Sealants History   All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants Technology   Over the last 15 or so years a new technology has been steadily growing in recognition throughout various industries. This technology is an advancement of polymer chemistry based on an earlier chemical family known as polyurethane. The newer technology takes the form of plural component elastomer systems and has been formulated to provide casting, coating and caulking products that exhibit superior characteristics. Plural component elastomer systems have been known for decades. In fact the reactions forming the basis of polymers were discovered about 1850. Actual polymers were formed as early as 1937 and during the 1950’s and 1960’s urethane development was one of the focal points of new discoveries. The use of urethanes as elastomer coatings came to significance during the 70’s and has continued to command a large share of the coating and sealant market. Urethane technology generally utilizes a catalyst in the systems to promote proper curing. Typical problems encountered with catalyzing systems are moisture and temperature sensitivity. Additionally, catalysts may become a deteriorating element in certain systems. These problems often plague urethane systems. All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants does not use a catalytic process, therefore once the chemical reaction has occurred the resulting product is quite inert.   Extremely rapid reactions present problems in proper mixing and application. In the early 80’s some of these problems began to be addressed using sophisticated plural component high-pressure equipment. These uses were in RIM (reaction injection molding) and spray application. (The All Tech Insulation systems are in wide use in the automotive industry where bumpers, cowlings, side panels, dashboards and other parts are routinely made). All Tech Insulation systems are fast systems. They are two component, solvent free and 100% solid. Moisture during the application does not significantly influence the curing performance of the polymer. Likewise, temperature does not present a problem either. As mentioned before, the rapid reaction times presented a barrier to use of the systems for any type of casting, pouring or mobile manual applications. Thus, while the end polymer products exhibited much better performance characteristics than typical coatings and sealants, the installation issues caused by the rapid reactions allowed for use of our systems in only a narrow range of situations.     All Tech Insulation Caulking and Sealing During the period from about 1990 to 1995 a handful of companies entered the formulation business. A variety of target markets were identified and several system manufacturers began efforts at producing slower versions of systems with a focus on sealant and caulking products. The greatly improved performance of these systems provided the impetus for pushing forward with product development. Steady increases in the use of All Tech Insulation joint filling and sealing products have been made over the last several years. A general consensus has been building among knowledgeable designers of floor systems that joint filling products exhibit the optimum characteristics for long-term performance under heavy use conditions. Refinements in the equipment for delivery of the systems have been made and make specification of All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants systems a viable alternative. A detailed analysis of the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants technology unmistakably points in the direction of replacement of many systems. The superior characteristics of the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants must inevitably be recognized. The higher costs will present certain market barriers until evaluated on the basis of performance. The largest challenge in developing All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants products for caulking purposes has been to maintain the performance characteristics while slowing the reaction times enough to allow for traditional installation. The rapid curing features are a significant selling point, especially where facility shutdown is an issue. Obtaining pot life of up to 5 minutes is pushing the extremes of the slow down potential for these products if they are to maintain there characteristics and performance.   All Tech Insulation Coating and Sealant Products The initial uses of All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants chemistry were in fixed place impingement molding facilities. The technical advantages of the systems require high-pressure spray application. Only recently have the equipment designs necessary to mobilize the coating potential become commercially. Delivery equipment units are somewhat expensive and require technical training to operate and maintain. Nonetheless, protective and specialty coatings based on All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants represent significant advantages over other coating systems. The All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants chemistry is quite resistant to a broad range of corrosives, and cured products exhibit excellent adhesion and abrasion qualities. Perhaps the most significant advantage, certainly the most evident, is the incredibly fast cure time of the systems. Rarely can a protective coating be installed and used within the same 24-hour period. The extremely fast curing aspect of All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants systems forces a close examination for any application which is constrained by time and temperature. As we move into the 21st century the uses of All Tech Insulation systems continues to expand. Longer life cycles for infrastructure demands that All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants be evaluated as viable alternatives for substrate replacement. The unique physical structure of our membranes places this technology in the forefront for life cycle economic analysis. The compatibility of our coating systems with various substrate materials such as steel, concrete, wood and other synthesized materials further broadens the horizon of uses.   If you don't see your system listed, contact an All Tech Insulation engineer today (432-897-1533) for a deeper discussion about your specific requirements.