Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem® CA
MOISTURE INSENSITIVE, SELF-SMOOTHING, CEMENT AND WATER BASED EPOXY FLOOR SCREED
3 MM TO 4 MM (120 MILS TO 160 MILS)
Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem® CA is a three-component, solvent-free, odourless, moisture-insensitive, water-based epoxy modified cementitious, fine textured mortar for self-smoothing floor screeds. Specifically formulated for levelling and structurally reprofiling on damp, green or saturated surface dry concrete slabs at an applied thicknesses ranging from 3 mm to 4 mm (120 mils to 160 mils).
- Water-based, solvent-free and odourless.
- Can be top coated with resin based floors after 24 hours at ~20 °C (~68 °F) 75 % RH.
- Prevents osmotic blistering of resin based coatings over damp concrete substrates.
- Economical structural resurfacing compound that is fast and easy to apply.
- Good levelling properties.
- Impervious to liquids but permeable to water vapour.
- Good adhesion after long term water immersion.
- Excellent adhesion to dry, damp, green or saturated surface dry concrete substrates.
- Thermal expansion properties similar to concrete.
- Excellent early and final mechanical strength.
- Ideal preparation for smooth surface finishes.
- Will not corrode reinforcement steel.
Usage
- As a Temporary Moisture Barrier (TMB), minimum thickness 3 mm (120 mils), allowing the application of epoxy, polyurethane and PMMA resin floors requiring dry substrates, over high moisture content substrates, even green concrete or saturated surface dry concrete slabs, for a lasting solution.
- As a Permanent Moisture Barrier (PMB), minimum thickness 3 mm (120 mils) must be sealed with Sikafloor®-1610 or Sika® MT Primer moisture tolerant epoxy coatings to form a permanent low permeability moisture barrier ~0.1 Perm when tested to ASTM E96 / wet method.
- As a self-smoothing screed for levelling or patching horizontal concrete surfaces in new construction or refurbishment projects, typically applied under epoxy, polyurethane and PMMA floor coatings / screeds, waterproofing membranes, tiles, sheet flooring, carpet or wooden floors.
- Extended with quartz sand, as a patch & repair mortar for thickness of 6 mm to 200 mm (1/4 in to 8 in).
Advantages
- Water-based, solvent-free and odourless.
- Can be top coated with resin based floors after 24 hours at ~20 °C (~68 °F) 75 % RH.
- Prevents osmotic blistering of resin based coatings over damp concrete substrates.
- Economical structural resurfacing compound that is fast and easy to apply.
- Good levelling properties.
- Impervious to liquids but permeable to water vapour.
- Good adhesion after long term water immersion.
- Excellent adhesion to dry, damp, green or saturated surface dry concrete substrates.
- Thermal expansion properties similar to concrete.
- Excellent early and final mechanical strength.
- Ideal preparation for smooth surface finishes.
- Will not corrode reinforcement steel.
Packaging
21 kg (46.3 lb) unit
Component A+B: 4 kg (8.8 lb) of binder (Sika® EpoCem® ModuleCA)
Component C: 17 kg (37.4 lb) Bag (powder)
Colour
Grey (mixed)
Product Details
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
- Potential LEED® Canada credits.
APPROVALS / CERTIFICATES
- Meets the requirements of CFIA and USDA for use in food plants.
Shelf Life
1 year in original, unopened packaging.
Storage Conditions
Store dry at temperatures between 5 °C to 32 °C (41 °F to 89 °F).
Protect from freezing and high temperatures. If frozen, discard
Density
~2.1 kg/L (~17.5 lb/US gal.) Components A+B+C
Volatile organic compound (VOC) content
~0 g/L
Compressive Strength
1 day | ~23 MPa (~3335 psi) |
3 days | ~50 MPa (~7251 psi) |
28 days | ~65 MPa (~9427 psi) |
Pull-Off Strength
> 2.5 MPa (> 362 psi) substrate failure | (CSA A23.2-6B) |
Permeability to Water Vapour
~5.00 Perm | 3 mm (1/8") d.f.t. @ 28 days |
~0.15 Perm | 3 mm (1/8") d.f.t. overcoated with Sikafloor® 1610 or Sika® MT Primer at 10 mils d.f.t. |
~0.10 Perm | 3 mm (1/8") d.f.t. overcoated with Sikafloor® 1610 or Sika® MT Primer at 16 mils d.f.t. |
Application
Mixing Ratio
Mix full units only.
Product Temperature
Condition product between 18 °C to 24 °C (65 °F to 75 °F) before use.
Ambient Air Temperature
Minimum 8 °C (46 °F) Maximum 25 °C (77 °F)
Application under extreme conditions (high temperature and low humidity) which can cause fast drying of the product must be avoided as the product does not allow the use of curing compounds. Prevent premature drying by protecting from strong wind and do not expose to direct sun light while fresh.
Apply Sikafloor® EpoCem® CA Module primer and Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem® CA mortar on a falling temperature. If applied during rising temperatures “pin holing” and surface defects can occur.
Relative Air Humidity
Minimum 20% Maximum: 75% (during application and cure)
Substrate Temperature
Minimum 8 °C (46 °F) Maximum 25 °C (77 °F)
Mixing and Application attempted at Material, Ambient and/or Substrate Temperature conditions less than 18 °C (65 °F) will result in a decrease in product workability and slower cure rates.
Pot Life
Components A+B | ~40 minutes at 23 °C ( 73 °F) * |
Components A+B+C | ~20 minutes at 23 °C ( 73 °F) * |
Maximum time before de-airing with spiked roller | ~15 minutes at 23 °C ( 73 °F) |
* Do not use after this period.
Curing Time
Temperature | 10 °C (50 °F) | 20 °C (68 °F) |
Foot Traffic | ~24 hours | ~15 hours |
Light Mechanical Loading | ~3 days | ~2 days |
Full Cure | ~14 days | ~7 days |
Curing times will vary according to ambient air and substrate temperatures and relative humidity.
Always ensure good ventilation when using Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem®CA in a confined space to remove excess moisture.
Freshly applied material should be protected from dampness, condensation and water for at least 24 hours.
Mechanical, chemical and physical properties will be fully achieved at full cure.
Waiting Time / Overcoating
Temperature | 10 °C (50 °F) | 20 °C (68 °F) |
Overcoat with epoxy coating | ~3 days | ~1 day |
NOTE: Temporary Moisture Barrier (TMB) effect of Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem® CA is limited in time. Maximum overcoating time is 3 days at 20 °C (68 °F). If the 3-day overcoat time has passed, Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem® CA must be mechanically prepared to achieve a dust free, open textured profile equivalent to ICRI/ CSP 3.
Permanent Moisture Barrier (PMB) effect is only achieved when Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem® CA is sealed with a suitable epoxy coating such as Sikafloor®-1610 or Sika® MT Primer to form a permanent vapour barrier.
Maximum surface moisture content of Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem® CA before application of standard Sikafloor®, Sikagard® or Sikalastic® resin-based coatings must be ≤ 4 % by mass (pbw – part by weight) as measured with a Tramex® CME/CMExpert type concrete moisture meter. Moisture tolerant primers; Sikafloor®-1610 and Sika® MT Primer can be applied over Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem® CA if the surface moisture content is < 6 % by mass (pbw – part by weight) as measured with Tramex® CME/CMExpert type concrete moisture meter.
Yield
Primer for Self-Smoothing Mortar:
- Sika® EpoCem® Module CA (Components A+B of Self-Smoothing Mortar) sold separately.
- Primer Mix: 1 Part A jug + 1 Part B jug = 3.85 L (1 US gal)
- Coverage Rate: 5 m2/L to 10 m2/L (200 ft2/US gal to 400 ft2/US gal) NOTE: Primer coverage rate to consolidate and seal concrete is dependant on substrate porosity. Multiple primer coats maybe required; test sections are recommended to establish correct coverage.
Self-Smoothing Mortar:
- Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem® CA Unit Mix: 1 Part A jug + 1 Part B jug +1 Part C bag = 10 L (2.64 US gal) 21 kg (46.3 lb) of mixed self-smoothing mortar.
- Coverage Rate: 3.3 m2 (35 ft2) per mixed unit at 3 mm (120 mils). NOTE: Actual coverage rates and materials consumption will depend upon porosity and profile of substrate, and Component C mix ratio. Test sections are recommended to establish correct coverage.
Primer for Extended Trowel Grade Patching Mortar:
- Sikadur®-32 Hi-Mod (see technical data sheet for additional instructions)
- Coverage Rate: 2 m2/L (80 ft2/US gal) ~20 mils w.f.t. NOTE: Apply Extended Trowel Grade Patching Mortar wet on wet to the primer.
Extended Trowel Grade Patching Mortar:
- 1 Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem® CA Pre- Mixed Self-Smoothing Mortar Mixed Unit 21 kg (46.3 lb) / 10 L (2.64 US gal)
- add quartz sand # 24 US mesh (0.3 - 0.85 mm) 10 kg (22 lb)
- add quartz sand # 16 US mesh (0.6 - 1.6 mm) 10 kg (22 lb)
- Total Volume Extended Trowel Grade Mortar: 41 kg (90.3 lb) /19.1 L (5.05 US gal) / 0.019 m3 (0.67 ft3)
SUBSTRATE PREPARATION
The concrete substrate must be clean and sound. It may be dry, damp (free of standing water) or saturated surface dry. Green concrete maybe over coated as soon as mechanical preparation is possible. The compressive strength of the concrete should be at least 25 MPa (3625 psi) at 28 days and at least 1.5 MPa (218 psi) in tension at the time of Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem®CA application. Remove all dust, dirt, existing paint films, efflorescence, exudates, laitance, form oils, hydraulic or fuel oils, brake fluid, grease, fungus, mildew, biological residues or any other contaminants which may prohibit good bond. Prepare the surface by appropriate mechanical means, in order to achieve an open textured profile equivalent to ICRI CSP 4-6. If in doubt, apply a test area first to confirm acceptable performance. Weak concrete must be removed and surface defects such as blow holes and voids must be fully exposed. Repairs to the substrate, filling of blow holes / voids and surface levelling must be carried out using an appropriate moisture tolerant, structural Sika® profiling mortar. Contact Sika® Canada for recommendations.
MIXING
Do not hand mix Sikafloor® materials. Mechanical mix only. Under no circumstances add water to the mix.
Primer for Self-Smoothing Mortar:
Shake Sika® EpoCemCA Module components A and B to ensure all solids are uniformly in suspension, then pour them into an appropriate sized mixing container. Blend the combined components (A+B) thoroughly for 3 minutes with a low speed drill (300 - 450 rpm) and Exomixer® or Jiffy type paddle suited to the dimensions of the mixing container. During the mixing operation, scrape down the sides and bottom of the pail with a flat or straight edge trowel at least once to ensure thorough mixing. Upon completion of mixing, Sika® EpoCem® ModuleCA should be uniform in consistency.
Self-Smoothing Mortar:
Shake Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem® CA components A and B to ensure all solids are uniformly in suspension, then pour them into an appropriate 20 L (5 US gal) sized mixing container. Blend the combined components (A+B) thoroughly for 30 seconds with a low speed drill (300 - 450 rpm) and Exomixer® or Jiffy type paddle suited to the dimensions of the mixing container. Progressively add component C while mixing, keeping the mixing paddle in the mortar to minimize entrapped air. Continue mixing thoroughly for three (3) minutes after complete addition of component C. During the mixing operation, scrape down the sides and bottom of the pail with a flat or straight edge trowel at least once to ensure thorough mixing. Upon completion of mixing, Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem® CA should be uniform in colour and consistency.
Note: The consistency of the mix may be adjusted to suit application requirements by slightly reducing the powdered C component. Contact Sika Canada for more information. Do not use additional water, which would disturb the surface finish and cause discolouration. A seamless finish can be achieved if a wet edge is maintained during application.
Primer for Extended Trowel Grade Patching Mortar:
Mix Sikadur®-32 Hi-Mod in accordance with the respective Product Data Sheet. Apply Extended Patching Mortar wet on wet to the primer.
Extended Trowel Grade Patching Mortar
Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem®CA can be extended with oven-dried quartz sand. Refer to Yield section for mix design. Blend Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem® CA unit (Components A+B+C) following the mixing instructions detailed above for Self Smoothing Mortar. Continue mixing and progressively add two gradations of quartz sand (#24 and #16). Continue mixing until all quartz aggregates are fully wetted out and the mixture is uniform in colour and consistency
APPLICATION
Primer for Self-Smoothing Mortar:
Sika® EpoCem® ModuleCA (A+B) at a rate of 5 - 10 m2/L (200 - 400 ft2/US gal.) using a brush or roller of appropriate length nap to control the coverage according to the surface profile of the concrete. Avoid puddling. Apply the self-levelling mortar after a minimum waiting time of one (1) hour at 20 °C (68 °F) but within 3 hours at 20 °C (68 °F) maximum. Note: For porous or excessively absorbent concrete, prime with a second application of Sika® EpoCem® ModuleCA applied at a rate of 5 - 10 m2/L (200 - 400 ft2/US gal).
Self-Smoothing Mortar:
After mixing, immediately apply the self-smoothing mortar using a notched trowel 4 x 4 mm (3/16 x 3/16 in) or a flooring spreader (rubber or metal) to obtain even coverage. Immediately work down with a spiked roller to ensure uniform thickness and to remove entrapped air. When Sikafloor®-81 EpoCem® CA has cured sufficiently, sand if required and apply appropriate Sikafloor® epoxy resin-based product or any other authorized finished flooring systems directly over the mortar coating, ideally within three (3) days. Maintain the floor topping in a clean, dry surface condition prior to the application of the coating.
Note: The consistency of the mix may be adjusted to suit application requirements by slightly reducing the powdered C component. Contact Sika Canada for more information. Do not use additional water, which would disturb the surface finish and cause discolouration. A seamless finish can be achieved if a wet edge is maintained during application.
CLEAN UP
Clean all tools and equipment immediately with water. Once hardened, product can only be removed mechanically.