key reasons why Canadian industries are increasingly adopting polyurea:

1. Remarkable Durability and Strength

Polyurea coatings are known for their exceptional durability and ability to withstand extreme wear and tear. This makes them an ideal choice for applications that require long-lasting protection, such as heavy machinery, industrial flooring, and infrastructure projects.

2. Quick Cure Time

One of the most significant advantages of polyurea is its rapid cure time. The material can set within seconds and achieve full cure within 24 hours, allowing for minimal downtime during the application process. This is particularly beneficial for industries that cannot afford extended downtime, such as manufacturing plants and transportation facilities.

3. Extreme Temperature Resistance

Canada is known for its harsh weather conditions, with temperatures often dipping well below freezing during winter. Polyurea’s ability to perform exceptionally well in extreme temperatures makes it an attractive option for Canadian industries that require robust protection against the elements.

4. Waterproof and Chemical Resistant

Polyurea coatings provide excellent waterproofing and chemical resistance, making them suitable for applications where exposure to water, chemicals, or corrosive substances is a concern. This includes industries such as oil and gas, wastewater treatment, and marine applications.

5. Flexibility and Elongation

Polyurea’s inherent flexibility allows it to expand and contract with the substrate, making it ideal for applications where movement or stress is expected. This characteristic makes it popular for bridge deck coatings, parking garages, and other structures that experience regular movement or expansion.

Applications of Polyurea in Canadian Industries

The versatility of polyurea allows it to be used across a wide range of industries in Canada. Here are some of the most common applications:

1. Construction

Polyurea coatings can protect concrete, steel, and wood surfaces in various construction projects, such as commercial buildings, residential properties, and infrastructure projects. Examples include waterproofing foundations, sealing expansion joints, and providing durable flooring solutions.

2. Automotive and Transportation

In the automotive and transportation sectors, polyurea coatings are used to protect vehicles, equipment, and infrastructure from wear, corrosion, and the elements. Applications include truck bed liners, undercoating for vehicles, and protective coatings for transportation infrastructure such as bridges and railings.

3. Oil and Gas

Polyurea is widely used in the oil and gas industry to protect pipelines, storage tanks, and other equipment from corrosion, chemicals, and environmental damage. The material’s ability to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh conditions makes it an ideal choice for this demanding industry.

4. Marine

The marine industry benefits from polyurea’s waterproofing and chemical resistance properties, making it an excellent choice for protecting boats, ships, and other marine structures from corrosion and damage caused by exposure to water and harsh chemicals.

5. Agricultural

Polyurea coatings can be used to protect agricultural equipment, buildings, and storage facilities from wear, corrosion, and environmental damage. Applications include silo linings, equipment protection, and livestock facility flooring.

Canadian Polyurea: Your Trusted Partner for Quality Polyurea Solutions

At Canadian Polyurea, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality polyurea products and services to meet the diverse needs of our clients across Canada. Our experienced team is committed to helping you find the ideal polyurea solution for your project, ensuring you receive the best value and performance possible.

Whether you require polyurea for a small residential project or a large-scale industrial application, Canadian Polyurea has the expertise, products, and support to help you succeed. Contact us today to learn more about how polyurea can enhance your projects and operations.

canadian sprayer red background

Are There Any Regulations To Know About Before Starting A Polyurea Business In Canada?

by with No Comment Canadian RegulationsCoatings MarketPolyurea Market

For entrepreneurs considering starting a polyurea business in Canada, there are a few regulations to consider before starting. From obtaining permits and licenses to understanding health and safety standards, it’s important to do your research and ensure you are up-to-date with the latest rules and regulations that apply in your province or territory.

Getting Started: Starting A Polyurea Coatings Business

The first step in setting up a polyurea business is to secure the necessary permits and licenses to begin operations legally. Depending on where you plan on conducting business activities will determine what type of permits you require; some may include building permits for operating out of a storefront or workspace or even environmental permits if you plan on disposing of hazardous materials associated with the production process or any chemicals that could put human health at risk. Depending on the services provided and the products sold, you may also need insurance coverage for your business. Understanding local laws regarding taxation may also be important when establishing your business, so look into this beforehand.

Health & Safety Standards

In terms of health and safety standards related to polyurea production activities, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety (CCOHS) provides information about recommended workplace safe practices when handling hazardous materials found in polyurea products such as isocyanates – which can cause skin irritation upon contact – silicone polymers – which can cause burns if not properly handled – and other chemicals present in various formulations used during manufacturing processes. The CCOHS also outlines additional protective measures such as wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and goggles while working with these chemicals, ensuring adequate ventilation systems are installed in workspaces where needed, and properly storing all hazardous materials away from areas frequently accessed by workers or consumers.

Local Regulations

It’s also essential for those looking to start a polyurea business in Canada to familiarize themselves with local regulations regarding environmental protection measures related to hazardous waste disposal and the usage of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Depending on the specific product being used and where it is being applied, special handling protocols may need to be followed when disposing of any residues or byproducts generated during the application process. Furthermore, some provincial and territorial governments have imposed restrictions on VOC levels associated with certain products used for spray-on applications like polyurea coatings due to their potential impacts on air quality. Businesses operating within these jurisdictions must ensure they comply with all relevant legislation pertaining to emissions from these activities before starting operations.

Marketing Requirements

For those who wish to market their services related to polyurea products in Canada, there may also be several marketing requirements that need to be taken into consideration depending on which provinces/territories you plan on targeting your services. For instance, Quebec has very strict advertising laws which require businesses targeting consumers within its borders must abide by provincial language restrictions when designing any promotional materials used for communication purposes (e.g., website content etc.). Failure to do so can lead hefty fines if found guilty of breaking any rules set out by this province’s language laws governing advertising efforts made by companies operating within its jurisdiction(s).

Business Insurance

Finally, entrepreneurs should not forget about obtaining insurance coverage for their new venture prior to commencing operations; this will help protect them financially should anything unexpected happen during the course of running their business (e.g.; accidents/injuries sustained by workers or damage resulting from unforeseen events etc.). In addition, depending upon the particular services offered by one’s establishment an additional liability policy might also come into play given certain types of polyurea work can prove quite risky under certain circumstances; having such coverage could prove invaluable should something go wrong the line either within one’s own company or another party directly involved in one’s operations – even if indirectly!

Purchasing Polyurea Products

When it comes to purchasing supplies for your polyurea business, there is one company that leads the pack and has been the go-to distributor for over 30 years. ArmorThane has revolutionized the polyurea industry the way Tesla revolutionized the car industry.

ArmorThane’s wide selection of high-quality polyurea products makes it an ideal choice for anyone living in Canada looking for top-notch protection against environmental factors without sacrificing performance capabilities or flexibility needed in certain projects such as marine vehicles or specialized machinery components production lines where regular maintenance is necessary but downtime must be kept at minimum levels–all at competitive prices that won’t put too much pressure on budgets either!

All things considered, starting a polyurea business in Canada can certainly prove lucrative; however, it is important prospective entrepreneurs take into account all applicable regulations before embarking on this venture so as not only to remain compliant but also reduce any potential risks associated with offering such services/manufacturing goods within our great nation!

1e-foto3-1030x579

5 Reasons Why Armorthane is the Best Canadian Polyurea Manufacturer

by with No Comment Uncategorized

In this blog post, we’ll discuss why ArmorThane is the best Canadian polyurea manufacturer and what makes them stand out in terms of quality, innovation, and customer service. First, let’s cover what Polyurea is and why you should join this revolutionary new industry.

What Is Polyurea?

Polyurea is a type of sprayable coating that is rapidly gaining popularity in the world of industrial and commercial applications. This cutting-edge technology offers a range of benefits, including exceptional durability, chemical resistance, and faster curing times than traditional coatings like epoxy and urethane. Polyurea coatings can be used for various applications, from waterproofing to protective coatings for metals, concrete, and other surfaces.

What Are The Key Characteristics Of Polyurea?

One of the unique properties of polyurea is its flexibility. It can expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity without cracking or peeling. Plus, polyurea coatings have excellent resistance to chemicals and abrasions, making them ideal for industrial facilities where harsh chemicals or heavy machinery can cause wear and tear on flooring and other surfaces.

Polyurea coatings also offer excellent adhesion, which allows the coating to remain attached to the substrate without delamination or chipping.

Polyurea vs. Epoxy and Urethane

Polyurea coatings share some similarities with epoxy and urethane coatings, but they also have several key differences. Polyurea coatings cure much faster than epoxy and urethane coatings, which require a longer wait time before returning to service. Also, epoxy coatings tend to be more brittle and are prone to cracking. Urethane coatings are more flexible than epoxy coatings, but they have less chemical and abrasion resistance than polyurea.

Why You Should Join The Polyurea Industry

Starting a polyurea coating business is a lucrative venture. The growing demand for this versatile coating material in various industries presents enormous opportunities for entrepreneurs. Polyurea coatings have high-profit margins, a wide range of applications, low overhead costs, and are eco-friendly, making them an excellent choice for anyone looking to break into the coatings industry. If you are considering starting a coatings business, take a closer look at polyurea coatings. It may be the best investment you ever make.

Ok now that you have that information, let’s talk about who ArmorThane is and why they are the top polyurea manufacturer in Canada.

Who Is ArmorThane?

If you are looking for a durable and versatile spray-on coating for your commercial or industrial needs, you might have come across the name ‘Armorthane’. Armorthane is a specialized line of polyurea coating systems that has established its reputation as a leading solution in various industries, including automotive, marine, construction, and manufacturing. But what exactly is Armorthane and how does it differ from other spray-on coatings? In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at Armorthane and its features that make it a popular choice for Canadian contractors.

  1. Quality standards
    ArmorThane prides itself on producing the highest quality polyurea coatings in Canada. They use only the best raw materials to ensure their products meet strict quality standards. Their state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities adhere to ISO 9001:2015 certification and follow rigorous testing and inspection protocols. ArmorThane’s polyurea coatings undergo extensive testing for adhesion, abrasion resistance, impact resistance, weathering, and chemical resistance. This ensures that their coatings can withstand extreme environments and provide long-term protection and durability for various substrates.
  2. Innovation and customization
    ArmorThane is a company that constantly strives to innovate and improve its products. They have a dedicated research and development team that’s continuously looking for ways to enhance their polyurea coatings’ performance, versatility, and sustainability. They also offer custom formulations to meet specific customer needs and requirements. This means that they can create polyurea coatings that are tailored to a particular substrate, application, color, texture, or thickness. ArmorThane’s customization capabilities allow them to provide more options and solutions for their clients, making them a preferred Canadian polyurea manufacturer.
  3. Expertise and support
    ArmorThane has a team of highly trained and experienced professionals who support their customers throughout the purchase and application process. They provide technical guidance, training, and troubleshooting assistance to ensure that their polyurea coatings are properly applied and meet the desired results. They also offer project consulting services to help customers select the right coatings for their specific applications and budgets. ArmorThane’s focus on customer support and satisfaction sets them apart from other polyurea manufacturers in Canada.
  4. Sustainability and eco-friendliness
    ArmorThane is committed to sustainable manufacturing practices and eco-friendliness. They use environmentally friendly raw materials and production processes that minimize waste, emissions, and energy consumption. Their polyurea coatings are VOC-free, non-toxic, and odorless, making them safe for people and the environment. ArmorThane also supports green initiatives and promotes recycling and waste reduction in their operations. Their sustainability efforts demonstrate their dedication to social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
  5. Customer testimonials and success stories
    Finally, one of the best ways to gauge a manufacturer’s reputation and quality is to look at their customer testimonials and success stories. ArmorThane has a long list of satisfied clients from various industries who have used their polyurea coatings for a wide range of applications, from truck bed liners and industrial flooring to water park attractions and military vehicles. These testimonials and success stories attest to the quality, durability, and versatility of ArmorThane’s polyurea coatings and their ability to meet and exceed customer expectations.

In conclusion, ArmorThane is the best Canadian polyurea manufacturer due to its commitment to quality, innovation, customer support, sustainability, and proven track record. Whether you’re a contractor, a business owner, or an individual seeking reliable and efficient protective coatings for your projects, ArmorThane is the ideal choice. Contact them today to learn more about their products and services and how they can help you achieve your goals.


containment

SPRAY, COAT, AND CONTAIN

by with No Comment Coatings MarketPolyurea Market
Image result for SPRAY, COAT, AND CONTAIN polyurea

Traditional coatings have been too inflexible and not sufficiently elastic to accommodate ground, concrete, or metal substrate movement for primary or secondary containment. This deficiency can lead to cracks or holes forming in both the substrate and the coatings, which can compromise containment. However, the formulation of tough, monolithic, flexible coatings such as polyurea is now resolving this issue for contractors, engineers, and facility managers. When applied directly to concrete or metal surfaces, polyurea not only strengthens and protects lite underlying substrate but can also bridge gaps or cracks of 1/8″ or larger.

Image result for containmenmt polyurea


Furthermore, polyurea is now being applied to geotextile liners that can be swiftly rolled out in sheets to protect more heavily diminished surfaces or for use in field applications such as dirt or gravel pads at drilling sites. Once installed, applicators need only coat the liners’ seams to create a monolithic surface suitable for containment. Whether at refineries, industrial plants, or other manufacturing plants, regulations demand the use of primary and secondary containment systems to keep toxic or hazardous substances from escaping into the ground and potentially entering the water supply.

Image result for containmenmt polyurea

This implies primary containment is not foolproof. Though durable, metals corrode, concrete cracks, and is permeable, it will drain liquids if uncoated.
Therefore, secondary containment, in the form of concrete pits with barriers installed around the perimeter of a tank or other storage container, is often needed. To protect these structures, coatings such as epoxies, tars, and polyurethanes are often applied as an added protection wall. However, these traditional coatings are often inflexible when cured and can crack along with the concrete. Typical coatings do not hold up well to substrate movement or daily, seasonal, or process-related thermal expansion and contraction, which can lead to cracks and leaks.


After considerable research and testing, Collins says he turned to an advanced polyurea system from ArmorThane, a spray-applied polyurea manufacturer for primary and secondary containment. When applied to substrates such as concrete or steel, the spray-applied waterproof coating creates a durable, seamless, flexible, protective barrier that stops leaks and strengthens primary and secondary containment systems’ integrity. The coating exhibits superior physical properties such as hardness, tensile strength, and crack bridging and elongation up to 400% to create a robust, industrial-grade protective lining.

Polyurea can bridge cracks as well as flex at a rate similar to concrete and steel. This not only helps it last but also seals the concrete, so does Secondary containment, in the form of concrete pits tamers instated around the perimeter of a tank or other storage container, is often required as a back-up to primary containment does not absorb contaminants if there is a spill inside the contained area. While traditional coatings such as cementitious, epoxies, tars, and polyurethanes will prematurely fail if not installed under a relatively narrow range of temperatures, polyurea is designed for installation and use from ~4O°F to *35OCF. It sets and cures quickly and will withstand decades of freeze-thaw cycling and wide
After spraying the polyurea, return to service is almost instantaneous variations of temperature and humidity. After spraying the polyurea, return to service is almost instantaneous, making a big difference in minimizing production downtime.


They coated about 8,000 sq. ft. of concrete in 12 truck-offloading areas that required drive-in containment with ArmorThane polyurea. Within minutes of spray application, trucks were safely driving across it in some instances. Instead of spraying polyurea directly to the substrate, pre-sprayed composite panels can offer advantages for containment over the soil, gravel, or even concrete that is too damaged to be effectively rehabilitated.

Repairing plastic liners also presents a problem at the seams, when damaged areas are cut out and new sections. Polyurea products are so much more durable than plastics for containment systems. When needed, they can custom apply more polyurea millage to geotextile panels and berms to accommodate even the heaviest truck use and vehicle abuse. To verify the strength of the polyurea coating on containment mats and berms, in fact, Collins conducted several tests.

They also ran 6,044 fully loaded water trucks across a containment system, and it withstood it with zero holes and no compromise to the liner. Collins credits both the durability of the ArmorThane polyurea and its extended recoating window for the ability of his company to reuse its containment systems extensively. To reuse a containment system, they cut it up into rolls, roll it up and move it. Then, take it back out, respond to certain areas, and reinstall the original containment system at another location. They’ve found the extended open window for recoat and repair of the polyurea allows them to easily cut out any damaged section of geotextile, put a new piece in, and spray the seams to make it virtually seamless again. They get better repair and more reuse out of our containment systems.

931_main

A Look At The Everchanging Industrial Protective Coating Market

by with No Comment Coatings MarketPolyurea MarketUncategorized

Amine-cured epoxy is one of the most successful chemically resistant coatings on the market. They tend to come as epoxy with filler and other additives on the A-side and amine curative on the B side. When mixed, they give a sprayable coating with a very workable pot life and good adhesion to a wide variety of substrates. The cured epoxy coating’s ultimate chemical resistance will depend on several key factors, including the chemical composition of both the epoxy and the amine curative, the types of fillers and additives used, and the cure temperature and time. 

Crosslink density of traditional epoxy coating compared to polymer-modified epoxy coating.

With a low crosslink density, a coating is susceptible to penetration from corrosive chemicals, which can eventually reach the substrate, creating corrosion and leading to its ultimate failure. However, with a very high crosslink density, the product provides a virtually impenetrable barrier between the chemical and the substrate. Also, chemicals do not penetrate the coating, which can occur in common epoxies, leading to blistering, splitting, and coating degradation. 

Chemical penetration of coatings with different crosslink densities.

In a low-crosslink-density coating, the chemicals will penetrate through the coating to the substrate, causing substrate corrosion. Because the solvent has penetrated the coating, both the epoxy and amine curing agent bonds will be broken by chemical attack. As for the coating with high crosslink density, the chemicals will be unable to penetrate the coating. This will not only protect the substrate from corrosion but also protect the coating itself from any damage.

With the emerging needs for both industrial and marine applications, coatings have a wide range of technical requirements in addition to chemical resistance. We will cover the technical and market needs for each of these requirements along with recent developments to meet these demands.

SEM of coatings with different crosslink densities.

Coatings for Sulfuric Acid

Sulfuric acid is a very important industrial chemical used for such things as the manufacturing of phosphate fertilizers, purification of petroleum, acids, along with being used as a pickling medium for metals, and in storage batteries. 

Two-component epoxy coatings show excellent resistance to sulfuric acid of most concentrations and transportation and storage temperatures. They have been used successfully for years, but unfortunately can darken upon exposure to sulfuric acid.

Sulfuric acid immersion testing of improved catalyst for 2K epoxy coating.

Coating Inspection Facilitation

Ensuring the integrity of the coating is critical for the protection of the substrate. Failure of the coating cannot only cause destruction to the vessel, costing the owner both time and money, but it can also pose a danger to workers and the surrounding environment. Proper inspection of the coating itself can be time-consuming and expensive, and based on the vessel’s geometry being examined, some areas can be very hard to probe. Coatings must regularly be examined for damage to make sure that there are no cracks, holes, or chips. The entire vessel must be examined after draining and cleaning, which can be difficult again because of the complex geometries along with the hazards associated with sending workers into the vessels for review.

Fluorescent basecoat and standard gray topcoat with defects purposely introduced.

Coatings should expedite the inspection process, reducing chances of coating failure and overall simplifying the inspection process. 

Immersion testing of chemically resistant 2K epoxy fluorescent basecoat/standard topcoat.

Antistatic Coatings

Static electricity presents a very significant risk for not only the safety of people and property but also of products that are susceptible to static electricity, such as electronics components. 

Barton solvents naphtha storage tank.
Surface and volume resistivity ranges.

Chemical resistance of static dissipate 2K polymer-modified epoxy coating.

Improved Abrasion Resistance

Coatings used to stock chemicals and other substances can sustain damage from abrasion, such as the loading and unloading of supplies in the form of slurries or from cleaning procedures. Applications that could benefit from an improvement in abrasion resistance could include hopper cars, slurry pipes, legs of oil platforms, pumps, coal chutes, baghouses, and ion exchange vessels. Epoxy coatings can provide great chemical resistance through a high degree of crosslinking and the correct chemical structure, however this can lead to a coating that can be brittle and subject to damage from abrasion. 

Abrasion resistance of chemical-resistant coatings.

Field-Repairable Coatings

Recent changes to regulations from the American Association of Railroads (AAR) require that for a tank car facility to be certified, it must be able to demonstrate the procedure to repair coatings on a periodic basis. 9 High-bake phenolic coatings are widely used in the rail industry due to their excellent chemical resistance to a wide variety of products. Repair of high-bake phenolic coatings requires that the tank car first be returned to the facility, where the coating repair would then be demonstrated. The coating repair of high-bake phenolics requires that the entire tank car be taken up to high temperatures (350 °F to 400 °F), which can damage the exterior paint and stencils. This adds an extreme amount of cost for the tank car facility, along with a great deal of time for the tank cars to be out of service. Having a coating that can have its repair demonstrated in the field is therefore very important to tank car facilities. Two-part epoxy coatings can meet these needs. 

Abrasion resistance of coatings containing SiC whiskers or carbon nanotubes (mg/1,000 cycles).

Future Industry Needs

Vessel owners continue to look for ways to reduce operating expenses, and therefore chemical-resistant coatings must deliver opportunities to achieve these goals. One such opportunity is for coatings that release cargo from the walls faster than current technologies. This would allow for quicker unloading of vessels, along with easier cleaning, allowing for less time between unloading and loading. Ability to carry different chemicals would also save vessel owners time and money. The same asset could be used to transport or store a wide variety of chemicals, eliminating the need to either re-coat current vessels or to possess different storage options for each chemical. The coating should therefore be resistant to the widest variety of chemicals possible and should not absorb chemicals that can later be released and contaminate the next chemical loaded into the vessel. 

Conclusion

Developments in chemically resistant, 2K polymer-modified epoxy coatings have met several market needs, including carry of sulfuric acid, coating inspection facilitation, improved abrasion resistance, anti-static coatings, and field-repairable coatings. These coating systems continue to be rulers in chemical-resistant applications in both marine and industrial applications, and will meet anticipated market needs through continued innovation.