Nitocote EP405: Solvent-Free Epoxy Resin Coating for Potable Water Structures

Product Overview

Nitocote EP405 is a solvent-free, two-component epoxy coating system specifically designed for lining and waterproofing potable water retaining structures and surfaces. The product is supplied in pre-measured quantities in 8-litre packs ready for site mixing and use, making it convenient for application to various water infrastructure facilities.

Key Applications

Nitocote EP405 is suitable for application to a wide range of potable water retaining structures, including:

• Reservoirs - for waterproofing water storage facilities
• Water treatment works - protecting potable water systems
• Water tanks - sealing and protecting storage structures
• Silos - in food processing and beverage applications
• Breweries - protecting potable water structures
• Meat and food processing plants - where food-safe contact surfaces are required

The cured film is non-toxic and certified to AS 4020:2018, making it safe for direct contact with potable water and foodstuffs.

Technical Specifications

Chemical Composition and Properties

Property	Specification
Solids Content	100%
VOC Content	12.0 g/litre (ASTM D3960-5)
Viscosity	Pourable, spreadable liquid
Mix Ratio	200g base : 30g hardener (by weight)
Pot Life @ 20°C	30-40 minutes
Pot Life @ 35°C	10-15 minutes

Pack Components

Nitocote EP405 is supplied in two-component packs containing:

• Nitocote EP405 White Base - 6.5 litres (Product code: FC800010-6.5L)
• Nitocote EP405 Blue Base - 6.5 litres (Product code: FC800020-6.5L)
• Nitocote EP405 White/Blue Hardener - 1.5 litres (Product code: FC800015-1.5L)

Application Specifications

Parameter	Specification
Number of Coats	2 coats required
Theoretical Application Rate per Coat	0.2 litres/m² (5 m²/litre)
Wet Film Thickness per Coat	Minimum 200 microns
Total Dry Film Thickness	Minimum 400 microns
Minimum Application Temperature	10°C
Maximum Application Temperature	30°C
Overcoating Times @ 10°C	18-72 hours
Overcoating Times @ 20°C	8-48 hours
Overcoating Times @ 30°C	4-24 hours

Cure Times

• At 10°C - 14 days for full cure
• At 20°C - 7 days for full cure
• At 30°C - Consult overcoating times

Product Advantages

Nitocote EP405 offers several significant advantages:

• High build application capability allowing thick protective coatings
• Solvent-free formulation - suitable for use in confined areas with reduced environmental impact
• Direct application to prepared mild steel and concrete surfaces without intermediate primers
• Smooth, satin finish that is easy to clean and hygienic
• Corrosion, chemical, and abrasion resistance providing long-term protection
• Moisture tolerant - can be applied directly to damp saturated surface dry (SSD) concrete surfaces without prior drying
• Non-toxic and food-safe - certified for potable water and foodstuff contact

Colour Availability

Nitocote EP405 is available in two colour options:

• Blue - N32 Powder Blue (AS Grade 2 match)
• White - N11 White (AS Grade 2 match)

These are matched to Australian Standards reference samples, though minor variations may occur due to manufacturing processes.

Chemical Resistance

Nitocote EP405 demonstrates excellent resistance to many industrial chemicals. For specific resistance information regarding particular chemicals, consultation with Fosroc is recommended.

Standards Compliance

Nitocote EP405 complies with AS 4020-2018 at an exposure level of 15,000mm² per litre. This compliance is documented in AWQC Report 308397, with copies available on the Fosroc website.

Surface Preparation Requirements

Concrete Surfaces

• Must be smooth, sound, and free from debris, loose or flaking material
• Must be free from contamination (oil, grease, dust, loose particles, organic growth)
• Surfaces must be fully cured, laitance-free, and free from shuttering release oils and curing compounds
• Surfaces should be grit blasted to remove foreign matter and provide suitable key
• Blow holes and imperfections should be filled with Nitomortar AP, hardened, and sanded/ground back if required
• Alternatively, repairs can use high-strength cement-based mortar like Renderoc HB70, with repair areas primed with Nitomortar 903

Steel Surfaces

• All surfaces must be grit blasted to AS1627.4 Class 2.5 standards
• Newly cleaned steel should be coated as soon as possible to prevent rust or scale reformation

Application Methods

Nitocote EP405 can be applied using multiple methods:

• Brush application - with suitable brushes for even coverage
• Roller application - with suitable rollers for efficient application
• Airless spray - using Graco 55:1 units operating at 3000 psi pressure with 25 thou spray tip size

Mixing Procedure

• Contents of the base can should be stirred thoroughly to disperse settlement
• Entire contents of hardener can should be added to base container
• Mix thoroughly until uniform consistency is obtained, scraping sides and bottom
• Recommended mechanical mixing - using helical mixer on heavy-duty slow-speed electric drill for 3-5 minutes
• Once mixed, product should be poured into flat, open paint trays to maximize pot life
• Critical warning: Holding product in original mixing can will cause exothermic reaction, significantly reducing pot life

Important Limitations and Precautions

• Should not be applied over existing coatings
• Application restrictions - not when temperature is below 10°C or falling, nor when relative humidity exceeds 90%
• Moisture exposure - if coating is exposed to moisture during cure (condensation, dew), it should be mechanically roughened prior to overcoating to prevent delamination
• Colour stability - not colour stable when exposed to direct sunlight or in contact with some chemicals
• White bloom - may appear on surface during curing in adverse conditions (low temperature, high humidity) but does not affect protective performance
• Cold weather working - store in heated building and remove immediately before use to maintain workability

Storage and Shelf Life

Nitocote EP405 should be kept in:

• Original, unopened packs
• Dry storage conditions
• Temperature range: 5°C to 30°C

Storage at high temperatures may reduce shelf life.

Cleaning and Removal

Nitocote EP405 should be removed from tools and equipment with Fosroc Solvent 10 immediately after use. Cured material can only be removed mechanically.

Safety Information

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available from the Fosroc website and must be read carefully before use. In emergencies, contact any Poisons Information Centre (phone 13 11 26 within Australia) or a doctor for advice.

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References

• [1] Fosroc_Nitocote_EP405_TDS.pdf