CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

WATER BORNE 2K EPOXYAMINE SYSTEMS FOR
CONCRETE COATINGS

ALLNEXNOVEMBER 2021

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CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

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CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

1. INTRODUCTION
Concrete is a key building material throughout the world for many structures. Even the best concrete has
natural limitations, including dusty and weak surfaces, performance reduction over time due to reactions withmaterials in the environment, cracking, efflorescence and poor chemical resistance, to name but a few. Manyof these limitations can be negated or at least improved through the use of a properly formulated coating. The
most well-known coating technology for concrete is an epoxy-amine based, two component system, due to its
inherent cross-linked chemical strength and compatibility with alkaline concrete. These systems seal in thedust, strengthen the surface, reduce cracking propagation, provide a chemical barrier to prevent degradationand staining and can also provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Water content in the concrete tends to be a significant challenge for all epoxy-based systems. Too much water
can cause poor initial adhesion or loss of adhesion over time in the form of osmotic blistering. Water borne
systems are much more tolerant to water content in the substrate than solvent borne or 100% solids systems.
They typically show less susceptibility to osmotic blistering, due to their open pore structure, and better
adhesion to multiple types of concrete. Water borne systems are generally regarded as a moreenvironmentally friendly option, with easier clean-up, reduced worker exposure hazards, lower odour andoffering lower VOC (Volatile Organic Components) options.
Allnex provides water borne epoxy resins and amine hardeners that can be adapted to a variety of concrete
coating applications. Emulsifiers are incorporated into the backbone of some of our polymers to prevent theirmigration from the coating, which could lead to adhesion problems and water or chemical sensitivity. This built
in, self-emulsifying aspect allows for excellent compatibility in water and thus, easier mixing. The amine
hardeners discussed here are capable of emulsifying liquid epoxies without the use of additional external
emulsifiers.
Allnex has developed a toolbox approach to our epoxy-amine systems. This allows formulators the ability to
optimise performance properties needed for demanding concrete applications. This user’s guide provides acomprehensive view of our portfolio of hardeners and resins. Included are examples to show how to calculate
the cross-link density by stoichiometry, what to expect from water dilution and an understanding of the
expected pot life, or useful working time of these two component systems. Further recommendations for
useful solvents and additives are also included.

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CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

2. NOMENCLATURE
2K wb system based epoxy resins and amine hardeners• 2K: Two component system, typically mixed prior to applicationo Consists of part A & part B• wb: Water borne
Example for Epoxy resin and Amine hardener
BECKOPOX: allnex trade name for
epoxy resins

BECKOPOXTM
EP 2384w/57WA

EP: epoxy resin

w: water dilutable

57: 57% solid content

WA: diluted in water

BECKOCURE/BECKOPOX: allnex trade name foramine hardeners

BECKOCURE®
EH 2100w/44WA

EH & VEH: amine hardener

w: water dilutable

44: 44% solid content

WA: diluted in water

Bis-A: Bisphenol-A epoxy (most common class of liquid epoxy sometimes referred to instead of the common
term liquid epoxy)
Bis-F: Bisphenol-F epoxy (liquid epoxy has lower viscosity and better chemical resistance than Bis-A)
Type 1 solid epoxy resin: epoxy with equivalent weight of ~500 on non-volatiles
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CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

3. BECKOPOX™ AMINE HARDENERS

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CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

4. BECKOPOX™ EPOXY RESINS

Liquid Epoxy Water Dilution:
Standard Bis-A based liquid epoxy and reactive diluents require external emulsifiers to be emulsified inwater. BECKOPOX EP 147w can easily be emulsify in water for improved application consistency.

Blending Recommendation for BECKOPOX EP 147w:
Start at 50% BECKOPOX EP 147w and 50% solid epoxy dispersion (BECKOPOX™ EP 2384w or
BECKOPOX EP 384w) based on stoichiometry for improved air dry speed.
Stoichiometric recommendations for epoxy to amine:• Best crosslink density for hardness and chemical resistance: 1:1 ratio of epoxy resin to amine hardener• To improve water resistance, reduce the amine hardener slightly: 1:0.8 epoxy to amine

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CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

Chemical Resistance(e.g. Containment Structures,
Grocery Store Flooring)

Concrete Penetration(e.g. Primer Sealer)

Hot Tire Pick-up(e.g. Garages)

Early Hardness Development(Fast Return to Service)

End Hardness(e.g. Warehouses)

Pot-life(Working Time)

Low VOC Content(VOC Regulations)Time to return to service

5. STARTING RECOMMENDATIONS

Good

BetterGood

Good

Better

Best

Best

Good

Best

Best

Best

Best

Best

Good

Best

BetterGood

BetterGood

BetterBetterBetterBest

Better

Good

Good

Best

Best

Good

Better

Best

Best

Best

Best

Best

Good

Best

Best

Best

Good

Good

Good

Good

Best

Best

Good

Best

Best

BetterBetterBetterBetterBetterBetterBest

BetterBetterBetterBetterBetterBetterBetterGood

BetterAmine Hardeners
BECKOPOX™
EH 623w/80WA
BECKOPOX
VEH 2106w/80WA
BECKOPOX
VEH 2177w/80WA
BECKOCURE®
EH 2100w/44WA

Epoxy Resins
BECKOPOX
EP 147w
BECKOPOX
EP 2384w
BECKOPOX
EP 147w : EP 2384w Blend
BECKOPOX
EP 147w : EP 384w Blend

While our products offer a high level of latitude for the formulator to develop coatings for exact needs, weoffer the above recommendations as an initial starting point based on our experiences. However, theoutcome may vary slightly as formulation practices are also highly influential on performance andapplicability.
Please contact us for more specific recommendations or starting point formulations.

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CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

6. STOCHIOMETRIC-CALCULATION
Epoxy-Amine systems
Epoxy Equivalent Weight

𝑬𝑬𝑾 = # 𝒐𝒇 𝑬𝒑𝒐𝒙𝒚 𝑮𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒑𝒔

Hardener Equivalent Weight

𝑯𝑬𝑾 = # 𝒐𝒇 𝑨𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑮𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒑𝒔

𝑴𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕

𝑴𝒐𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒂𝒓 𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕Calculation for stochiometric crosslinking𝒈𝑯𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 (𝑯𝑬𝑾) []𝒎𝒐𝒍 × 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝒈
𝑬𝒑𝒐𝒙𝒚 𝑬𝒒𝒖𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑾𝒆𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 (𝑬𝑬𝑾) []𝒎𝒐𝒍= ⋯ 𝒈 𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝒈 𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒙𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒏
Example for 100% crosslinking
Epoxy resin:
Amine hardener:

BECKOPOX EP 384w
BECKOPOX EH 623w

EEW: 750 g/mol (f.o.d.)
HEW: 200 g/mol (f.o.d.)

𝑔
200 [
]
𝑚𝑜𝑙 × 100 = 𝟐𝟔, 𝟕𝒈 𝐸𝐻 623𝑤 𝑓𝑜𝑟 100𝑔 𝐸𝑃 384𝑤
𝑔
750 [
]
𝑚𝑜𝑙

Mixture of different epoxy dispersions
If different epoxy dispersions or liquid epoxy resins are to be used in a blend, a new EEW-value needs to be
calculated. This will then be used for the calculation of the needed amine hardener.

𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒙𝒚 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔
𝑨𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒙𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝑰 𝑨𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒙𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝑰𝑰+
𝑬𝑬𝑾 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒙𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝑰
𝑬𝑬𝑾 𝒐𝒇 𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒙𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒏 𝑰𝑰𝒈=⋯(𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝑬𝑬𝑾 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒙𝒚 𝒎𝒊𝒙𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆)𝒎𝒐𝒍
Example for BECKOPOX EP 384w/57WAMP and BECKOPOX EP 147w
EP 384w:
EP 147:
Total:

86 parts
EEW: 980 g/mol
14 parts
EEW: 194 g/mol
100 parts of the mixture

𝟏𝟎𝟎 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔
𝟖𝟔 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝑬𝑷 𝟑𝟖𝟒𝒘 𝟏𝟒 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝑬𝑷 𝟏𝟒𝟕𝒘
+
𝒈
𝒈
𝟗𝟖𝟎
𝟏𝟗𝟒
𝒎𝒐𝒍
𝒎𝒐𝒍
𝒈
= 𝟔𝟐𝟓
(𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝑬𝑬𝑾 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒙𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑬𝑷 𝟑𝟖𝟒𝒘 & 𝑬𝑷 𝟏𝟒𝟕𝒘)
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CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

Mixture of different amine hardeners
If different amine hardeners are to be blended and used, a new HEW-value needs to be calculated. This willthen be used for the calculation of the needed amount of the corresponding epoxy dispersion.

𝑻𝒐𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝒂𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒖𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔
𝑨𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑰 𝑨𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑰𝑰+
𝑬𝑬𝑾 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑰
𝑬𝑬𝑾 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝑰𝑰𝒈=⋯(𝒏𝒆𝒘 𝑯𝑬𝑾 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒆𝒓 𝒎𝒊𝒙𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆)𝒎𝒐𝒍
EEW & HEW of BECKOPOX™ / BECKOCURE® products mentioned in this technical bulletin

Amine hardener
BECKOPOX EH 623w/80WA
BECKOPOX VEH 2106w/80WA
BECKOPOX VEH 2177w/80WA
BECKOCURE EH 2100w/44WA

HEW (f.o.d.)[g/mol]
200
145
175
570

EEW (f.o.d.)[g/mol]
BECKOPOX EP 147w
194
BECKOPOX EP 2384w/57WA
750
BECKOPOX EP 384w/53WAMP
980
BECKOPOX EP 384w & EP 147w (86:14)
625
Epoxy resin

Calculation for different combinations of epoxy resins and amine hardeners
X g of amine hardener

BECKOCURE
EH 2100w/44WA

BECKOPOX
VEH 2177w/80WA

BECKOPOX
VEH 2106w/80WA

BECKOPOX
EH 623w/80WA100% crosslinking

100g of epoxy resin
BECKOPOX EP 147w

103,1 g74,7 g90,2 g293,8 g

BECKOPOX EP 2384w/57WA

26,7 g19,3 g23,3 g76,0 g

BECKOPOX EP 384w/53WAMP

20,4 g

14,8 g17,9 g58,2 g

BECKOPOX EP 384w & EP 147w (86:14)

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CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

7. CALCULATION TOOL
For easier calculation of the stochiometric crosslinking we developed a simple Excel calculation tool. If it was
not provided with this technical bulletin, please contact one of our Technical Service & Business Development
Managers.
Below a screenshot of the tool, to give a short insight into the toolCalculation if only one Epoxy dispersion is used
BECKOPOX EP 384w/53WAMP

980

EEW f.o.d

BECKOPOX EH 623w/80WA200

HEW f.o.d

Degree of Crosslinking:100%

For 100g

20,4 g of

BECKOPOX EP 384w/53WAMP

BECKOPOX EH 623w/80WA

Calculation if two epoxy dispersions are used
Epoxy Resin 1
BECKOPOX EP 384w/53WAMP

EEW f.o.d

Epoxy Resin 2
BECKOPOX EP 147w

980

Parts Epoxy Resin 1

60,00

EEW f.o.d
194

Parts Epoxy Resin 2

40,00
Total parts

New EEW from mixture of

EP 384w

374

EP 147w

100

g/mol

HEW f.o.d
BECKOPOX VEH 2177w/80WA
Degree of Crosslinking:For 100g of mixture

175
100%

EP 384w&

EP 147w

46,8 g of

BECKOPOX VEH 2177w/80WA

GUIDELINES
The blue fields indicate that this field can be changed or adjusted depending on the preferred choice of epoxy
dispersion and amine hardeners.
There is a drop down menu where all epoxy dispersions or amine hardeners mentioned in this technicalbulletin can be chosen. Automatically, the correct epoxy- or amine-equivalent-weight is shown in the grey
field.
The degree of crosslinking can be also adjusted by yourself. Important is that you enter a valid number in thisfield.
As soon as all three blue fields are filled with the needed input, the hardener amount for 100g of the chosen
epoxy dispersion will be calculated and displayed in the green field.

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CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

8. WATER DILUTION
Behavior of an amine hardener during water dilution

Hardener

Viscosity

Solvent Diluted
Hardener

80

•

•

70

60

50
40
Solids Content %

30

20

10

Amine hardeners increase in viscosity with the addition of water, up to a point, then decrease. It is
recommended to add (co-) solvent to amine hardeners prior to water incorporation to reduce thisinitial viscosity and viscosity peak.
o Best incorporation of extra water into the system is with slow steps, allowing emulsification
into the water, followed by dilution.
▪ At high solids the hardeners have more the characteristics of a solvent borne system,
than a dispersion.
For best stability, it is recommended to formulate the amine hardener side at 40% solids or higher.
o Below 20% solids these amine hardeners tend to be less stable, which is more prevalent atelevated temperatures.

Epoxy Water Dilution••

Standard liquid epoxy can be diluted with water using external emulsifier surfactants. It is
recommended to do this dilution just prior to application, as this will only have short-term stability.
Addition of surfactants will typically reduce the water resistance properties of the coating.
o BECKOPOX™ EP 147w is internally emulsified and can be easily diluted with water for shortterm stability.
▪ The internal emulsifier does not cause water resistance issues.
Solid epoxy dispersions can be further diluted with water.
o Blends of solid epoxy dispersions with BECKOPOX EP 147w can be further diluted with water.
▪ For best stability, it is recommended to formulate the solid epoxy dispersion side at
40% solids or higher.
▪ For best incorporation dilute with water then add BECKOPOX EP 147w.
▪ It is important to understand that solid epoxy dispersions have a tendency forsyneresis (settling) after long storage. However, this can easily be reversed by stirring.

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CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

9. INDUCTION TIME, POT-LIFE & SOLVENTS
Induction Time•

Epoxy-amine systems require some time for the two components to become fully compatible andbegin chemically reacting. Prior to this time frame, film formation tends to be poor, resulting in poorer
application properties. This is commonly referred to as induction or sweat-in time. The induction time
can be influenced by temperature, humidity, incorporation of the two components, and reactivity ofthe system.
o BECKOPOX™ EH 623w systems tend to have a 15-30 min induction time at 23°C, 50% humidity
o Systems with the faster reacting hardeners or blends tend to have a shorter induction time

Pot-life•

2K epoxy systems are reactive once mixed and have a usable working time referred to as pot-life. For
solvent borne systems pot-life tends to refer to the time taken for the viscosity of the system todouble in value. Besides systems utilizing BECKOPOX EH 2106w for visible end of pot-life, most of thewater borne hardeners tend not to build viscosity as time progresses. The end of the pot-life can only
be determined by measuring loss of performance properties. Typically, this is demonstrated by lower
gloss, loss of adhesion, and/or reduction of chemical resistance. This is due to reduction in film
integrity. Pot-life is typically influenced by temperature, humidity, coalescent, and reactivity of thesystem. When using water borne epoxy systems, extra care must be taken to adherer to pot-life
recommendations by the supplier of the system.
o Hardener blends can optimize pot-life and performance propertieso Coalescent solvents tend to extend the pot-lifeo Acetic acid can be used to extend the pot-life. These are pH 9-11 systems, acidic materials
tend to influence other performance properties

Induction Time
•Building Properties

version 2021.03

Working Time

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CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

Solvents•

The use of solvents is recommended for optimizing handling viscosity, film formation, compatibility,and pot-life. Extremely low VOC systems are possible; however, they typically have difficulty withhandling viscosity, application performance, and short pot-life. Solvents can be used in combinations
to optimize properties and compatibility.
o Recommended for best viscosity adjustment and dry time
▪ Faster evaporating:• Propylene Glycol Monomethyl Ether (PM)• Propylene Glycol n-Propyl Ether (PnP)o Recommended for improving film integrity, compatibility, temperature tolerance, and pot-life▪ Slower evaporating coupling/coalescing:• Ethylene Glycol Monopropyl Ether (EP)• Dipropylene Glycol Methyl Ether (DPM)o Recommended for improving gloss, film integrity, temperature tolerance, and pot-life▪ Slow evaporating primarily coalescing solvent:Dipropylene Glycol n-Butyl Ether (DPnB)

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CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

10. ADDITIVES
The below shown additives are highly recommended for the use in water borne 2K epoxy systems. The
selected additives are market proven and are also included in several of our 2K epoxy formulations either forconcrete or metal applications.

Rheology Modifiers
For optimal application rheology and shelf stability, it is recommended to use a combination of low to medium
shear and high shear rheology modifiers. These are easy to incorporate in WB epoxy systems.
Application area

Products

Low to Medium Shear

ADDITOL® VXW 6388

High Shear

ADDITOL VXW 6360

Description
Our masterpiece rheology Additive for spray applied high film
build WB coatings; improves storage stability, sagging andsettling
Improves rheology profile for roller & brush application – reduces
roller spattering, reflow and leveling

Defoamers
For preventing and breaking foam during paint manufacturing and application, it is important to make theperfect choice for foam control additives.

Application area

Products

Highly compatible

ADDITOL VXW 6393
ADDITOL VXW 4926
ADDITOL XW 6544

Description
Easy incorporation in any stage of paint production
Can be added at any stage of paint production
The recommended addition ranges from 0.1-1.0% on total
formulation

Substrate wetting/Flow and Leveling
To prevent or reduce surface defects such as poor leveling, orange peel or cratering, it is recommended to use
a combination of substrate wetting & flow and leveling additives.
Application area

Products

Substrate Wetting

ADDITOL XW 6580

Flow and Leveling

MODAFLOW® AQ 3025

version 2021.03

Description
Silicone based with reduced foam stabilization and norecoat-ability issues
Acrylic flow promotor (silicone free) for improved DOI and gloss• Worldwide Contact Info: www.allnex.com •Page 14/20

CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

Pigment Dispersing
Special dispersing additives support grinding of all pigment types, for direct grinds and concentrates (hardener& resin dispersion). Non-ionic and low ion migration (LIM) technology based dispersants allow improved
storage stability, anti-corrosion performance and chemical resistance in highly reactive systems e.g. epoxy
dispersions. It is recommended to keep the temperature of the dispersion below 40 °C when processing.
Application area

Products

Dispersants

ADDITOL VXW 6208
ADDITOL VXW 6208/60
ADDITOL VXW 6394

Description
Non-ionic technology based pigment dispersing Additives
strongly improve corrosion and humidity performance
Optimum dosage levels from 3-10% for inorganic pigments &fillers and 15-50% for organic pigments

ADDITIVE INNOVATIONS suitable for water borne 2K epoxy amine systems
Following additives were developed in the last years with the intention to improve application properties. All
are suitable for water borne 2K epoxy amine systems, we are currently working on new 2K epoxy formulations
which includes the new additives.
Application area

Products

Defoamers

ADDITOL XW 6584
ADDITOL XW 6585

Flow and Leveling

ADDITOL XW 6586

Dispersants

ADDITOL XW 6588
ADDITOL XL 6592

version 2021.03

Description
Zero VOC, Silicone-based, emulsifier-free, with no negative
impact on paint rheology profile
Recommended to be incorporated at higher shear forces
The recommended addition ranges from 0.05-0.5% on total
formulation
Zero VOC, 100% silicone based leveling agent for improved
substrate wetting, gloss and appearance. Not influence onrecoat-ability and foam stabilization
Non-ionic technology based pigment dispersing Additives
strongly improve corrosion and humidity performance.
Optimum dosage levels from 3-10% for inorganic pigments& fillers and 15-50% for organic pigments• Worldwide Contact Info: www.allnex.com •Page 15/20

CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

11.FORMULATION EXAMPLE
WeightFunction

Supplier

dispersing additive

allnexPart A
ADDITOL® VXW 6208

4.50

Deionized water

5.40

Acticide MBS

0.10

biocideThor

ADDITOL VXW 6393

0.50

defoamerallnex

Kronos 2059

34.10

pigment

KronosAerosil R 972

0.40

rheology control

Evonik

BECKOCURE® EH 2100w/44WA

47.60

amine resin

allnexRheolate FX 1070 (1 : 1 in water)

2.20

rheology control

Elementis Specialties

ADDITOL VXW 4926

0.40

air release additive

allnexDeionized water

4.80

epoxy hardener

allnex

Grind and then add:

100.00Part B
BECKOPOX™ EP 2384w/57WA

64.30

Part AThis is the part that contains pigments and fillers, which means that part
A will be always grinded, by dissolver or pearl mill.
Possible grinding set ups:
• Grind in a slurry which only contains a dispersing additive.
• Grind in the amine resin with additional dispersing additive.
• Grind in the epoxy resin with additional dispersing additive

Part B
This contains the second part of the 2K epoxy-amine system. It cancontain an amine or an epoxy resin, depending on the binder that isused in Part A.
Part B can contain some water to adjust viscosity and/or some
defoamer.
Part B is mixed with part A just before application.

Dispersing additive
A dispersing additive is needed to disperse and grind all the needed fillers andpigments.
Very important : the dispersing additive needs to be NON IONIC, if any ionic
structure is part of the epoxy system it will react with the epoxy groups andlose performance over storage time.

Rheology control
Rheological control additive is used to adjust the needed application
viscosity and help to stabilize the dispersed pigments and fillers. Either
polyurethane or acrylate thickeners can be used. Rheological additives
might have a very high viscosity. In a 1:1 water mixture the viscosity is
reduced and the dosing and homogenization in the paint is easier.

BiocideA biocide is added to prevent micro-biological deterioration of the system.

Air release additive
An air release additive is added after dispersing step to provide good
air release in the applied surface.

Defoamer
A defoamer is needed to reduce the foam which is created during thedispersing step and reduce air bubbles in the applied
surface. In some cases, a second amount of defoamer could be added after
the dispersing phase, if most of the defoamer is consumed in the dispersing
step.

Deionized water
The use of deionized water is very important as standard tap watercontains a lot of ionic compounds which react with the functionalgroups of the epoxy system, which will lead to performance andstorage issues.

Please read our Do´s and Don´ts on the next page as they contain very
helpful information for the preparation of an epoxy-amine system.

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12.DO’S AND DON’TS• Water borne epoxy dispersions and amine resins must be protected from frost.
At low temperatures they must be stored under frost proof conditions.
• As a result of the high solid content and the solid resin character of water borne epoxy dispersions, theytend to form a tiny skin upon foaming and temperature changes during storage. Therefore, filtration of the
product (without heating) before application by the end user is recommended.
• It is recommended to dilute water borne amine based hardeners with a solids content of 80% down to 40%
with water before further processing.
• When reducing water borne amine hardeners with water, it should be ensured that the solids
concentration does not go below 20 – 30 % (please see technical data sheet). this potentially has an effecton stability of the resin, especially at storage temperatures above room temperature. Exceptions are the
BECKOCURE® amine resins, those have an unlimited dilutability.
• When pigments and fillers are being dispersed in water borne amine resins or epoxy dispersions, the millbase temperature must not be allowed to rise above 40 °C.
• Pigments, fillers, additives and solvents should be chosen carefully and should be tested for theirapplicability in water borne epoxy dispersions or water borne amine resins. They should not containfunctional groups capable of reacting with epoxy or amine groups. Storage stability of pigment pastes
should be tested.
• Dilute slowly in order to avoid dilution shocks.
• For concrete applications, the amine to epoxy cross-linking ratio should be 100 %.
For metal applications the best results are obtained with an amine to epoxy cross-linking ratio of 50 – 80 %(depending on the amine resin).
• It is essential to apply the paint within the time stated for pot life. This is because the end of pot life ofwater borne 2K epoxy - amine systems cannot normally be detected from an increase in viscosity bygelation of the product.

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In the graphs below, the behavior of the minimum film building temperature (MFT) and gloss during the pot
life of a water borne 2K epoxy system is shown. For both graphs the same water borne 2K epoxy combination
is used.

First, we take a look at the red line. This s indicates a substrate temperature of 12°C. As soon as we mix the 2K
epoxy system, after the induction time the crosslinking and pot life starts. For detailed explanation of
induction time see page 12.
For this example, the MFT of the 2K epoxy systems starts at 8°C. Over the pot life you can see that the blue line
is increasing. This is indicating the increase in MFT as crosslinking of the system, takes place. As long as goodfilm formation can take place (temperature of the coating MFT remains below the substrate temperature)then the sample is good to continue to use.
At a time of approximately 150 minutes, the MFT of the 2K epoxy systems reaches the same temperature of
the substrate (12°C), which means this is the end of the working pot life for this system. Further application of
the epoxy-amine coating will no longer produce a properly formed film.
This will result in a lower gloss and reduced performance of the final coating.

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CONCRETE TOOLBOX – Water borne 2K epoxy

In the second case, the green line, the substrate temperature is now 20°C. If we us the same water borne 2K
epoxy system as before, with an MFT starting at 8 °C, to reach 20 °C the system now takes approximately 300
minutes. This is the end of the pot life at this temperature.
Application of the water borne 2K epoxy system after the 300 minutes will result in poor film forming, lowgloss and no performance properties.
This means the pot life first depends on the chosen combination of epoxy dispersions and amine hardeners,
the final formulation, but also depends on the substrate temperature you will apply the water borne 2K epoxy
system on.
As already mentioned, the end of pot life will not be indicated by an increase of viscosity.
Identification of pot life for your chosen system and final formulation needs always to be tested.

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13.CONTACT INFORMATION

If you have any other questions or sample requests, please visit following page:https://epoxy-resins-hardeners.com/---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------For technical support please contact:
Jean-Pierre Chevillotte
Technical Service & Business Development Manager Liquid Resins & Additives Europe
Jean-pierre.Chevillotte@allnex.com
Alexander Kosov
Technical Service & Business Development Manager Liquid Resins & Additives Russia / CIS
Alexander.Kosov@allnex.com
Andrew Teasdale
Senior Chemist Paint / Application
Andrew.Teasdale@allnex.com
Oliver Truchses
Technical Service & Business Development Manager Liquid Resins & Additives Europe
Oliver.Truchses@allnex.com

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Trademarks indicated with ® , TM or * as well as the allnex name and logo are registered, unregistered or pending trademarks of Allnex Netherlands B.V.
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