VOLUME | 1 ISSUE | 1 OCTOBER 2015 PAGES 16 Rs. 125

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Liquid Marble

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This is a brainchild of mine while thinking as to how to converge thoughtprocess of science

community, bring them under one roof and also to document the idea and create a platform for extension and exchange of information from like minded engineers and entrepreneurs the same to convert it into reality PROTECT TIMES got incepted. Our aim is to create a team where in support facilities like R& D, Lab facility for research and venture capital is provided under one roof. We know we are talking of big money and team. We are looking forward for team of dedicated persons from different field of engineering to come together and not just post blogs but also actively participate to format future engineering. The subject is vide and is essentially related to engineering be it power, environment, plastics, nano / bio technology, product engineering, financial, information science or health science. we know we have selected a broad platform but we feel belittled if we leave any of the segment so this effort.

We are willing to add members to board on sector basis and a central core board who will get involved actively and will be coordinating

segment we are extending operation from production to marketing segment during later part of the day. The newsletter is just a lead for all of us to come together and get tied for quenching our thirst for knowledge. All inputs are provided by individuals or people involved in segment it is purely their opinion and we just reflect the same without accepting any liability or claims we look forward for the active involvement from the fraternity.

This newsletter will be published once in a month on theme basis and each theme will become independent based on the response we get.

First issue will be on Coating and E.P.S and its utilities it is for sure the subject is vast and information covered is less the reason being we are yet to rope in players in full scale. we welcome contribution in not more than 1500 words apart from pictures we look forward from advanced compound manufacturers to contribute articles so that users will also get enlightened.Regards

RAGHUNATHChief Editor

EDITORIAL

OCTOBER 2015 03

OrnamentationJohn Henningsen RIHNO LININGS U S A.

Within the past decade architectural fabrication took a quantum leap with the introduction

ofsprayapplied resins for “hard coating” lightweight expanded polystyrene (EPS or Styrofoam) trim, columns

and building accents. This process uses fast set, two component coatings to encapsulate foam with a fire retardant shell. The lightweight architectural parts are then scenic painted or coated with acrylicmastic to simulate any style surface imaginable. The result is a durable, weather/impact resistantarchitectural element ready for installation.

The concept of hard coated foam evolved directly out of conventional EIFS (exterior insulation and finishing systems) technology. When EIFS first hit the scene during the post-World War II years in Germany, architects and designers were amazed at the possibilities it offered new and retrofit construction. With EIFS, builders could quickly rebuild shattered German cities within months. Plus the material could easily replicate the surface textures common to the region. The excitement over EIFS still survives today.

However, one small problem also remains: EIFS cannot preserve fine surface details, unusual angles and unconventional radii like a thin mil, spray-applied coating. For more than thirty years, polyurethanes enjoyed the spotlight as the preeminent coating for EPS and polyurethane foam.

Literally overnight, hard coating technology revolutionized the mass production process of architectural parts. Items that once took days of hand laying fiberglass or troweling out mastics after gluing down meshes could now be accomplished in an afternoon. Dozens of fiberglass and EIFS contracting companies purchased two-component polymer coating equipment, and they set up spray shops. Voilà! A new profit center is born.

Polyurethanes were the only viable

product on the market for fast setting (less than 15 seconds), high impact resistant/high flex modulus and fire retardant coatings for EPS (1-2 lbs density Expanded Polystyrene). As municipal and state regulations tighten the grip on styrene emissions, polyurethane began to edge out fiberglass. But like all technologies, there’s always something better just on the horizon.

Enter Polyureas. Since the early 1990s, companies like Texaco Chemical Corporation began to produce the next evolution of coatings with physical properties that made the polyurethane industry start to sit up and take notice. The introduction of polyurea hard coats represents a significant improvement to

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polyurethane in the architectural and specialty fabrication industries.

There were several early pioneers in the field of polyurea research and development. On the heels of the original developments by the Texaco Company, many companies began manufacturing polyureas for a wide variety of industrial and commercial applications, including roofing, concrete linings and truck bed liners. At the time, little attention was paid to the themed architecture and specialty foam fabrication markets. The small percentage of companies using spray-appliedpolyureas for coating EPS chose it to take advantage of one of its many advantageous physical properties (i.e. moisture insensitivity in humid climates, smooth surface or high fire retardancy). Unfortunately, sprayapplied, plural component polyurea hard coats have still not been effectively introduced to the fabrication industry as a whole.

Currently companies such as Chemline (St. Louis, MO - USA) offer polyurea for this purpose. This polyurea seals the foam in a hard, weather-resistant, plastic-like shell. The surface of the polyurea can then be primed, if necessary, to accept most acrylic paints and EIFS finishes.

Just as polyurethanes sparked people’s interest a decade ago, polyureas are emerging as the new “material of choice” for fabricating elaborate ornamentation from EPS, foam or spray-in-moldmethods. Polyurea offers the industry solvent-free, structural plastics similar to the high impact RIM (Reaction Injection Molding) systems used in the automotive industry. Polyurea is spray-applieddirectly over foam at 65-125 mils (1/16"-1/8") to form a durable plastic shell. In a single application, polyurea penetrates every crack, corner, undercut and surface detail, thus preserving every detail with minimal addition of surface area or weight. Due to the layering of thick cementitious mastics and mesh involved with EIFS systems, small dental molding, unusually shaped balusters or hand carved frieze elements are not realistically possible. But a polyurea encapsulation system will preserve fine surface detail of the part. As a comparison, when EIFS is used on small parts, there are hours of labor per square foot; whereas, EPS foam can be cut, coated and readied for service within hours.

With the addition of Computer-Aided Design (CAD), architects can take a design from concept to cut foam part within minutes. This technology would prove to be the catalyst for a revolution in architectural design all over the world. The computer driven cutting machine will cut the same piece out of foam over and over again with exacting detail. Architects no longer have to stick to standard, catalog sizes and shapes to design elements and trim. Plus, cut foam eliminates the step of making a plug and multiple molds.

Structural polyurea hard coats are not intended as a replacement for EIFS. Rather it should be considered an alternative with distinct advantages, such as lower cost, improved performance and labor savings. Fast Set Polyureas Reduce Production Times For starters, polyurea’s fast reaction time (3-10 seconds) leaves most polyurethane and cementitious coating in the fabrication dust. Polyurea is an autocatalytic polymer. In other words, with a fast reaction time, polyureas will not react with humidity and moisture during application. So polyureas can be applied in climates with high humidity or high dew point. Most polyurethanes will react with moisture in the substrate or high levels of humidity to produce carbon dioxide gas and cause foaming.

This might cause a company to shut down production during these moist conditions. Or, worse yet, a company in a humid climate would have to invest in expensive dehumidifying equipment for their spray application areas.

The reaction of the two components in a polyurea (A = isocyanate and B = amine) is

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so fast that the moisture reaction can't occur. Therefore, the polyureas are not sensitive to moisture and humidity and do not normally produce carbon dioxide bubbles.

Fast reaction time is a great advantage of polyurea. In the case of retrofitting a building façade with hard coated ornamental trim, fabricators spray hundreds of linear feet of polyurea over EPS more quickly than any other material. A fast reacting polyurea will cure sufficiently to be manipulated within a few hours. Most EIFS systems require 48-72 hours before the materials can be used to its full potential. A Smooth Surface Texture

Polyurea can also have a smooth surface flow to wet out a mold or cover an intricately carved surface. Both polyureas and polyurethanes can be slowed down to have gel times ranging from20- 60 seconds, if needed. With a smoother surface, foam shape fabricators can eliminate fillers and sanding labor. Polyurea offers a smoother texture that is free of the rough alligator-likesurface texture effect of other encapsulation products.

Maintaining Long Term Performance Polyureas have a balance of flexibility and hardness to eliminate the freeze/thaw or expansion/contraction common in EIFS systems. If an EIFS contractor leaves out mesh in tight corners or small details, thermal cycling of a building will cause cracks that allow water intrusion and necessitate expensive repairs. Polyurea has enough elasticity to expand and contract with a building throughout the day to break this cycle.

The newest benefit offered by polyureas is the aliphatic modified formulation. This type of coating offers improved weatherability and good UV performance in exterior application when compared to aromatic coatings. In the past, polyurethanes were considered the only product with superior UV stability. Now polyureas

are offered with weatherability characteristics that dramatically reduce chalking and discoloration in non-white or light colors.

Polyurea Attracts New Customers to Coating Technology The secret to a successful polyurea coated foam project lies in using two-component, fast-setspray equipment. Companies like Gusmer/Graco®, Binks® or

Glascraft® manufacture this equipment and it is offered for sale through distributors around the world.

A polyurea hard coating is made up of two components that require separate heat and proportioning of the “A” side ISO and the “B” side polymer. Once the operator triggers the spray gun, the materials are pumped from their drums and finally mixed at the tip of the spray gun. The resulting material interaction creates the hard plastic-like material. Keep in mind, your up front investment in spray application equipment will cost between $20,000 - $37,000. Luckily, this system has such a profit potential built in that this investment can quickly pay for itself. Industries like theme parks, retail point of purchase, casino gaming and museums, foam and polymer coating materials have allowed companies to develop unique and attention getting shapes easier and faster. In the architectural arena, there has been a rebirth of classical styles as demonstrated by the Venetian Hotel and Casino (Las Vegas, NV) or the many Egyptian/Byzantine themed movie theaters springing up across the United States and Europe. Artists and fabricators will tell you: Any contractor with experience working with plastering and EIFS applications can make a fairly easy transition to working with hard coated foam shapes. A Final Thought It’s hard to believe more EIFS contractors have not adopted polyureas hard coating technology.

Companies that take advantage of the polyureas are finding it increasingly easy to build sales and profits each year. Specialized architectural fabrication is a growing business. And polyureas offer diversity to contractors. Each day brings new and exciting applications for the product. Polyurea coated foam allows you to take a giant leap out of the architectural fabrication box.

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E.P.S or expandable polystyrene is a versatile product and the most happening product. It has wide

variety of application in almost every field of engineering including construction where it can w conveniently replace concrete mass, bricks and steel. Being a low weight material it is easy to handle and can conveniently be transported it takes exceptionally high load E.P.S being a soft material can be cut to shape and size with intricate designs/portrays/models to marvel of architecture. It can take coatings and can be used in recreation industry for different theme formats.

Polystyrene is extracted from oil. Thousands of small units of styrene, called monomers, link together to form large molecules of polystyrene by a process called polymerisation.

Expanded polystyrene starts as small spherical beads with a typical diameter of 0.5-1.5mm. They contain an expanding agent; a pure hydrocarbon, which does not contain any halogens and does not damage the earth's protective ozone layer.When the beads are heated with steam, the agent starts to boil, the polymer softens and the beads expand to about forty times their initial size.

After a maturing period to equilibrate temperature and pressure, the pre-foamed beads, which now have a closed cellular foam structure, are placed in a mould and again reheated with steam.

The mould can be designed to meet any

requirements of the customer. The pre-foamed beads expand further, completely fill the mould cavity and fuse together. When moulded, nearly all the volume of the EPS foam (in fact 98%) is air. This is what makes EPS so lightweight and buoyant.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) has many useful properties. It can be used as an insulator against heat and the cold. It is

good at absorbing shocks and protecting delicate items æ for example your

head when used as part of a cycle crash helmet.

These and other properties have led packaging technologists to specify EPS as the first choice material for packaging many products. It has high

value of engineering by being moisture resistant

(since it has closely netted molecular network) Ability to

resist chemicals is also of high order (thou it cannot take organic

solvents like hydrocarbons etc.)Sticks to most of the surface with

non-hydrocarbon based adhesives Can be painted with latex or polyurethane based paints to get excellent finish. It is also algae and fungal resistant With support of polyurethane it has excellent resistance to sunlight thou by itself cannot take for very long duration. Being energy efficient product its insulation property is

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of high order it is safe to transport most of the components packed in e.p.s. It consumes less power and is made out of non-ozone depleting chemicals and is easily crushable and reused so it is eco-friendly product.

Theme park items like toys, water bodies, imitations like rock, trees, carvings etc. Architectural designs like cornices, facades, ornamental pillars, murals etc Civil structures like walls, pillars, columns bridges, highways etc are some of the area of application Packaging materials Expanded polystyrene (EPS) isn't just foam insulation; it's an innovative building material that lends to the design and structural integrity of many building projects and EPS now serves as a powerful design element. With E.P.S boards cladded to wall it makes the structure thermally insulated during both cold and hot seasons there by reduce power consumption. It has excellent shock absorption and compression resistance property. It is odour less and highest hygiene and long lasting material. Since it has 98% of air in it is a very lightweight material it also assists the growth of seeds so it can be used as plant trays.

When used as a membrane over flat or sloped roofs it acts as barrier for heat transfer and also water penetration. Because EPS insulation is an organic material it is flammable and should be kept away from sources of heat or flame, including, but not limited to open flames, welder's torches, sparks or other sources of heat. This thermal barrier requirement may be eliminated in roofing applications when the insulation has passed appropriate fire tests (UL 1256 or FM 4450) that are referenced in the codes or the roofing system has successfully passed large-scale fire tests appropriate for the application.

Insulated concrete foams are most happening in construction industry they have superior strength to resist tornadoes and hurricanes both heat and sound transfer is minimal which means less energy consumption and reduction in utility bills These home looks like a traditional home built from a traditional stud-wall construction, but they are specially engineered structures to withstand fire hurricane ICF's are hollow EPS forms that are erected at the construction site, then filled with five or six

inches of reinforced concrete. Unlike traditional concrete forms, which are removed after the concrete cures, ICFs are left in place. Because the concrete core is surrounded with EPS insulation, ICFs provide superior Rvaluesand sound-deadening qualities. But because super-strong concrete is at the center, they also offer the strength to withstand the forces of nature that would destroy houses built using traditional construction methods.

Geo foams are other format of EPS where in polystyrene is blown using blowing agents like pentanes or butanes resin is exposed to steam under controlled pressure which soften cell walls Polystyrene is the main polymer used to produce EPS geofoam. Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) geofoam is created in a two-stage, molded bead process. EPS geofoam is typically produced in blocks that can be cut into various shapes and sizes to suit specific projects. It can also be produced in a range of densities to meet varying project needs. The blowing agent expands - causing individual resin beads to increase in volume by up to forty times – and “pre-puff” is formed. After a brief holding period to allow stabilization, the pre-puff beads are poured into a large rectangular mold cavity, or block mold. Steam is injected into the mold, and heat and pressure further expand the beads to fuse them into a molded block

•High compressive strength – makes EPS geofoam durable and resistant to damage over time

•Low moisture absorption – moisture absorption rates increase as density increases, but are still minimal

•Low interface friction – in direct shear tests, the interface friction between sand and EPS geofoam is comparable to the internal friction of sand alone

Applications of EPS GeofoamThe two main uses of EPS geofoam are for

lightweight fill and insulation applications.Geotechnical engineers have long recognized

the usefulness of lightweight fill to reduce loadstrain. Traditional lightweight materials used

in embankment construction include chippedbark, sawdust, dried peat, fly ash, slag,

cinders, cellular concrete, lightweight aggregates,

shredded tires, and seashells. A major

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advantage of using geofoam as fill material inembankments is that it is up to 50 times less

massive than other lightweight fills, thusproviding:•Maximum available right-of-way•Faster construction schedule•Lower traffic impact•Comparatively clean construction near

waterways•Reduced labor•Minimal future maintenance Placing EPS

geofoam behind retaining structures and below-grade walls reduces lateral pressure, lowers settlements, improves waterproofing and provides better insulation. The low density and relatively high compressibility of EPS geofoam also limit horizontal forces against retaining structures during earthquakes. Because the density of EPS geofoam is 50 to 100 times lower than soils, geofoam is highly effective in improving the stability and safety of slope construction by minimizing the potential of failure surfaces between driving blocks and resisting blocks in a slope. EPS geofoam is used successfully as highway and airport pavement subgrade insulation to reduce subgrade stress

and deformation as well as to protect against frost heaving. In cold climate regions, building

foundations are required to extend below depths of expected frost penetration. This typically requires housing construction with basements or crawl space below floor grade. By using EPS geofoam, homes can be built in cold climates with slab-on-grade support. Frost protected shallow foundations significantly reduce construction costs as well as energy costs.

Expanded polystyrene (EPS) can be used for a variety of flotation devices, such as rafts, docks and billets. Buoyancy billets are usually produced in standard sizes but can be easily customized. They are suitable for fresh and salt water and are unaffected by winter temperatures. EPS billets can support 55 lbs. per cubic foot, which is significantly more than typical wood flotation devices. Since EPS is lightweight and easy to work with, installation and maintenance costs are low.

EPS buoyancy systems are safe for the environment. They are ozone friendly, no CFCs are used in their production, and they have no food value for marine animals. Growth of marine life in stagnant water does not impair the buoyancy of the billet and can be easily removed with a scraper. EPS flotation structures exhibit excellent rebound characteristics with minimum rocking, provide less resistance to breaking waves and are quieter than those with other types of flotation such as drum floats. In summer months, it is not unusual to find the nearest watering hole filled with people escaping the heat and enjoying the water as well as sights and sounds. Many water- related activities are made safer with the use of expanded polystyrene (EPS) from floating docks tolife-saving devices and buoys to surf and boogie boards. Whether you recognize it or not, EPS is everywhere on the waterfront.

The area of applications dose not end with this it can be facades, replacement for structural glazing, prototypes, display models say 10 feet long cell phone tied to hot air balloon for display The list goes on.

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This is about floor designs including designers concrete hope you found our first

three issues interesting. We welcome you to extend and exchange information also share your experience and requirements. We look forward for your active participation to make this activity more interactive and interesting. It should not become another newsletter is what our aim is. Write to us on protecttimes@gmail.com.. Web site is under construction so any ideas one have can be contributed for consideration.

Every one wants to have variety and there is nothing other than designs and colors, which can quench our thirst. This is an era of designer’s forum. Then floors are not exception to this. Designs on floors were an age old practice in India especially and other place in general, there is many documental evidence to establish this. Floors during early days used to be generally made out of earth material and used to be coated with slurry of dung and then each day there used to be designs etched over it with white powder.

Then came cement flooring where gray color used to be there in center with red oxide border, later part it was enhanced with some designs in center of area with red or green oxides. Over period of time the development was such that tiles made out of earth material came then from cement and now natural and artificial stones are being used there is umpteen color combinations apart from designs to select from.

Man made flooring materials are interesting ones it is close to natural formats of marble and has distinct advantage like non brittle, scratch resistance and color combination with designs inculcated in it. Since we are focusing on design aspect we are not incorporating text format in large but showcasing pictures instead. Some of the

latest things available to this part of world are like liquid marble, glittering stone tiles and epoxy/polyurethane flooring. Resins to greater extent are user friendly and are available in various color combination. For example liquid marble, epoxy or polyurethane floorings they look better and also applicators friendly. When it comes to flooring made out of natural stones then also elegance is not compromised. We are sure you will find this issue also interesting and will appreciate the concepts.

Our next issue is on cleaning materials we look forward for participation as usual in form of contributing articles on said subject, and also by commenting on this issue. We are focusing this issue on designs and also on marble apart from designs that can be created in concrete. Concrete is no more a lump of cement with aggregates one can have smooth finish better than marbles and still get the required ambience. Counter tops, fire chimneys, pool decks, porticos are some of the area one can have it.

INTRODUCTIONMany people who associate with stone assume that it is a permanent material that does not need maintenance or care. After new stone is installed, permanent damage often occurs from neglect, incorrect cleaning methods, and using chemicals that are not formulated for stone care.

When stone is purchased, it proceeds through a four stage process. The process begins when the architect selects and designs the stone. The second stage is completed when the stone supplier fabricates and delivers the material. The third stage is accomplished when the stone is properly installed, protected, and then grouted. The final stage entails selecting a proper stone maintenance system. Understanding stone and the products that are available for stone

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care are vital elements for a successful stone maintenance system. Stone needs conditioning, cleaning, protection, and restoration. Understanding stone and stone care products are the most important features in development a successful maintenance program.

The minerals in stone came from the same liquid and gas minerals that formed the earth. The Earth developed as a massive body of gas and liquid minerals that slowly cooled and condensed to a solid care. Through pressure, the Earth's crust began to from and heavy minerals were forced down to the core of the Earth, where they were trapped. As the crust got thicker, it squeezed around the inner core, which created intense pressure and heat from within the Earth. Crystals and other solid forms began to grow from the mineral vapors that were being released. As the Earth's crust began to expand and erode, heat and pressure pushed the solid minerals up to the Earth's surface, which formed colossal rock beds. It took up to a hundred million years to from some of these beds. Many of the beds are now used as quarries where the stone is mined.

Most of these minerals can be identified by their color, hardness, and crystal formation. Crystals come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The wide arrays of minerals are often difficult to identify. Many stones look very similar to each other; however, they are all different. Marble: A re-crystallized limestone that formed when the limestone softened from heat and pressure and re-crystallized into marble where mineral change occurred.

The main consistency is calcium and dolomite. Ranges in many colors and is usually heavily veined and shows lots of grains. Hardness rates from 2.5 to 5 on the MOH

Scale. Marble is classified into three categories:

1.Dolomite: If it has more than 40% magnesium carbonates.

2.Magnesium: If it has between 5% and 40% magnesium

3.Calcite: If it has less than 5% magnesium carbonate.

Granite: Primarily made of Quartz (35%), Feldspar (45%) and Potassium. Usually in

dark colors. Contains very little calcite, if any. Provide a heavy crystalline and granular appearance with mineral grains. It is very hard material and easier to maintain than marble. Yet, it is still porous and will stain.

There are different types of granite depending on the percentage mix of quartz, mica and feldspar. Black granite is known as an Anorthosite. It contains very little quartz and feldspar and has a different composition than true granite.

IV. Man Made Stones are derived of unnatural mixtures such resin or cement with the additive of stone chips.

Terrazzo: Marble and granite chips embedded in a cement composition.

Agglomerate or conglomerate: Marble chips embedded in a colored resin composition.

Cultured or Faux Marble: A mix of resins that are painted or mixed with a paint to looks like marble.

This is one such example of polyurethane flooring and designers concrete designers concrete dose not end with making tiles with few designs the engineering has grown into leaps and bounds with various formulations included the pigments facilitations by polyurethane has given free hand to formulators and applicators and has made the appearance of floor more interesting and attractive.

Epoxy floors are almost versatile and can be used for both industrial and decorative purposes the applications are diverse floors are hard long lasting and colorful we can make it glossy or mat or even coarse depending on requirements they are mostly crack resistant and heavy duty can be used in applications like hangers for aircraft or runways etching designs are also easy for pigments can be added and be made colorful.

Epoxy terrazzo can be installed over most clean, properly prepared concrete slabs. Most manufacturers recommend applying a primer first to improve the epoxy/concrete bond.

Installers mix the two-component epoxy resin with the desired decorative aggregate and then pour the material onto the slab. If different colors of terrazzo mix are used, the sections are separated by divider strips made of zinc, brass, or other materials.

The dividers not only delineate the design,

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they also are used at control and expansion joints in the concrete slab to help prevent the terrazzo topping from cracking due to joint movement. Thin and flexible, the divider strips can be bent by hand on the jobsite or preshaped in the factory into intricate designs. They are usually affixed to the slab with an epoxy adhesive.

Installers trowel the epoxy mixture to the top of the strips and then allow it to cure overnight (or at least 18 hours). The next day, they mechanically grind and polish the surface using progressively finer-grit abrasives to reveal the natural beauty of the decorative aggregate. The final step is to apply a sealer, which makes the surface more resistant to water, chemicals, oil, grease, acids, and solvents Invented by the Venetians in the 1500s, cement-based terrazzo is one of the oldest types of decorative flooring systems. This mosaic-like floor topping made by embedding small pieces of marble or granite in mortar, followed by polishing is still highly prized for its timeless beauty. But a newer type of terrazzo has entered the scene, offering a host of benefits that threaten to shrink the market for traditional cement-based systems.

Photo Courtesy of Key Resin Co. This formidable competitor is thin-set epoxy terrazzo a poured-in-place topping for concrete substrates that goes on at a thickness of only 1/4 to 3/8 inch, as opposed to traditional terrazzo that must be applied at thickness of 2 to 3 inches.

This modern-day terrazzo is excellent for multicolored patterns and designs because the epoxy resin matrix can be pigmented, like paint, to achieve an unlimited spectrum of colors. And it can accommodate a wider variety of richly colored aggregates, including chips of marble or granite, recycled glass, mother of pearl, and various synthetic materials. With the creative use of divider strips to separate areas of contrasting colors, its possible to produce borders, logos, geometrical designs, and other artistic compositions. Photo Courtesy of Key Resin Co. But the aesthetic value of epoxy terrazzo isn't the only reason these toppings are gaining in popularity, and why they have captured more than 70 percent of today’s terrazzo market, according to George Hardy,

executive director of the National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association (NTMA). They also offer outstanding durability and wear, making them tough enough for use in high-traffic commercial and industrial environments. Because the binder is 100% epoxy, the finished floor surface provides greater resiliency, chemical resistance, compressive strengths, and flexibility than cement-based systems.

Epoxy terrazzo is extremely long wearing, says Robert Cain, president of Key Resin Co., Batavia, Ohio. Its a 40-year life-expectancy floor, and has the lowest lifecycle cost of any hard floor surface.

Photo Courtesy of National Terrazzo & Mosaic Association Although epoxy terrazzo offers many benefits when compared with other decorative floor toppings, it does have some limitations. Probably the biggest drawback is that the system is nonbreathable, so it traps moisture vapor transmission coming up from the concrete slab. This can result in loosening of the epoxy topping or improper curing. When epoxy terrazzo is installed onto concrete slabs on grade, manufacturers often recommend the installation of a good vapor barrier.

While moisture transmission is a problem, I wouldn’t single out epoxy terrazzo, says Cain. Its just one of many floor surfaces that can be affected. Moisture transmission can also be a problem with ceramic or resilient tile, wood, and carpeting. Another downside is the high cost of initial installation, due to the labor and skill level involved. Its usually not an economical surface to put down in facilities that wont be around for decades, Cain admits. Its a 40-year floor. If you stretch the cost over the floors life span, though, the maintenance and installation costs are very low.

Other potential limitations: Epoxy terrazzo is generally not recommended for outdoor use because of concerns about UV exposure.

Once the epoxy is mixed, it has a working time of only 45 minutes to an hour, so it must be placed without delay.

Because divider strips should be installed directly over all control and expansion joints in the slab (to prevent the topping from cracking at those locations), the strips can interfere with some designs.

EpoxiesEpoxies for crack injection are available

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in a range of viscosities, from ultra-thinto paste to accommodate cracks of different widths. The advice is to use whatever viscosity is needed to inject a given crack at pressures less than 40 psi. The wider the crack, the thicker the material required. The main advantage of epoxies is their amazing compressive strength, which at 12,000 psi or greater exceeds that of most concrete. That's why epoxies are the only choice for cracks requiring structural repair. However, epoxies cure very slowly, generally taking hours to harden. This can be an advantage because it allows time for the epoxy to flow into even the smallest crevices. On the other hand, its also possible for the epoxy to flow out of the backside of the crack before it has hardened if the backfill outside the wall has separated from the foundation. Often there are voids behind cracks due to soil erosion or poor compaction, that's why the crack is leaking in the first place its easy for water to enter.

Polyurethane: If there is concern about material leaking out the back of a crack, polyurethane foams should be used. These elastomeric, fast-setting foams are effective alternatives for applications involving only crack sealing (waterproofing) and not structural repair. Because of their elastomeric nature, they are able to accommodate slight concrete movement so the seal stays intact. They also begin to harden and foam within minutes of injection. This reduces the chances of the material flowing out of an injected crack while still in liquid form, and even if some does leak out, the foam will fill the void.

REFLECTIVITY OF STONEStone contains natural crystals. These

crystals reflect light to provide a shine on the surface. When the crystal care dull, crushed, or broken, they cannot reflect light evenly. For Example, when the lens of a flashlight breaks, it cannot reflect the light that is being emitted form the bulb. Polished stone floors become dull when heavy foot traffic along with sediment erodes the crystals. Normal footwear does not cause the main damage, sediment and grit do. The sediment and grit that lies on the stone surface is the main enemy of stones crystal. The damage to the crystals occurs when the pressure from

the shoe forces the sediment to abrade or fracture the crystals. The only safe way to restore and sharpen the crystal is to polish them with diamond abrasives or polishing powders. The life span of crystal can be extended can by administering a through dust mopping program with proper moping and maintenance system. Extensive entrance matting is extremely important because it keeps exterior sediment from entering a building.

Artificial marbles: A method for producing artificial marble curing liquid resins in a molding cell, comprising injecting a liquid resin in which a coloring agent is dispersed non-uniformly into a molding cell, laminating one or more liquid resins having different colors to form one or more layers on the liquid resin in which a coloring agent is dispersed non-uniformly, and moving a comb-like tool through the laminated liquid resins while allowing teeth of the tool to contact the bottom surface of the molding cell to produce a striped pattern formed from an upper layer liquid resin which flows to the bottom of the molding cell.

Polishing Concrete: Polished Concrete is a practical, decorative & economical floor system for any facility. From showrooms to industrial warehouses, government buildings to retail facilities, dry-polished concrete is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing phenomena to ever hit the flooring industry. Contrary to other temporary surface chemical processes, Dry-Polished Concrete is a mechanical grinding & polishing process that utilizes industrial diamonds & impregnating hardeners and sealers to level, densify, polish & finally seal the floor from within the interior of the floor surface.

Placeability is an important attribute of a good mix design. Atlanta Brick & Concrete, Atlanta, GA. Placeability is simply the traits that the wet or plastic concrete has that allow it to be placed and finished. Placeability includes a mix that doesn't segregate but that can be consolidated. Strength is nearly always specified for a concrete mix. In structural concrete applications, For flatwork, though, strength is seldom the controlling factor and higher strength concrete mixes, that produce very stiff concrete, can result in more

12 OCTOBER 2015

shrinkage, which shows up as curling and cracking.

Long term durability is at least as important as placeability and strength, but it is sometimes sacrificed if there are compromises to be made. Durability is achieved by getting a low-permeability, low-shrinkage concrete that has the proper amount and distribution of entrained air. Durable concrete must resist freeze-thaw action and prevent chloride from penetrating to the reinforcing steel to contribute to corrosion. To retain its appearance, exterior concrete must be designed to handle freeze-thaw action.Becker Architectural Concrete, South St. Paul, MN.

Appearance issues are obviously more important for decorative concrete than other applications. Nothing sours a client more that a beautiful floor that is cracked or spalled or a decorative wall that is honeycombed. With slabs, shrinkage is the number one concern and lower strength concrete (with less cement paste) will often shrink and curl less. And since with decorative concrete, surface hardeners will provide a high strength, more wear resistant, less permeable, surface layer, the overall concrete strength can be less.

The right mix can solve problems or it can create them. What you really want in a concrete mix is one that is easy to place, strong enough to meet the needs of the application, durable for the life of the floor or wall, and that will look good when you're done with your decorative efforts. Don't rely on bags! Rather than only specifying how much cement is in the mix we should be specifying things like permeability, shrinkage, workability, pumpability, stampability, and stainability. Throughout the following sections, one thing will become very clear: good concrete is good concrete and decorative concrete needs to be very good concrete. For decorative concrete we are seldom looking for high strength, so the wise contractor will focus on low permeability and low shrinkage. If you get concrete with those attributes, it would be rare indeed that you would have to worry about strength.

Most of the things we've already learned about mix design apply to decorative concrete, although there are some nuances to understand. And, decorative concrete experts don't always agree, so I'll give you the various arguments and let you decide. The importance of partnering with your ready- mix supplier, who can help you get the mix you need for a given application and condition. He also notes that trial and error is, unfortunately, often the best teacher Avoiding Efflorescence with the Right Concrete Mix Efflorescence can ruin the appearance of a floor. One of the worst things that can happen to your beautiful decorative job is to return a week later to see a white scum across the entire surface. This is especially common on stained floors with an acrylic sealer. As moisture moves through the concrete it picks up soluble salts. The sealer lets the moisture vapor pass through but not the salts, which form a white blush on the concrete The keys to reducing the danger of efflorescence on your projects are to use fly ash in the mix, place a good vapor barrier beneath the slab if you have control over that part of the job (a real vapor barrier, not simply polyethylene sheeting), and to use low-permeability concrete (low w/c and fly ash). Getting a good cure on the surface can also help reduce efflorescence by creating a denser surface layer, especially by using a cure and seal or curing blankets without added water.

Using metakaolin in the mix can also reduce or eliminate efflorescence and can control alkali-silica reaction for more about metakaolin

This issue is basically compilation of information from various sources we have incorporated information including pics from various sources we thank all of them in general thru this news letter and look forward for their cooperation in future days to come by way of furnishing information and also joining our hands to strengthen the same. Unfortunately we could not incorporate the video on liquid marble due to obvious reasons.

13OCTOBER 2015

About Business InnovationThis Book has compelling answers to

many questions and challenge faced by the Startups and success is a result of hard work that comes after certain period of execution of Business. “Business Innovation In India” is a book about education institutes as a services offered and Industries that provides Products out of skilled resources. We would talk about three industries 1. Education Institutes, 2. Health Care and 3. ITES / IT / Products

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A: Timely, helpful, problem solving information for the current industry revolution, Universal application, IOT and much more innovations that happen in India.

Q: What is Vision 2020?A: You have to wait for next October 2015 -

CeBIT Trade Show, Come and meet us at CeBIT Stall.

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BUSINESS INNOVATION IN INDIA

“Business Innovation in India is a book for greater cause and educating the Management teamto focus on Vision 2020 ...”

Author: M R Nagaraj

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