Photo - Improves Adhesion

Adhesion

Concrete sealers and coatings must exhibit good adhesion in order to be effective. Adhesion is the strength of bonds forming between one material and another. Adhesive failure on the other hand can result from low adhesion between a coating and the substrate.

Good adhesion results when the following occurs:

  1. The coating molecules flow freely over the substrate to make contact and adhere also called adsorption.
  2. Chemical bonds are formed between the coating and the substrate.
  3. The coating film penetrates the roughness on the substrate surface, resulting in mechanical interlocking once the coating dries.

All three do not need to occur in order for proper bond and adhesion. Depending on the coating, substrate and application method, different options could work.

Adsorption

The adsorption theory states, “That adhesion results from molecular contact between two materials and the surface forces that develop” (sciencedirect.com). According to this theory, when applying a concrete coating, the coating film must make molecular contact with the substrate surface. The process of establishing continuous contact between a coating and the substrate surface is known as “wetting.” Good wetting results when the coating flows into the valleys and crevices on the substrate surface; poor wetting results when the adhesive bridges over the surface irregularities. Also, if the substrate is contaminated with dirt, debris, oil or grease, the contaminant becomes a weak boundary layer which can easily fail and weaken the entire coating system. This is why surface preparation is extremely important prior to the installation of a concrete coating. Common surface preparation methods are chemical etching or mechanical scarification.

Chemical Bonding

Coating systems are formulated with binders that can chemically bond to a substrate. These strong and durable bonds are generally the result of close contact or adsorption on the surface followed by a chemical reaction. Chemical bonding is most common with adhesion promoters or primers. These products provide a “molecular bridge” between the substrate and the molecules in the coating. One end of the adhesion primer molecule has functionality that will react with the coating, and the other end has a functionality that will react with the substrate. A strong and durable bond forms as the primer cures. Silanes are an example of a widely used adhesion primer. They promote adhesion, improve moisture resistance, and reduce the potential of corrosion.

Mechanical Interlocking

Another way adhesion occurs is by a coating filling pores, holes, and micro-cracks in the substrate. When the coating hardens, it is held on mechanically. This is why mechanical scarification is a common surface preparation method for coating adhesion. In order for a coating to properly perform, it must penetrate the surface irregularities and roughness acquired by scarification and lock on mechanically to the substrate. The surface roughness aids in adhesion by increasing the total contact area giving “teeth” to the substrate and stopping the coating from lifting.

How is adhesion measured?

Adhesion tests verify that both the surface preparation and coating application are within specification. Adhesion testing of a coating quantifies the strength and bond between concrete and the subsequent coating, or between different coating layers. In order to perform adhesion testing a common testing method is pull off elcometer testing. Elcometers accurately measure the strength of the bond between the coating and the substrate.

How is adhesion improved

Adhesion or bonding primers chemically bond with the substrate to increase adhesion and form a strong bond between the substrate and the coating.

Primers for coatings

Bonding primers seal the concrete surface and create an adhesive surface for a coating to bond to the substate. Concrete itself isn’t the best substrate for holding coatings because of its high porosity and alkalinity. Without a bonding primer there is nothing for the coating to grab onto. If concrete is not properly primed the topcoat is at risk for failure. On exterior applications, a water repellent sealer is an excellent bonding primer to prevent moisture intrusion from delaminating a coating. In addition to sealing a porous substrate and adhering to the topping, primers increase the wettability of the topcoat making it easier to spread, thus increasing the working time, and decreasing the risk of a fisheye effect. Epxoy primers are often used prior to the application of urethane topcoats as urethane don’t like the alkalinity of the concrete so they will try to repel it. By using an epoxy primer the urethane is bonding to the adhesive primer.

Primers for sealers

Concrete densifiers are excellent options for hardening concrete; however, they provide no protection from water, deicing salt exposure or surface staining. They are however excellent primers to use prior treatment with a penetrating, water repellent sealer. They will help to densify the concrete making it less permeable and will also promote adhesion through the chemical bonding process.

4500 Concrete Sealer Bottle

Lithi-Tek 4500

Lithium-Based Densifier

325 Concrete Sealer Bottle

Epoxy 325

Water-Based Epoxy Basecoat

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