Expoband F: Flexible Polyolefin Joint Bandage Membrane

Product Overview

Expoband F is a highly flexible, chemically resistant flexible polyolefin (FPO) joint bandage membrane system designed to seal movement joints and cracks in structures. It prevents the ingress of water and chemicals while accommodating continuous and pronounced cyclic movement in structural joints. The product is bonded in position using Nitomortar AP, a two-part epoxy adhesive specifically formulated for optimal adhesion to Expoband F and construction materials.

Physical Specifications

Dimensions and Availability

Expoband F Tape is available in the following specifications:

• Thicknesses: 1mm and 2mm
• Widths: 100mm, 150mm, 200mm, 250mm, and 300mm
• Special widths: Up to 500mm can be manufactured to order
• Supply format: 20-meter rolls

Material Properties

Property	1mm Thickness	2mm Thickness
Material weight	1,050 g/m²	2,100 g/m²
Colour	Grey	Grey
Shore A hardness	91	91
Tensile strength (longitudinal)	13.2 N/mm²	10.6 N/mm²
Tensile strength (lateral)	10.2 N/mm²	9.2 N/mm²
Elongation at break	>660%	>740%

Temperature Resistance

• Resistance to temperature: -30°C to +90°C
• In-service temperature resistance: 4°C to 55°C (limited by epoxy properties)

Adhesive Properties (Nitomortar AP)

Expoband F is bonded using Nitomortar AP, a moisture-tolerant, non-sag, two-part epoxy adhesive with the following characteristics:

Property	Value
Colour	Concrete grey
Specific gravity (mixed)	1.7
Application temperature	5°C to 35°C
Pot life	60 minutes @ 25°C (3-litre mix)
Initial hardness	5 hours @ 20°C
Full cure	7 days
Adhesive bond strength	Exceeds tensile strength of concrete

Key Features and Advantages

Performance Characteristics

• Flexible joint flashing: Forms a tough, flexible barrier at movement joints
• Movement accommodation: Accommodates continuous and pronounced cyclic movement
• UV resistance: Excellent resistance to UV light and weathering
• Potable water compliance: Complies with AS4020:2018 standards, suitable for potable water applications
• Damp surface tolerance: Can be applied to dry and damp (Saturated Surface Dry) surfaces
• Material adhesion: Excellent adhesion to most construction materials
• Climate resistance: Performance not affected by climatic extremes
• Durability: Rot resistant
• Heat weldable: Can be heat welded for continuity of long joint lengths
• Mechanical fixing: Perforations along the edges provide a mechanical fixing element in addition to the chemical bond from Nitomortar AP
• Solvent-free: Solvent activation of surface not required
• Chemical resistance: Resistant to a wide range of chemicals

Chemical Resistance

Expoband F is resistant after storage over 28 days at room temperature to the following chemicals:

• Hydrochloric acid (3%)
• Sulphuric acid (35%)
• Citric acid (100 g/L)
• Lactic acid (5%)
• Potassium hydroxide (3% / 20%)
• Sodium hydroxide (0.3 g/L)
• Salt water
• Lime milk

Welding Specifications

Hot Air Welding

Expoband F tape can be jointed by hot air welding to cater for any joint length. Key specifications include:

• Equipment: Electric hot air gun (type used by vinyl flooring applicators)
• Nozzle type: Slot-shaped outlet to spread hot air across a broad fan
• Surface preparation: Surfaces must be abraded with #80 grit sandpaper and brushed thoroughly to remove loose material
• Minimum overlap: 50mm for joins
• Temperature considerations: Ambient air temperature must be taken into account by adjusting welding speed to prevent scorching or under-heating

Application Specifications

Width Selection Criteria

The width of Expoband F is determined by:

• Joint width plus required bond area on either side of the joint
• For narrow joints and cracks: minimum unbonded area of 20mm
• For good quality concrete: bond area on each side should be 30-40mm
• For poor quality or porous concrete adjacent to joints: wider Expoband F profiles recommended

Width recommendations:

• 100mm width: 20mm wide joint with good quality concrete on either side
• 200mm width: Poor concrete condition, excessively wide joints, misaligned joints, or permanent immersion applications

High Movement Applications

When high movement is anticipated and Expoband F will be looped into the joint:

• Using 2mm Expoband F, the loop should be preformed into the membrane with a hot air gun
• Preforming occurs before bonding into place with Nitomortar AP

Application Temperature Range

• Application temperature: 5°C to 35°C

Standards Compliance

Expoband F has been tested in conjunction with Nitomortar AP to comply with AS4020:2018 for potable water applications. Testing results are documented in AWQC Report 312170.

Product Variants (20m Rolls)

Product Code	Description	Designation
FC020445-UNIT	100mm wide × 2mm thick	Expoband F1002
FC020446-UNIT	150mm wide × 1mm thick	Expoband F1501
FC020447-UNIT	150mm wide × 2mm thick	Expoband F1502
FC020448-UNIT	200mm wide × 1mm thick	Expoband F2001
FC020449-UNIT	200mm wide × 2mm thick	Expoband F2002
FC020450-UNIT	250mm wide × 2mm thick	Expoband F2502
FC020451-UNIT	300mm wide × 2mm thick	Expoband F3002
FC020452-UNIT	400mm wide × 2mm thick (MTO)	Expoband F4002
FC020453-UNIT	500mm wide × 2mm thick (MTO)	Expoband F5002

Typical Applications

Expoband F can be used in:

• Car park decks: Protected from mechanical damage by cover plate
• Elevated structures: Podiums, balconies, and walkways
• Substructures: Basements, subways, tunnels, refineries, and general substructures
• Infrastructure: Silos, roofs, tanks, sewers, reservoirs, pipelines
• Water-immersed applications: Swimming pools where joint movement exceeds conventional elastomeric sealant capabilities

Fusability

The product is fusable with standard hot-air dryers. It is important to select a low temperature setting so that the surface of the tape melts without affecting the tightness of the product. Parts to be welded must be roughened, sanded, or solvent wiped.

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References

• [1] Fosroc_Expoband_F_TDS.pdf