Nitoflor N: Novolac Epoxy Floor Coating

Overview

Nitoflor N is a highly chemically resistant novolac epoxy clear binder system designed for coating and topping applications. Previously known as Durafloor N, this product is specifically formulated for environments requiring exceptional chemical resistance and wear protection.

Key Features and Advantages

Nitoflor N offers several distinctive advantages for demanding industrial applications:

• High chemical resistance - Suitable for acid proofing in mining processing and similar installations where aggressive chemical spillages occur
• Versatile application - Can be used neat as a clear coating or combined with various fillers for different application methods
• Fast cure properties - Enables rapid project turnaround
• Excellent wear and abrasion resistance - Maintains durability under heavy traffic conditions
• Multiple substrate compatibility - Suitable for concrete, steel, and masonry surfaces
• Customizable finishes - Non-slip finishes can be achieved using Fosroc non-slip aggregates applied between two coating layers

Application Methods

Nitoflor N's versatility allows for various application techniques:

• Clear coating system - Applied neat without additives for maximum chemical resistance
• Trowel floor application - Mixed with Nitomortar F4 fillers to create a dense, seamless screed at approximately 5mm thickness
• Primer coat - Functions as an initial base layer before subsequent applications

Technical Specifications

Mixing and Cure Properties

Property	Specification
Mixing Ratio	3:2 (base to hardener by volume)
Pot Life	30 minutes @ 23°C
Tack Free Time	4 hours @ 23°C
Maximum Overcoat Time	24 hours @ 23°C
Trafficable	24 hours @ 23°C
Full Cure	7 days @ 23°C

Performance Properties

Property	Clear Coating	Trowel Floor
Compressive Strength	85 MPa @ 7 days	60 MPa @ 7 days
Service Temperature	Up to 120°C (depending on application)	—
VOC Content	28g / litre	—

Chemical Resistance

Nitoflor N demonstrates excellent resistance to a wide spectrum of acids, alkalis, and solvents. Notable resistant chemicals include:

Acids:

• Sulphuric Acid (25%, 75%, 98%)
• Nitric Acid (10%, 20%, 32%, 63%)
• Hydrochloric Acid (10%, 36%)
• Phosphoric Acid (25%)
• Lactic Acid (10%)
• Acetic Acid (25%)

Alkalis:

• Sodium Hydroxide (10%, 30%, 50%)

Other Substances:

• Toluene, Xylene, Ammonium Nitrate
• Saturated Salt Solution
• Dichloromethane (occasional splashes)
• Acetone (occasional splashes)

Resistance ratings follow a coding system: R (long-term immersion up to 60 days), Rc (regular contact with possible discoloration), S (short-term immersion 24 hours), Os (occasional splashes), and X (not resistant).

Slip Resistance Performance

Nitoflor N achieves varying slip resistance ratings depending on aggregate application:

System Configuration	Wet Pendulum Rating (AS/NZS 4586:2013)
Nitoflor N (no additional grit)	P1
Nitoflor N saturated with Nitoflor Anti-Slip Grains 02	P5
Nitoflor N with Nitoflor Anti-Slip Grains 02 @ 20g/m²	P3

Standards Compliance

Nitoflor N meets the following standards:

• AS/ISO 9239.1-2003 - Reaction to Fire Tests for Floorings
• AWTA Test Report 21-001312:
  • Critical Heat Flux (CHF): 9.5 kW/m² (Mean)
  • Smoke Value: 172 %.min (Mean)

Coverage and Supply

Theoretical Coverage

Application Type	Coverage Rate
Clear Coating (1.5L base : 1.0L hardener)	4 to 5 m² / litre / coat
Trowel Floor (1.5L base + 1.0L hardener + 12.5L Nitomortar F4)	3 m² @ 5mm thick

Product Supply

Component	Size	Product Code
Nitoflor N Base	15 litre	FC605170-15L
Nitoflor N Hardener	10 litre	FC605175-10L
Nitomortar F4 Fillers	20kg	FC312060-20KG

Application Instructions - Surface Preparation

Concrete Substrates

All concrete must be sound, clean, dry, and free from contaminants. Substrate preparation typically involves:

• Hydro-blasting, captive shot blasting, or grit blasting to remove the weak surface layer
• Vacuum cleaning prior to application
• For uneven substrates: wet sand blasting and grinding followed by efficient vacuuming

Steel Surfaces

• Blast cleaned to minimum Sa 2½ standard of cleanliness
• Angular profile amplitude of at least 75 microns recommended for high-build applications
• Application should occur as quickly as possible after preparation to prevent corrosion

Priming

All prepared substrates must be primed with Nitoflor N clear binder or Nitomortar 903 at a minimum wet film thickness of 150 microns. Multiple coats may be required depending on substrate porosity.

Application Instructions - Mixing and Placement

Mixing Method

1. Use accurate measuring jugs to combine 1.5 litres of Nitoflor N base resin with 1.0 litre of Nitoflor N hardener
2. Mix for a minimum of 3 minutes using a slow-speed mechanical stirrer with a suitable spiral epoxy mixing paddle
3. Critical: Once mixed, pour the product into flat, open paint trays to maximize pot life, as holding the product in the original mixing can leads to exothermic reaction and significantly reduces pot life

Clear Coating Application

• Apply first coat by brush or roller at 4 to 5 m² per litre
• For slip-resistant finishes, broadcast chosen aggregate onto the still tacky first coat at the required rate
• When the first coat is hard (typically the next morning), sweep off excess grit
• Apply second coat at right angles to the first for optimal coverage
• For colored finishes, consider using colored Nitoflor FC150 HP as the first coat followed by Nitoflor N clear coating

Trowel Floor Application

1. While continuing to mix 2.5 litres of mixed binder (1.5 litre base + 1.0 litre hardener), add 12.5 litres of Nitomortar F4 Fillers by volume
2. Continue mixing for an additional 2 minutes after all components are added
3. Apply the material over a wet or tacky (not tack-free) primed surface
4. Compact to achieve a dense 5mm seamless screed
5. Finish to the desired texture using a steel trowel
6. Allow to cure fully before subjecting to traffic or chemical exposure

Limitations and Storage

Application Limitations

• Not suitable for rising damp - Do not apply to surfaces with rising damp or relative humidity readings greater than 80% (moisture content greater than 5%)
• Temperature requirements - Apply only when substrate and ambient temperatures are above 10°C or when ambient relative humidity is below 85% at the time of placement
• Enhanced chemical resistance - When maximum chemical resistance or stain resistance is required, apply a finishing coat of Nitoflor N Clear Coating

Storage Requirements

• Store in a dry location in original, unopened packs
• Temperature range: 5°C to 30°C
• Maintains shelf life stability within these conditions

Maintenance Practices

Best performance and extended service life expectancy are achieved through sound housekeeping practices. The chemical resistance of Nitoflor N is reduced slightly with the addition of fillers; therefore, when maximum chemical resistance or stain resistance is required, applying a finishing coat of Nitoflor N Clear Coating is recommended.

Safety and Documentation

Important: A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) are available from the Fosroc website. These documents must be read carefully prior to use as application or performance data may change over time. In emergency situations, contact a Poisons Information Centre or a doctor for advice.

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References

• [1] Fosroc_Nitoflor_N_TDS.pdf