Methyl Methacrylate Used as Flooring Coating

Methyl methacrylate floor coating is a new type of polymer material made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) as the main resin base material and methyl methacrylate (MMA) and other reactive monomers as crosslinking agents, with the addition of high melting point wax liquid, auxiliary specialty powders, aggregates, and additives. After being initiated by an initiator to trigger free radical crosslinking polymerization, this material can quickly crosslink and cure into a high-strength coating film. Methyl methacrylate floor coating has many advantages such as fast curing, ultra-low temperature curing (curing temperature range of -30 to 35°C), excellent weather resistance, eco-friendliness, and is particularly suitable for airport runways and outdoor road repairs. It can also be used as line marking material and is widely used internationally, especially in Western Europe and Japan.

Characteristics of Methyl Methacrylate Floor Coating

Methyl methacrylate floor coating has the common properties of conventional floor coatings, as well as unique performances that other coatings do not possess. The main characteristics are as follows:

The curing reaction of methyl methacrylate coating is minimally affected by temperature and can be applied at temperatures ranging from -30 to 40°C.

This is one of the biggest differences compared to traditional floor coatings. For example, epoxy floor coatings and polyurethane floor coatings generally require curing above 0°C or 5°C.
Rapid reaction; the final process can be completed and put into use within 1 to 2 hours, and repairs and patches are simple and quick.

Methyl methacrylate floor coating has a fast curing characteristic, with a surface dry time of less than 30 minutes and a hard dry time of less than 1 hour. Its comprehensive usage performance can reach theoretical values within 1 hour of being hard dry, thus significantly reducing the time required for ground repairs.
Excellent chemical resistance, resistant to acids, alkalis, oil, salt spray, and chemicals; it also has excellent weather resistance, making it suitable for outdoor application.
Good resistance to load, wear, impact, and scratches.

When combined with an aggregate, the compressive strength of the cured methyl methacrylate floor coating exceeds 60MPa, far surpassing the commonly used concrete. Additionally, polymethyl methacrylate homopolymer resin has a certain degree of elasticity, which provides excellent absorption and buffering of mechanical vibrations, reduces noise generated by vibrations, and provides a comfortable working environment.
High degree of curing with no small molecule residues or decomposition products, making it environmentally friendly, hygienic, and compliant with sanitary food industry standards.

Its dense structure prevents small molecules from penetrating the coating film, making cleaning easy and thorough.
Although methyl methacrylate floor coating possesses hardness similar to epoxy floor coatings, it has a higher elongation at break.

Therefore, if small cracks appear in the substrate of the methyl methacrylate floor coating, the surface of the methyl methacrylate floor will not crack as a result.

Precautions for Applying Methyl Methacrylate Floor Coating

Determine the treatment plan based on the type and condition of the substrate. Use a broom and vacuum cleaner to perform basic cleaning, ensuring dust removal; steel materials require sandblasting to remove rust; the substrate must be flat and free of other impurities; if there is oil, paint, resin, dust, etc., these must be cleaned before applying methyl methacrylate resin material.
Insufficient curing agent will result in poor curing, while too much can adversely affect the coating film. The amount of curing agent should be determined based on the temperature and the manufacturer's recommendations, with accurate weighing when adding.
Before use, the resin solution should be thoroughly stirred to prevent pigment sedimentation.
The curing agent should be added to the resin solution before adding the aggregate to ensure complete mixing of the curing agent and resin solution.
Floor application should not be carried out in sealed, poorly ventilated rooms to avoid poor curing; ventilators can be used for ventilation, and no diluent should be used.
Floor materials should be stored in a ventilated, dark place and not exposed to direct sunlight.