Nitocote EP410: Highly Chemical Resistant Epoxy Coating System

Overview

Nitocote EP410 is a high build, solvent-free, two-component epoxy coating formulation supplied in pre-measured quantities for site mixing and use. It is manufactured by Fosroc International Limited and designed specifically for providing excellent chemical protection to concrete and steel structures in aggressive industrial environments.

Product Composition & Supply

Nitocote EP410 is available in two colors and supplied in 8-litre two-component packs with the following configurations:

• Grey Base: Product code FC800000-6.1L
• White Base: Product code FC853050-6.1L
• Hardener: Product code FC800005-1.9L

The product consists of a base component (available in Grey or White) and a hardener component that are mixed together in the correct proportions for on-site application.

Key Technical Properties

Mix Ratio & Pot Life

Property	Specification
Mix Ratio	200g base to 43g hardener by weight
Pot Life @ 20°C	40 minutes
Pot Life @ 35°C	25 minutes
Solids Content	100%
VOC Content	5g per litre

Application Specifications

Property	Specification
Number of Coats	2 coats required
Wet Film Thickness per Coat	Not less than 150 microns
Theoretical Application Rate	0.15 litres per m² per coat
Theoretical Coverage	6.5m² per litre per coat
Minimum Application Temperature	10°C
Maximum Relative Humidity	Not to exceed 90%

Curing Times

Temperature	Overcoating Time	Full Cure
10°C	18-72 hours	14 days
20°C	8-48 hours	7 days
30°C	4-24 hours	7 days

Initial Hardness: 24 hours at 20°C

Tack Free Time: 4-8 hours at 20°C

Dry Film Thickness

• 2 coats: Minimum total dry film thickness of 300 microns
• 3 coats: Minimum total dry film thickness of 450 microns

Bond Strength

Nitocote EP410 provides a bond strength of 3 MPa to both dry concrete and surface saturated dry (SSD) concrete.

Chemical Resistance Properties

Nitocote EP410 demonstrates excellent chemical resistance to a comprehensive range of industrial chemicals and corrosive substances, including:

• Acids: Hydrochloric Acid 25%, Nitric Acid 25%, Sulphuric Acid 25%, Phosphoric Acid 25%, Tartaric Acid 15%, and Saturated Citric Acid
• Alkalis: Sodium Hydroxide 25%
• Salts: Saturated Salt solutions
• Hydrocarbon Products: Petrol and Kerosene

An important characteristic is that colour drift does not compromise the product's chemical resistance. While Nitocote EP410 may exhibit yellowing over time due to UV exposure and heat, this colour change does not affect its protective or chemical resistance performance.

Application Methods

Nitocote EP410 can be applied using:

• Roller application - using suitable paint rollers for uniform coating
• Airless spray equipment - for efficient coverage and film build

The thoroughly mixed material should be applied to achieve uniform coating with the specified wet film thickness per coat.

Substrate Preparation & Suitability

Nitocote EP410 is formulated for application to:

• Clean, sound concrete substrates
• Clean, sound steel substrates

Key Preparation Requirements

• All surfaces must be sound and free from contamination
• Should not be applied over existing coatings
• Surface preparation influences coverage figures significantly
• When exposed to moisture during cure (condensation, dew), the surface should be mechanically roughened prior to overcoating to provide a suitable mechanical key
• Failure to provide proper mechanical key under moisture conditions can result in delamination of the overcoat

Glass Fibre Reinforcement

Nitocote EP410 may be used in conjunction with glass fibre cloth (open weave 110g/m²) to bridge fine cracks in substrates. The cloth should be laid on the first coat while wet and pressed in with a stiff nylon brush or split washer roller.

Primary Applications

Nitocote EP410 is particularly suitable for:

• Process plants with aggressive chemical environments
• Sewage works and sewer applications
• Chemical bund areas requiring chemical spillage protection
• Aggressive chemical exposure environments including immersion conditions

Storage & Shelf Life

• Storage Temperature: Between 5°C and 30°C
• Container Type: Original, unopened containers
• Storage Conditions: Dry storage
• Note: Shelf life may be reduced when stored at high temperatures

Mixing & Application Guidelines

Mixing Procedure

1. Stir contents of base can thoroughly to disperse any settlement
2. Stir entire contents of hardener can
3. Add hardener to base container and mix thoroughly until uniform colour and consistency are obtained
4. Scrape sides and bottom of container carefully
5. Recommended method: Mechanical mixing using a heavy-duty, slow-speed electric drill for 3-5 minutes

Important Handling Notes

• Once mixed, pour into flat, open paint trays to maximize pot life working time
• Do not hold in original mixing can - this leads to exothermic reaction and significantly reduces pot life
• Product should be applied immediately following mixing

Cleaning & Removal

Nitocote EP410 should be removed from tools and equipment with Fosroc Solvent 10 immediately after use. Cured material can only be removed mechanically.

Product Characteristics & Limitations

Color Options

• Grey: Matching N35 Light Grey AS Grade 2 standard
• White: Matching N11 White AS Grade 2 standard

Colour Fastness & Weathering

Nitocote EP410 is not colour fast and therefore may change colour over time, exhibiting a yellowing effect. Colour change depends on UV light and heat levels present, and the rate of change cannot be predicted. However, colour drift does not compromise performance or chemical resistance.

Application Limitations

• Should not be applied over existing coatings
• Application should not be undertaken if temperature is below 10°C or is 10°C and falling
• Application should not be undertaken when relative humidity exceeds 90%
• Designed as an industrial coating product

Safety & Technical Information

A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available from the Fosroc website and must be read carefully prior to product use, as it contains critical information necessary for safe handling and proper application.

Coverage Factors

Coverage figures for Nitocote EP410 are theoretical and are heavily influenced by:

• Substrate nature and condition
• Surface preparation quality
• Application temperature - lower temperatures result in reduced coverage
• Practical wastage factors

Practical coverage figures may be substantially reduced compared to theoretical figures. When estimating material requirements, substrate condition and application temperature must be considered with appropriate material allowances made.

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References

• [1] Fosroc_Nitocote_EP410_TDS.pdf