Chemical Resistant Flooring
Industrial-Grade Protection Against Aggressive Chemicals
Why Do Chemical Environments Demand Specialized Flooring?
Standard flooring materials deteriorate rapidly when exposed to industrial chemicals. Concrete erodes under acid attack, tiles crack from thermal shock, and conventional coatings soften in solvents. Our chemical-resistant systems use novolac epoxy and vinyl ester resins engineered specifically for aggressive environments.
Chemical attack happens at the molecular level. Acids donate protons that break polymer chains. Solvents penetrate between molecules causing swelling. Alkalis saponify standard resins into soap-like compounds. Our specialized formulations feature cross-linked structures with chemical bonds that resist these attack mechanisms.
Regulatory compliance drives flooring selection in chemical facilities. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations mandate containment measures. Our certified systems meet Environment Agency requirements for secondary containment, preventing soil and groundwater contamination from chemical spills.
Chemical Resistant System Options
How Do We Match Flooring to Specific Chemical Exposures?
Chemical resistance isn't universal. A floor resistant to sulphuric acid might fail in organic solvents. We analyze your chemical inventory, concentrations, and temperatures to specify appropriate materials. Testing to BS EN 13529 verifies resistance before installation, eliminating costly specification errors.
Concentration and temperature multiply chemical aggression. 10% hydrochloric acid at 20°C requires standard novolac. The same acid at 37% and 60°C demands vinyl ester with glass reinforcement. We factor in your actual operating conditions, not just the chemicals present.
Secondary containment adds critical protection. We install systems with integrated bunding, creating seamless barriers that contain spills. Sloped floors direct chemicals to collection sumps. Chemical-resistant joint sealants prevent migration through construction joints. This multi-layer approach protects both facility and environment.
What Performance Can Chemical-Resistant Floors Deliver?
Laboratory testing demonstrates exceptional resistance. Our novolac systems withstand 98% sulphuric acid, 50% sodium hydroxide, and methylene chloride without degradation. Immersion tests at elevated temperatures confirm long-term stability. Real-world performance matches laboratory results when properly specified and installed.
Mechanical properties remain crucial despite chemical focus. Chemical-resistant floors must support equipment, resist impact from dropped containers, and handle thermal cycling. Our systems achieve 85 N/mm² compressive strength and 30 N/mm² flexural strength while maintaining chemical immunity.
Longevity justifies the investment in specialized flooring. Standard epoxy might last 2-3 years in chemical environments. Our chemical-resistant systems perform for 15-20 years with appropriate maintenance. This durability eliminates frequent replacement costs and production disruptions associated with inferior materials.
Which Industries Require Chemical-Resistant Flooring?
Pharmaceutical manufacturing demands floors that withstand aggressive cleaning agents and process chemicals. Our systems resist peracetic acid, sodium hypochlorite, and quaternary ammonium compounds used in sanitization. The non-porous surface prevents contamination while meeting GMP cleanliness standards.
Battery manufacturing and recycling facilities face extreme acid exposure. Sulphuric acid from lead-acid batteries attacks standard flooring within weeks. Our acid-resistant systems handle pH levels below 1 continuously. The seamless finish contains electrolyte spills, protecting workers and preventing environmental releases.
Chemical processing plants require comprehensive protection. Different areas face different chemicals – acids in one zone, caustics in another, solvents elsewhere. We map chemical exposure zones and install appropriate systems in each area. This targeted approach optimizes both performance and cost across the facility.
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Frequently Asked Questions
We conduct immersion testing using your actual chemicals at operating temperatures. Test panels cure for 7 days then immerse for 30 days. We measure weight change, hardness, and visual degradation. Only materials passing these tests proceed to installation. This eliminates specification guesswork and ensures long-term performance.
Yes, localized damage from impacts or extreme exposures can be repaired. We cut out affected areas, prepare edges, and install matching material. The repair bonds chemically with existing flooring, maintaining seamless protection. Prompt repair prevents damage spreading and extends overall floor life significantly.
Exothermic reactions create severe thermal stress. Our systems incorporate flexible resins and glass reinforcement to accommodate rapid temperature changes. We've documented performance through 1000+ cycles from -20°C to +120°C without cracking. This thermal stability prevents the catastrophic failures seen in rigid flooring systems.
Standard installations of 500m² require 5-7 days including preparation. Multiple coat systems need 24 hours between layers for proper cross-linking. Full chemical resistance develops after 7 days cure at 20°C. We can accelerate cure with heating for faster return to service when necessary.
Yes, we supply detailed resistance charts showing performance against 200+ chemicals. Charts indicate resistance levels from excellent to not recommended. Temperature limits and concentration effects are clearly shown. This documentation supports your COSHH assessments and helps train staff on floor capabilities.
Protect Your Facility from Chemical Damage
Get expert specification for your chemical exposure requirements.