Nitobond EP: Epoxy Resin Bonding Agent

Product Overview

Nitobond EP is a high-strength epoxy bonding agent manufactured by Fosroc International Limited, specifically engineered for bonding fresh cementitious materials to existing cementitious surfaces. It functions as both a bonding primer and substrate preparation agent, making it ideal for concrete repair and restoration applications across diverse construction environments.

Chemical Composition & Formulation

Nitobond EP is formulated as a solvent-free, two-component epoxy resin system. The product comprises:

• Base Component: White epoxy resin containing pigments and fine fillers
• Hardener Component: Black reactive component
• Chemical Composition: Solvent-free epoxy resins combined with pigments and fine fillers to modify physical properties

The two components are supplied in pre-weighed quantities ready for on-site mixing, with visual evidence of adequate mixing achieved when the uniform grey color is obtained.

Pack Sizes & Product Codes

Nitobond EP is available in two convenient pack sizes to suit various project scales:

Pack Size	Base Component	Hardener Component
1.5 Litre	FC321025-1L	FC321026-500ML
6 Litre	FC321025-4L	FC321026-2L

Coverage & Application Rate

Nitobond EP provides approximate coverage of 4-5 square meters per litre. However, practical coverage figures will be reduced due to wastage factors and the variety of substrate conditions encountered on site.

Key Properties & Performance Specifications

Mechanical Strength

Property	Value
Compressive Strength	50 MPa
Tensile Strength	20 MPa
Flexural Strength	35 MPa
Shear Strength	25 MPa

Adhesive Performance

The adhesive bond to concrete for Nitobond EP generally exceeds the tensile strength of the host concrete, indicating superior bonding capability that surpasses the structural capacity of typical concrete substrates.

Curing & Working Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Pot Life @ 20°C	35-45 minutes
Initial Hardness	24 hours at 20°C
Full Cure	7 days at 20°C
Maximum Overlay Time	90 minutes at 20°C
Minimum Application Temperature	5°C
VOC Content	19g/litre

Standards Compliance

Nitobond EP complies with AS 4020-2018 standards, with supporting documentation (AWQC Report 323179) available from the Fosroc website.

Primary Uses & Applications

Nitobond EP is ideal for:

• Bonding fresh wet cementitious materials to existing cementitious surfaces
• Horizontal and vertical surface applications where mortar or concrete can be supported by formwork
• Bonded floor toppings and cementitious overlays
• Concrete repair systems requiring superior adhesion
• Roads, bridges, pavements, and loading bays
• Factory applications for bonding and repair work
• Permanent wet or damp conditions as part of specialized repair barriers

Surface Preparation Requirements

Proper surface preparation is essential for optimal performance. Required preparation steps include:

• Cleaning: Removal of all dust, unsound material, plaster, oil, paint, grease, corrosion deposits, and algae
• Roughening: Mechanical treatment to remove laitance and expose aggregate through light scabbling or grit-blasting
• Decontamination: Removal of oil and grease deposits by steam cleaning, detergent scrubbing, or proprietary degreasers
• Soundness Assessment: Pull-off testing to verify substrate integrity

Application Methods

Nitobond EP can be applied using multiple techniques:

• Brush Application: Suitable for varied substrates and detailed work
• Spray Application: Using heavy-duty airless spray equipment (such as Graco airless spray fitted with 19-20 thou tip)

Application must occur immediately after the mixing process is completed. The material should remain tacky during subsequent material application to ensure optimal bonding between the primer and repair mortar.

Temperature Working Procedures

Low Temperature Working (Below 15°C)

• Components should be warmed to a maximum of 25°C before mixing
• At 25°C, pot life reduces to approximately 20 minutes
• Alternatively, store material in 20°C environment and use immediately

High Temperature Working (Above 30°C)

• Material should be stored in shade or air-conditioned environment for 12 hours before use
• Storage in original unopened packs is recommended

Storage & Shelf Life

• Shelf Life: 24 months from date of manufacture
• Storage Conditions: Must be kept in dry store in original, unopened packs
• Temperature: Below high temperatures to maintain shelf life

High-temperature storage may reduce shelf life duration.

Cleaning & Removal

• Immediate Cleaning: Nitobond EP should be removed from tools, equipment, and mixers immediately after use
• Cleaning Agent: Fosroc Solvent 10 is the recommended cleaning solvent
• Cured Material: Can only be removed mechanically

Related Product Systems

Nitobond EP serves as a critical primer in repair systems including:

• Nitomortar EL-HB: Applied within 90 minutes while primer remains tacky
• Nitomortar 908: Can be applied as soon as primer becomes tacky
• Nitomortar AP: Used to fill voids before and after Nitobond EP application

Limitations & Precautions

• Minimum Application Temperature: Should not be applied when temperature is below 5°C or is 5°C and falling
• Cold Conditions: In conditions below 15°C, care must be taken with rapidly setting materials to prevent delamination
• Consultation: When doubts arise concerning temperature or substrate conditions, consult Fosroc for specific guidance

Advantages & Benefits

• High strength adhesion exceeding tensile strength of host concrete
• High mechanical strength properties for demanding applications
• Versatile application on both dry and SSD (surface saturated dry) substrates
• Solvent-free formulation allowing use in enclosed locations
• Long open life suitable for applications requiring formwork or steel reinforcement fitting
• Two-color system providing visual evidence of adequate mixing

---

References

• [1] Fosroc_Nitobond_EP_TDS.pdf
• [3] Fosroc_Nitomortar_908_TDS.pdf
• [4] Fosroc_Nitobond_SBR_TDS.pdf