Flowcrete Australia recently launched a new gloss-finish, fully aliphatic polyurethane screed topcoat designed for the Australasian flooring market – Flowfresh FCUV.
For many years, cementitious polyurethane screeds have been popular with food manufacturing and processing clients looking to install a durable, chemical and slip resistant surface into both wet and dry production, storage and packaging halls.
The seamless nature of polyurethane screeds ensures a floor that is easy to clean and maintain; preventing the build-up of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms in joints and perforated grout lines.
The material’s thermal shock resistance properties and ability to expand and contract under temperature variables with the underlying slab ensures a floor can be cleaned with steam and hot water wash down processes, delivering a sanitary surface that complies with many food safety regulations.
Despite an international reputation for strong performance in the food and beverage industry, cementitious polyurethane has always had a chink in its armour.
Ultraviolet or UV rays from the sun and indoor light fixtures can cause some polyurethane surfaces to fade, discolour and chalk over time. As with epoxies, 100 percent solids polyurethane screeds can often be categorised over time by a soft-yellowing effect.
Although functional, the nature of a matt finish floor leaves an unattractive result, which can be more difficult to maintain than a gloss finish. Flowfresh FCUV has been designed to counteract these effects.
Aliphatic polyurethane screeds are based on aliphatic isocyanates and mostly polyester and/or acrylic polyols. Aliphatic polyurethanes are known for their enhanced strength, colour stability and increased resistance to UV degradation. These are installed as a thick film and will flow slowly in temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius.
Flowfresh FCUV is available in a range of colours and comes with an easy-to-clean high gloss finish. The material also includes Polygiene, a silver-ion based antimicrobial additive that inhibits the growth and spread of bacteria on the surface of the floor.
