In the realm of construction and infrastructure maintenance, selecting the appropriate materials is crucial for ensuring durability and safety. One such material that has garnered attention is Sikadur®-22 Lo-Mod FS, a fast-setting, two-component epoxy resin binder renowned for its versatility and performance.
Overview of Sikadur®-22 Lo-Mod FS
Sikadur®-22 Lo-Mod FS is a 100% solids, moisture-tolerant epoxy resin binder designed for rapid setting and high strength development. It conforms to ASTM C-881, Type III, Grade 1, Class C, and AASHTO M-235 specifications, ensuring compliance with industry standards.
Key Features:
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Fast Setting: Allows for quick turnaround times, essential for projects requiring minimal downtime.
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Moisture Tolerance: Effective in conditions with moisture presence before and after curing, enhancing application flexibility.
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Easy Mixing Ratio: A straightforward 1:1 volume ratio simplifies the mixing process, reducing potential errors.
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Excellent Strength Development: Achieves high compressive and tensile strengths rapidly, contributing to the longevity of applications.
Applications of Sikadur®-22 Lo-Mod FS
This epoxy resin binder is versatile, catering to various applications:
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Skid-Resistant Broadcast Overlays: When used neat, it serves as a binder for skid-resistant surfaces, enhancing safety on walkways, ramps, and bridges.
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Epoxy Mortars and Concrete Patching: Combining Sikadur®-22 Lo-Mod FS with oven-dried sand produces epoxy mortars suitable for patching and overlays, offering robust repair solutions.
Technical Specifications
Understanding the technical aspects of Sikadur®-22 Lo-Mod FS is vital for its effective application:
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Viscosity: Approximately 2,000 cps, facilitating easy application and penetration into substrates.
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Pot Life: Around 15–20 minutes (for a 60-gram mass), necessitating prompt application after mixing.
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Compressive Strength: Reaches up to 9,000 psi after 28 days, indicating exceptional load-bearing capacity.
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Tensile Strength: Achieves 2,650 psi in its neat form after 7 days, reflecting its resistance to tension forces.
Application Guidelines
To ensure optimal performance, adhere to the following application steps:
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Surface Preparation: Ensure the substrate is clean, sound, and free from contaminants. While it can be dry or damp, standing water should be eliminated.
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Mixing: Pre-mix each component separately. Combine equal volumes of Component A and Component B, mixing thoroughly for three minutes using a low-speed drill (400–600 rpm) equipped with a Sika paddle until a uniform blend is achieved.
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Application:
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Broadcast Overlay: Prime the prepared surface with Sikadur®-22 Lo-Mod FS. While the primer remains tacky, apply the mixed epoxy using a 3/16-inch notched squeegee. Once leveled, broadcast oven-dried aggregate uniformly over the surface to excess, ensuring comprehensive coverage. After the epoxy sets, remove any surplus aggregate.
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Epoxy Mortar: Prime the substrate as mentioned above. While the primer is tacky, apply the epoxy mortar using a trowel or vibrating screed, followed by finishing with a trowel to achieve the desired surface texture.
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FAQ
1. What is Sikadur®-22 Lo-Mod FS primarily used for?
Sikadur®-22 Lo-Mod FS is utilized as a binder for skid-resistant broadcast overlays and as a component in epoxy mortars for patching and overlays.
2. Can Sikadur®-22 Lo-Mod FS be applied on damp surfaces?
Yes, it is moisture-tolerant and can be applied on surfaces that are dry or damp, provided there is no standing water.
3. What is the mixing ratio for Sikadur®-22 Lo-Mod FS?
The mixing ratio is 1:1 by volume for Components A and B.
4. How long does Sikadur®-22 Lo-Mod FS take to set?
It has a pot life of approximately 15–20 minutes, with initial set times varying based on temperature and application thickness.
5. Is priming necessary before applying Sikadur®-22 Lo-Mod FS?
Priming is recommended, especially when using it as an epoxy mortar, to ensure optimal adhesion and performance.
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