Description

Epoxy grout; It is a type of resin mortar that is used for flooring, repairing, or filling the gap between different surfaces such as ceramic, stone, concrete, etc. This material consists of resin and hardener (hardening agent) and a mixture of mineral stones, which, due to its high resistance to impact, heat, moisture, etc., is used in various industries, including the construction industry, water and sewage pipelines, It is used in petrochemical, automotive, etc.

What is Epoxy Grout?

As mentioned, epoxy grout is a mixture of epoxy resin, hardener, and minerals in different particle sizes. Like other products based on epoxy resin, it is a two- or three-component product that, after mixing with a hardener, changes from mortar and fluid to hard and solid due to a chemical reaction between the resin and the hardener. Its implementation takes place between the time interval of mixing resin and hardener until it gels.

Considering that this product has characteristics such as high strength, simple execution, curing speed, and no need to use water for strengthening (like concrete), it may be used in various fields, including in the construction and automotive industries to fill empty spaces and Different levels of reinforcement are used. For example, it can be used to strengthen foundations, fill gaps and cracks in floors, make quick repairs in the automotive industry, and reinforce surfaces in the electronics industry.

The compressive strength of epoxy grout varies depending on the amount of use, the type of hardener and resin, and other conditions that are used in the process of its preparation and use. However, it generally has a high resistance to pressure. This product may have a compressive strength between 50 and 100 MPa.

However, it should be noted that to increase its compressive strength, it is better to prepare and use high-quality hardener and epoxy resin according to the instructions. In general, if used correctly and according to the type and quality of the materials used, it will have a high resistance to pressure.

Applications

Epoxy grout can be found in many applications. Listed below are some of the uses:

1. Filling fogger, crack, and space between natural stones
2. Repairing loose or damaged concrete points
3. Flooring and foundation of equipment in industries
4. Filling the space of composite molds
5. Used in the automotive industry to fill empty spaces and glue parts together
6. Use in marine and aviation industries to replace welding and fill empty spaces

It should be noted that the use of grout, depending on different conditions, requires expertise and familiarity with correct and safe methods.

Types of Epoxy Grout

Epoxy grout is available in the market in different forms and with different names and brands. Regardless of the brand, it is supplied according to the required user. The main difference between types of epoxy grouts is the percentage of mineral powder used, the type of resin and its hardener. The change of each of these items has an effect on its permeability, smoothness and flowability, speed of cooking and drying, and its final strength.

What is the method of applying Epoxy Grout?

The method of applying epoxy grout is very simple, as long as you follow all the steps and use the right tools. Below are the main implementation steps for explanation:

1. Surface preparation: Before starting work, the surface to be filled with grout must be clean and dry. Also, you must make sure that the surface is free of any grease and dirt. If you intend to fill a seam, you can use an industrial vacuum cleaner to completely clean the inside of the seam from any pebbles or loose points.

2. Preparing the grout mixture: To prepare the mixture, it is best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. In general, at this stage, you must first combine the two main components of the grout, i.e., the epoxy resin and the hardener, and mix them completely. Then you add mineral powder to the required amount (suitable for use) to the above mixture. Note that you must use the right tool (drill mixer) for mixing to ensure the homogeneity of the mixture. Otherwise, it is possible that the reaction of the resin and hardener will be incomplete and the solution will not reach the final strength or will remain in the form of paste in some parts.

3. Filling the space: After preparing the grout mixture, using a suitable tool such as a hose, disc or chip, put the mixture into the space between the surfaces and fill it evenly without leaving any air. If the depth of the required material is high, you can do this in several steps.

4. Cleaning the excess areas: It is suggested to mark the boundaries of the work using paper tape before starting the work so that after filling the grout, you can easily remove the tapes and have a clean area. In any case, you can also use a tissue dipped in thinner to remove excess material.

5. Grout curing reaction: After filling the space with the product, you should wait for about 24 to 48 hours for your product to dry completely.

It should be noted that the strict observance of these steps, depending on the type of project and different conditions, may be accompanied by changes. For this reason, before starting any project with epoxy grout, it is better to have a detailed and complete study of the relevant instructions.

What are the Technical points of using Epoxy Grout?

The use of this material in construction, industrial, and other applications can be very effective due to its filling and strengthening properties. To use it optimally, you should pay attention to some technical points:

1- Compliance with the ratio of mixing hardener and epoxy resin

3- Using appropriate protective equipment such as gloves, glasses, and masks

4- After using the epoxy grout, you should wait enough time for it to dry completely. Otherwise, the product may not reach its final properties.

5- Ambient temperature is very important for using grout. It is necessary to pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations and work with the product at a suitable temperature.

6- You should pay attention to its proper consumption limit, failure to observe this point can lead to the product not working properly.

How long does epoxy grout dry?

The drying time of epoxy grout depends on the type and quality of the materials used. Also, the environment and surrounding conditions may have a great effect on its drying speed. However, in most cases, it dries completely within 24 to 48 hours. It should be noted that during this period, the product dries on the surface, and to reach its final properties, it should be allowed to dry completely for at least 7 to 10 days.

In general, in each case, you should pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions and the surrounding conditions.

What are the maintenance conditions for epoxy grout?

Appropriate temperature: The product must be placed at an appropriate temperature. Most epoxy grout manufacturers recommend storing it in an environment with a temperature of 15-30 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of at least 50%.

It is better to place the product in an environment that is protected from sunlight and direct UV rays.

After the expiration date of Groot, due to the change in its properties, there is a possibility that it will not work properly. Therefore, the expiration date of the product should be checked carefully and if necessary, the product should be replaced.

Amount of grout consumption

The consumption of epoxy grout depends on the type of application and may be different in each case. For example, repairing small surfaces may require a few grams, but filling the voids between larger surfaces may require several kilograms of product.

In general, the consumption of epoxy grouts should be determined based on the application conditions and the manufacturer’s instructions. In the instructions, the amount of consumption per unit of time is usually described in detail.

In any case, before starting to work with it and in case of any ambiguity, the manufacturer’s instructions should be carefully read and the appropriate dosage should be used.

Why epoxy grout?

– High strength: Due to its high strength, epoxy grout can be used in flooring applications where a lot of pressure is applied to the floor.

– High execution and curing speed: unlike concrete, which needs to be watered in several consecutive days after concreting to achieve its properties and final strength, grout reaches its final properties and strength within a maximum of one week without the need for water. and that is why it is suggested to use it in projects that face time constraints.

– Sealing: some types of grouts are waterproof and provide a hygienic environment due to their lack of porosity (unlike concrete) and impermeability to liquids.

What is the difference between epoxy grout and cement?

Cement grout and epoxy are two types of coating materials that are used to fill the empty spaces between different surfaces such as ceramic, stone, concrete, etc. However, these two substances have differences in their composition, properties, and applications.

Cement, as one of the materials used in the construction industry, has characteristics such as pressure resistance, weak moisture permeability, and relative heat resistance. However, cement is a mixture of gray and powdery materials and has fewer advantages compared to it.

Grout, as one of the alternative materials for cement, has characteristics such as greater resistance to heat, higher impact, and less permeability to moisture. Also, it can combine and adjust different colors and designs.

In general, the advantages of using compared to cement are:

• Higher resistance to heat, impact, and corrosion
• Less permeability to moisture
• Can be combined with different colors

In general, epoxy grout is used as a suitable solution for filling empty spaces and fixing surface defects in various industries due to its durability and high resistance.

It should be remembered that its use, depending on different conditions, requires expertise and familiarity with correct and safe methods. The best way to use this product correctly is to read the relevant user guide and consult with the manufacturer.