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What is a polymer?

by Polymer ArticlesPolyurea

Polymers are materials composed of long, repeated chain of molecules. They are materials are unique in their properties that vary based on the kind of molecules that are bonded and the method by which they are joined. Certain polymers stretch and bend like polyester and rubber. Other polymers are strong and durable such as glass and polyurea.

Polymers are everywhere in the course of modern-day life. Most likely, you’ve interacted with an item containing polymers including water bottles to devices within the last five minutes.

“Polymer” is a term often used to describe plastics, polymers made from synthetic materials. However, there are also natural polymers like wood and rubber, for instance, natural polymers composed of a basic hydrocarbon called isoprene, as per Encyclopedia Britannica. Proteins are polymers that are composed of amino acids. Nucleic Acids (DNA and DNA and) are nucleotide-based polymers complex molecules comprised of nitrogen-containing sugars, bases, and phosphoric acid, an example.

Chemical reactions

Hermann Staudinger, a professor of organic chemical chemistry in the Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule (University of Science and Technology) in Zurich is the father for modern polymer development. His research during the 1920s paved the way to modern techniques for manipulating both organic and synthetic polymers. He invented two words that have become crucial to understand macromolecules and polymerization in the words of the American Chemical Society (ACS). He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1953 “for his contributions to the study of macromolecular chemical research.”

Polymerization is the process of making synthetic polymers by mixing smaller molecules known as monomers into a chain, held through covalent bonds, as per ThoughtCo. It is an online resource for education. There are a variety of chemical processes — such as those that are caused by heat or pressure for instance -are able to change those chemical bonds which hold monomers together as per Scientific American. The reaction causes the molecules to bond together in an elongated, branched or network and create polymers.

Monomer chains are also known as macromolecules. The majority of polymer chains contain carbon atoms as their backbone. A single macromolecule may comprise several hundred thousand monomers as per the Polymer Science Learning Center.

Polymers are used for a variety of purposes.

Polymers are utilized in nearly every aspect of modern life. Food bags, soda and bottle of water, fiber-based textiles computers, phones automotive parts, food containers and toys all have polymers.

More sophisticated technologies also use polymers. For instance, “the membranes for water desalination, the carriers in controlled release of drugs and biopolymers that are used in tissue engineering all utilize the polymer,” as per the ACS.

The most popular polymers used in manufacturing are polypropylene and polyethylene. The molecules of these polymers can range from between 10,000 and 200 monomers.
In a polymerization process, numerous monomers join together through covalent bonds, forming an incredibly long molecule. This is called a polymer. 

The future of polymers

Researchers are testing different polymers, in the hope of advancing medical research and improve the existing products.

For instance carbon polymers are being developed and refined to be used in the automotive industry.

“Carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites — also called carbon-fiber laminates — are the next-generation materials for making cars lighter, more fuel efficient and safer,” according to a 2016 Live Science column by Nikhil Gupta, an associate professor, and Steven Zeltmann, a student researcher, both in the Composite Materials and Mechanics Laboratory of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at New York University Tandon School of Engineering. “Carbon laminates are extremely durable and rigid due to its interwoven layers of almost pure carbon fibers, which are joined with a hardened polymer, like epoxy resin.” ” “The future of carbon fibers: it’s about more than speed.

Polymers are also being utilized to enhance the quality of holograms. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania created a Hologram made of a flexible polymer material known as PDMA which was embedded with gold nanorods according to a research study published in the beginning of 2017 online by the journal Nano Letters. The new hologram technology can store multiple images rather than just one.

“The problem we faced was”Can we encode multiple pieces of information into the hologram?'” Ritesh Agarwal, research leader and professor of materials engineering and science in the University of Pennsylvania, said to Live Science. “It’s an important aspect of work because it’s also the first time that someone has demonstrated that the ability to record multiple holographic images and by simply stretching the polymer it is possible to alter the appearance of the appearance of the image.”

Artificial skin composed of an elastomeric polymer could be the next step in anti-aging treatments. As two creams that contain the polymer could firm the skin of a person as well as reduce wrinkles and lessen the appearance of under-eye bags according to a research study published in May 16, 2016 within the scientific journal Nature Materials. Artificial skin can also help sufferers of skin issues like eczema or as a sunblock.

“We are thrilled about it because it’s a new material,” study co-author Robert Langer, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said on Live Science.

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New polymer possibilities

by Polymer ArticlesProtective Coatings

The addition of small amounts of plasticizers and hardeners makes an entirely new line of polyurea Polymers that can be used in various industrial coating applications.

Researchers from Missouri State University have modified the most well-known synthetic polymer, polyurea, to attain exact control in the flexibility of a novel group of polymers. These can be used in various applications requiring thin coatings with different physical, protective insulation, and aesthetic properties.

Polymers like polyurea are extensively used for coatings in various manufacturing areas such as shipbuilding, construction of buildings, the petroleum industry, and aircraft and automotive manufacturing. Researchers across the world are seeking ways to expand their use and properties.

But, creating new polymers with new features can be a complex and costly technological process, claims Maxim Stanley, a chemist in our research group.

Stanley and his team discovered that the most efficient method to create new polymers that have properties that can be easily modified is a modification of existing cheap polymers available in huge quantities. They discuss their successes in modifying polyurea to control its properties and properties of insulation coatings within the publication Doklady Physical Chemistry.

They began their study using two industrial polyureas, which were elastically different. The researchers looked into the chemical issue of identifying additives that could create a variation between different properties from the soft surface of one initial polymer and the stiff plasticity of the other.

The researchers found that they could cause the polyureas structure to break and heal by the addition of varying amounts of fluorine as a hardener as well as a chemical plasticizer with a combined rate of not less than 2% in weight, enabling them to control the elasticity of the material across an extensive range. In technical terms, the ‘elastic modulus is a measure of the force needed to break the material that can be adjusted between 22 and 172 Megapascals which is an extremely wide variation.

“We were amazed that these tiny chemical modifications could achieve the desired, continuous range of polyurea grades that range from rubbery to harder. He says that one distinct feature of their work is that these altered polyurea samples were made using high-pressure spraying technology invented by the US firm, ArmorThane- Polymer technologies, which two researchers employ.

This polyurea spraying technology can create seamless and flawless monolithic coating with your desired thickness onto materials in any shape or arrangement.

The team hopes to expand its research efforts to other polymers while benefiting from the relationship with ArmorThane to develop commercial applications.

WHAT-IS-POLYURETHANE-1

What is polyurethane?

by Polyurethane

Every day, we use polyurethanes in some way or another – in our homes, offices, cars, and for leisure and sport activities, as well as on vacation.

There are many forms of polyurethane, which is a type of plastic material. You can make it rigid or flexible to suit your needs. This makes polyurethane the ideal material for many end-user applications, such as:

  • Insulation of freezers and refrigerators
  • Building insulation
  • Cushioning for furniture
  • mattresses
  • Car parts
  • Coatings
  • Adhesives
  • Rollers and tyres
  • Composite wood panels
  • Soles for shoes
  • Sportswear

Polyurethanes can be used in a variety of applications and are safe and modern. Polyurethanes are versatile and safe. They can be used to make a variety of industrial and consumer products.


Professor Otto Bayer (1902-1982) invented polyurethane in the 1930s. There are many types of polyurethane that look and feel different. Polyurethane is used in many products including coatings, adhesives, shoes soles, mattresses, and foam insulation. The basic chemistry of all types is the same.

Polyurethane was first used as a substitute for rubber during World War II. They were expensive and difficult to find at that time. Other applications were also developed during World War II, mostly involving coatings of various types, from aircraft finishes to clothing that is resistant.

Polyurethane was used in adhesives and elastomers in the 1950s. Later, flexible cushioning foams that were similar to the ones used today were developed.

Subsequent decades saw many further developments and today we are surrounded by polyurethane applications in every aspect of our everyday lives. Polyurethane is not a common product, but it is often ‘hidden’ behind other materials or covers. It would be difficult to imagine life without it.

Research and Science on Polyurethanes

Polyurethane can be described as plastic polymers that are made from combining polyols and diisocyanates ( TDI, MDI ). There are hundreds of types of polyurethane, each made in a different way.

1937

    • To create the soft and comfortable feel of a sofa or mattress, carbon dioxide is used to blow it. The foam will be more soft if it is used with more blowing agents.
    • A rigid foam can trap pentane in its closed cells, maximising its insulation ability.
    • Rollerblade wheels on the other side don’t require any blowing agents and instead have a dense, hardwearing consistency.
      Polyurethanes, energy efficiencyPolyurethanes offer many solutions for eco-design and energy conservation because they are versatile and excellent insulators. Polyurethanes are constantly looking for ways to minimize their impact on the environment. They are currently investigating ways to increase the energy efficiency of manufacturing processes, and create end products that can save energy like building insulation. These products can help businesses and families reduce their energy costs while also protecting the environment. Future production methods will be improved, which could lead to more affordable and environmentally-friendly polyurethanes.
      Did you know?
      You may not be aware of many interesting facts about polyurethane, but you can expand your knowledge by looking at the following list.You will also find links to informative fact sheets that provide more detail on various aspects of this product.
      Information and figures about polyurethanes
    • Insulation made of polyurethane insulation 1.6cm thick has the same insulation performance as concrete walls that are 1.34m thick!
    • All polyurethane foams are HCFC-free within the EU since 2003.
    • The EU’s polyurethane sector employs more than 360.000 people.
    • In the 1950s, the first surfboard made of polyurethane was used.
    • Models today designated A++ are 60% more efficient because of the inclusion of polyurethane in refrigerators.
    • In 1973, the introduction of thermoplastic polyurethane wheels (TPU) and later TPU boots made roller skates more popular. They are now known as Rollerblades.
    • Insulation saves energy by reducing the amount of polyurethane insulation needed to make one house.
    • Polyurethane is also known as PU and PUR.
    • All polyurethane foams are CFC-free in Europe since 1995. They have also been HCFC-free since 2003.
    • Many applications can use foams made from renewable materials, such as mattresses.
    • A PU-based solution is protecting more dams and dikes from storms.

POLYURETHANE TIMELINE

1937

Dr. Otto Bayer discovers basic polyurethane chemistry I.G. Farben

1940

First introduction of rigid foam into an aircraft

1941

Adhesive for rubber, metal, and glass

1948

First insulation application – a beer barrel

1949

Polyurethane rubber for vulcanisation

1953

Synthetic leather is made from polyurethane soles for shoes

1954

Cushions made of polyurethane foam

1958

Spandex fiber introduced for clothing pu

1959

NASA has developed space suits with a polyurethane liner for the Mercury mission.

1960

Panels for sandwich-building steel panels

1966

Integral skin for the sole of shoes and armrests

1967

The K67, the first all-plastic car with interiors made of polyurethane, is on display in Germany

1969

For increased safety, use bumpers on your automobile

1970

Imitation wood, Orthopaedics and Medical Applications

1972

Track surface for the Munich Olympic Stadium

1973

Roller skates are now possible with the help of thermoplastic polyurethane wheels.

1977

Bob Evans invented the polyurethane “Forcefin” flippers that can be used for many underwater activities.

1979

Invention of spray insulation for buildings

1980

Sandwich panels made from polyurethane-based materials were first introduced

1981

Polyurethane is used to make surfboards

1985

Passenger safety in cars with energy-absorbing foam

1989

For passenger safety in cars, energy-absorbing foam

1990

First football to contain polyurethane materials

1990

The first passive house constructed in Darmstadt (Germany) using polyurethane-insulated window frames

1991

Tempur-Pedic is the first to produce a memory foam mattress made from polyurethane in the USA

1992

NASA’s Endeavour spacecraft makes its first flight. The shuttle uses polyurethane for external fuel tanks protection

1993

Thin wall medical tubing, i.e. catheters

1995

To enhance performance, bicycle tires contain polyurethane material.

2001

To improve performance, car tires contain polyurethane material.

2003

All polyurethane foams are HCFC-free in Europe. Since 2003

JANUARY 2004

Elastocoast polyurethane adhesive system that reinforces existing dykes.

FEBRUARY 2004

After a 10-year clinical trial, Syncardia, a total artificial heart with polyurethane ventricles was approved for use.

2007

Ballast bed with partially foamed material for rail vehicles. This reduces noise pollution and maintenance costs.

JANUARY 2008

Swimsuits made of 100% high-speed, polyurethane are ideal for world-class swimmers.

FEBRUARY 2008

The porous Elastopave pavement allows air and water to move through it

2009

Cars with scratches can be repaired by self-curing coating

2010

The first solar-powered plane that has flown around the globe; polyurethanes are vital in this light-weight frame.

JANUARY 2011,

Apple unveils the smart cover made of polyurethane for its iPad 2

FEBRUARY 2011,

A robotic’smart bird’ has been developed that can fly with a bird-like motion. It is made of polyurethane, fibre-glass casing and nylon.

MARCH 2011

Airbus, which uses polyurethane technology for their aeroplanes has reached their 10,000th order

MAY 2011,

Formula One’s top tracks use polyurethane safety block to replace tires

JUNE 2011

For e-cars, lightweight designs and high-performance insulation are made of polyurethane foam.

JULY 2011

In Germany, the first plant to use carbon dioxide as an inert for polyurethane has been opened

Olympic track polyurethane

Polyurethane helps Olympic athletes achieve their dreams

by Polyurethane

Right now in Tokyo, we have brought together the best athletes from all over the globe for a summer of celebration and competition. Polyurethane is present in Japan to support these top athletes and make certain your favorite sports are possible. Here are some ways that polyurethane helps world-class athletes reach their sporting goals.

Running Track Systems | Synthetic Running Track | Paved In Place

Track Field Surface

In years past, track surfaces came in many forms: gravel, dirt, and asphalt. Most track surfaces used today by serious athletes are made from rubber crumbs that have been bonded with a polyurethane adhesive. 09- tracks provide relative springiness, which allows for faster runs. However, they can also cushion runners’ feet and prevent injury to their joints. Polyurethane track systems can withstand high temperatures without becoming sticky or tacky like asphalt tracks. Polyurethane track systems allow rainwater to flow through the track, with the water collecting in an irrigation device below.

NRG Track Systems | General Sports Surfaces

Track and Field Wear

Polyurethane is a well-known component of performance wear, as many readers know. It’s the perfect fit for apparel designed for track and field athletes. The fabric is stretchy, so it moves with the wearer and stays taut. Polyurethane clothing is lightweight and thin, which means that it doesn’t add bulk to the world-class athletes as they strive for excellence.

lzr racer banned Shop Clothing & Shoes Online

Swimsuits

The power of polyurethane was on full display in 2008 as the world witnessed its versatility. Swimmers set records in the pool as countries started to incorporate polyurethane into their swimwear. According to swimsuit manufacturers, the suits compress the muscles of swimmers which reduces friction and allows them to move faster in the pool.

The End of Swimsuit Design Innovation | Arts & Culture | Smithsonian Magazine

New standards have been established by the bodies that govern various aquatic sports. They regulate how a swimmer’s swimsuit fits and what materials it may contain. Polyurethane remains an important part of these swimsuits and the 25 records that were set in 2005 were accepted.

Top 15 Tenders and RIBS for the Modern Cruiser - Southern Boating

Boating Equipment

Polyurethane is often used to protect athletes from the elements when they take to water in boating competitions.  performance polyurethane finishes protect boats exteriors from salt, wind, and water. A boat’s hull can also be encased in rigid polyurethane. This material can be used to improve buoyancy and add weight to all types of boats. Because it is able to absorb water and petrochemicals, polyurethane is a popular material for boats.

Ultra Shock 20' x 20' x Roll-Up Wrestling Mat | AK Athletic Equipment

The Mat

What does high jump, Taekwondo and pole-vaulting have in common with jiu-jitsu? They all take place on a mat. You guessed it, polyurethane is likely to be in that mat. Polyurethane is an excellent choice for mats that are used in athletic activities. Polyurethane is flexible and can absorb the impact of falling or tumbling athletes. Polyurethane is also strong enough to withstand repeated impacts from athletes over time.

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What’s the difference between thermosetting and thermoplastic polyurethane?

by ChemistryPolyurethane

I have been seeing this and getting this question a lot from you readers as well as on message boards and facebook groups, so i figured i would take a little time and write up an answer for anyone looking.

Thermoset vs Thermoplastic

Thermosets are materials that undergo a chemical reaction (curing) and normally transform from a liquid to a solid. In its uncured form, the material has small, unlinked molecules (known as monomers). The addition of a second material (cross-linker, curing agent, catalyst) and the presence of heat or some other activating influences will initiate the chemical reaction (curing reaction).

How does a thermo-plastic or a thermosetting resin or plastic, differ from each other? - Quora

The molecules cross-link and form significantly longer molecular chains and cross-link networks during this reaction, causing the material to solidify. This change is permanent and irreversible. Subsequently, exposure to high heat will cause the material to degrade, not melt. This is because these materials typically degrade at a temperature below where they would be able to meet.

Examples Of Thermosetting And Thermoplastics Materials. | Download Table


Thermoplastics are melt-process-able plastics (materials that are processed with heat). When enough heat is added to bring the temperature of the plastic above its melting point, the plastic liquefies (softens enough to be processed). When the heat source is removed and the temperature of the plastic drops below its melting point, the plastic solidifies back into a glass-like solid.

This process can be repeated, with the plastic melting and solidifying as the temperature climbs above and drops below the melting temperature, respectively. However, the material can be increasingly subject to deterioration in its molten state, so there is a practical limit to the number of times that this reprocessing can occur before material properties begin to suffer. Many thermoplastic polymers are addition-type, yielding very long molecular chain lengths (very high molecular weights).


As mentioned above, thermoplastics are capable of being repeatedly softened by the application of heat and hardened by cooling and have the potential to be the most easily recycled, which has seen them most favored in recent commercial uptake. In contrast, the better realization of the fiber properties is generally achieved using thermosets.
DSC can be a good tool to determine if it melts and can re-melt thermoplastic or just Tg (example) for thermoset.

Hopefully I have answered your questions regarding thermosetting and thermoplastic polyurethane. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to comment below and I will be glad to answer any you might have.

Polyurethane-Reuse-Illustration

New Polyurethane Designed to Degrade for Reuse

by Polymer ArticlesPolyurethane

Polyurethane is utilized in a wide range of materials, including paints, foam mattresses, and insulation. These various applications produce large amounts of waste. A team at the University of Illinois has produced a method to break down polyurethane waste and turn it into other beneficial products.
The researchers will publish their findings at the American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition.
In the U.S. alone, 1.3 million tons of polyurethane waste is produced each year. The waste usually ends up in landfills or is burned, a process that requires a large energy input and creates toxic byproducts.
“We want to solve the waste problem by repurposing polyurethane,” said Ephraim Morado, a graduate student in the laboratory of chemistry professor Steven Zimmerman, who led the study.
Polyurethanes are made of two elements that are hard to break down: isocyanates, which are composed of nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen, and alcohol groups called polyols.
“The polyol is usually petroleum-based and is not degradable,” Morado said. The team combined a more easily degraded chemical unit to address this problem, an acetal, to the polyol. And because polyurethanes are water-resistant, the researchers developed an acetal unit that degrades in solvents other than water.
“When we add a combination of trichloroacetic acid and dichloromethane, the material swells and rapidly degrades at room temperature,” Morado said.
The degradation results that are formed can then be repurposed to new materials. For example, the researchers transformed elastomers—a type of polyurethane used in rubber bands, packaging, and car parts—into adhesive glue.
“One of the challenges with our method is that the starting material is costly,” Zimmerman said. “We are trying to find a safer, cheaper way to achieve this. Our second obstacle will be to get a patent and find someone interested in marketing it.”
The researchers are experimenting with the same technique on other polyurethane substances. They also hope to use milder solvents, such as vinegar, to carry out the degradation.
“The polyurethane materials have complex properties based on the chemical composition of the isocyanate,” Zimmerman said. “We can improve the structure of the acetal accordingly.”

polymers-in-every-day-life_1190_63

Polymers in our everyday life

by Polymer Articles

Polymers, a word that we hear quite often, is vital, and one can not think of life without it. Polymers, a large class of materials, consists of numerous small molecules named monomers linked together to form long chains and are used in many items in our everyday lives.

People have used polymers in our lives for many years, but we did not fully comprehend just how abundant it was until World War II. There were moderately few materials offered for the production of the products required for civilized life. Steel, glass, wood, stone, brick, and concrete for most of the building and construction, cotton, wool, jute, and a few other agricultural products for clothes or material manufacture were used.

Polymers World

The rapid increase in demand for the amount of produced products has brought about new materials. These new materials are polymers, and their impact on the present way of living is virtually incalculable.

Products made from polymers are all around us: clothing made from artificial fibers, polyethylene cups, fiberglass, nylon bearings, plastic bags, polymer-based paints, epoxy glue, polyurethane foam cushion, silicone heart valves, and Teflon-coated cookware. The list is practically endless.

The word “polymer,” or often “macromolecule,” is derived from classical Greek poly meaning “numerous,” and meres suggesting “parts.” The polymer molecule has a high molecular weight (between 10 000-1000 000 g/mol) and includes several structural units usually bound together by covalent bonds.1,3. Polymers are obtained through.

The Chain reaction of monomers. Monomers can react with another molecule from the same type or another key in suitable conditions to form the polymer chain. This procedure in nature has resulted in natural polymers, while artificial polymers are man-made. Polymers have been around us in the

Polymers have been around since the beginning of time. However, man-made polymeric products have been analyzed since the middle of the 19th century. Today, the polymer market has quickly developed and is now larger than the copper, steel, aluminum, and some other industries combined.

Both natural and synthetic polymers are remarkably connected in the support and facilitation of human life. They are responsible for life itself, medication, nutrition, interaction, transport, irrigation, container, clothing, tape-recording history, structures, highways, etc. It is hard to think of a human society without synthetic and natural polymers. In our ever-increasing technological world, science plays an essential role in offering services to critical problems of food, clean and plentiful water, air, energy, and health. Understanding polymers and related texts offers both the details and insights of their better understanding in our life. The information gathered from the basic science courses leads to comprehending the polymers. This info includes factual, theoretical, and useful principles presented in science. It is of use to those who wish to be just well educated and like to pursue medicine, engineering, physics, chemistry, biomedical sciences, law, service, and so on 2,3.

Artificial and natural polymers could be used in the form of inorganic and natural polymers; coatings, elastomers, adhesives, blends, plastics, fibers, caulks, ceramics, and composites. The basic principles applied to one polymer category are applied to all other classifications and a few easy fundamental guidelines. These basics are integrated into the fabric of the polymer texts.4.

It is not surprising that nearly all product researchers and more than half of all chemists and chemical engineers, a large number of physicists, fabric technologists, mechanical engineers, pharmacists, and other scientific groups are associated with research and development projects polymers. Also, the fact that pharmacy, biomedicine, molecular biology, biochemistry, and biophysics are the fields that polymers and polymer chemistry play a significant role in advancing their brand-new areas. The study of massive particles is one of the most attended and fastest-growing fields of science. For that reason, it appears that polymer is not a specialized interdisciplinary or branch of chemistry. Rather, it is a specialized, broad, and unique discipline covering some chemistry and several other clinical fields. The fields of science have always become extremely active when research groups trained in one specialized field turn their interests to a related field. This has always been and, in the future, will be particularly real in polymer research study works. The requirement in the polymer is the application of concepts and chemistry knowledge and methods to complicated products and macromolecules. This is a basic task, and it requires the absolute best manner ins which chemistry might offer.6.

Perhaps polymer chemistry, more than any other research study field, crosses over and cuts the conventional lines of all branches of chemistry, biology, physics, product, engineering, pharmacy, and even medication. And a beginner to polymer science needs enough ability to mix the huge understanding from all fields mentioned above. Therefore, this article has been written to show the importance and critical functions of polymers in human life.

TOP COAT FLOOR APPLICATION

10 REASONS YOU SHOULD ADD A CLEAR TOP COAT TO YOUR FLOOR COATING

by Uncategorized

Why should I apply a clear topcoat to my garage floor coating?

This is an understandable question that pops up from time to time for the typical house owner wanting to save some cash. The real concern, nevertheless, ought to be, why would not you apply a clear coat? After all, there are many benefits to adding a clear topcoat over the garage floor’s color coat.

Anybody who has installed a garage floor coating correctly will tell you that the most laborious and time-consuming part is prepping the floor for the coating. Using the coating goes fast, and for numerous, it is the fun part of the job. So, after all that work of getting the concrete all set, why wouldn’t you want to invest a little bit more time and money to guarantee a longer-lasting and even more stunning floor coating?

With multiple clear coating options to select from, epoxy, polyaspartic, and polyurethane are the most typical choices. The exact same benefits can apply to making use of all three mentioned floor finishes. So to respond to these questions, let’s take a look at the top 10 reasons that you should apply a clear topcoat to your garage floor.

1. ADDS DURABILITY AND WEAR

A clear coat will add sturdiness to your garage floor coating and make for a longer wearing surface. The additional coat also includes thickness to the floor coating, removing hot tire lift and soaking up effects better.

2. PROTECTS THE COLOR COAT

Due to the fact that the clearcoat functions as a sacrificial layer, the epoxy color coat will be secured. Without it, the colored epoxy coat can lose its radiance from wear. Though resistant to the majority of chemicals, some oil spills or leakages allowed to sit for long periods can blemish the coating depending on the quality of epoxy you applied.

3. SAFEGUARDS THE COLOR FLAKES

If you used paint chips or color flakes to your floor, the clear coat would safeguard them from peeling up and collecting dirt. Considering that the color flakes are partially embedded into the epoxy, dirt and grime can gather in and around the flakes’ edges, making it more difficult to keep tidy depending on the number of colors flake was applied.

Cleaning of the floor and other activities can likewise trigger color flakes to bring up or chip away. When a clear coat is added, the color flakes are protected by the clear layer over them.

4. IT IS EASIER TO CLEAN

With a clear coat over the color flakes, the floor is likewise much easier to clean up. Dust mops can slide over the floor without capturing color flakes as it goes. This is particularly true if you have heavy flake protection on your floor. It likewise enables aggressive scrubbing if essential without the worry of losing color flakes or dulling the color coat.

5. ADDS DEPTH TO THE FLOOR COATING

The additional layer of a clear leading coat includes depth to the appearance of the garage floor. This creates a richer looking surface that appears more luxurious and much thicker than it is.

6. DEVELOPS A GLOSSIER LOOKING FINISH

Depending upon which kind of clear coat you select, the clear will include a shiny shine to the floor that will reflect light much better than the color coat. Polyurethane finishes are sometimes offered in different levels of gloss.

This is a great choice for projects in the garage or working on cars merely because it develops more light. It might also indicate that you will not have to incorporate more overhead lighting like you believed you may require.

7. IT HIDES SCRATCHES BETTER

All garage floor finishings will develop microscopic and in some cases bigger scratches on the surface of the coating. A clear topcoat helps conceal or camouflage most of these scratches, so they are less noticeable and do not detract from the floor’s looks. This is because the clear leading coat will function as the sacrificial layer and prevents the color coat from being damaged.

8. IT’S A GOOD MEDIUM FOR ANTI-SLIP ADDITIVES

Anti-slip ingredients are concealed better in a clear coat. Because a lot of additives are translucent in color, they will not stand apart. Without a clear topcoat, they are contributed to the color coat rather. This makes the anti-slip granules a lot more noticeable as little bumps resembling sandpaper on the garage floor.

9. CAN BE RECOATED TO LOOK NEW AGAIN

After several years of use, an epoxy garage floor coating can start to show its age depending upon how much activity it has seen. If it had a clear topcoat of epoxy or polyurethane, it might easily be roughed up with sandpaper and have a brand-new coat of clear used.

The old topcoat’s sanding removes any acnes, scratches, and other flaws that the floor coating obtained throughout the years. As soon as the new clear coat is used, your garage floor coating will look brand new once again.

10. IT JUST LOOKS AWESOME!

When you compare a color layered epoxy garage floor with a top coat of clear to one that does not, there is no question about which looks better. The clear coat is what provides the garage floor that extra depth and showroom shine that screams, “take a look at me!”

So if you’re on the fence about whether or not to add a clear topcoat to your garage floor coating, consider all the benefits it will provide in the long term. Yes, it will cost a bit more money, and yes, it may indicate another day of being without your garage. However, as soon as you do, you will be rewarded with a garage floor to be happy with for several years to come, and you will be glad that you did it.

If you are unsure of what type of topcoat to incorporate into your floor project, we recommend going with a product called ArmorFloor. Its produced by ArmorThane and is a two-part polyaspartic. To learn more about using this product, check out this article on applying it.