Nitoflor PA - Solvent Free Polyaspartic Floor Coating

Overview

Nitoflor PA is a high-performance, two-component solvent-free polyaspartic semi-gloss coating designed for demanding flooring applications. Manufactured by Fosroc, it functions as both a UV and abrasion-resistant topcoat for resin floor systems and as a standalone coating over correctly prepared concrete substrates.

Key Characteristics

Composition and Formulation

Nitoflor PA is formulated as a solvent-free polyaspartic coating with 100% solids content and minimal VOC content of just 20g/litre (ASTM D3960). The absence of volatile organic compounds in its formulation reduces environmental impact and improves worker safety during application. The product features a convenient 1:1 mix ratio by volume, making it easy to prepare on-site.

Application Properties

The coating is applied in two coats at between 80 and 200 microns wet film thickness per coat, depending on the specific application requirements. This flexible film thickness range allows for customization based on project needs.

Curing Performance:

• Working life: 40 minutes (after mixing) at 20-25°C
• Tack-free time: 1.5 hours at 25°C, 35% RH
• Foot traffic permitted: 2 to 2.5 hours at 25°C, 35% RH
• Recoat time: 1.5 to 2 hours minimum; 18 hours maximum at 25°C, 35% RH
• Full cure for vehicle traffic: 24 hours at 25°C, 35% RH

Physical and Mechanical Properties

Nitoflor PA delivers exceptional performance characteristics:

• Hardness: 95 Shore A (AS1683.15.2); 53 Shore D
• Tensile Strength: 12 MPa (AS1683.11)
• Elongation: 47% (AS1683.11)
• Tear Strength: 56 kN/m (AS1683.12)
• Abrasion Resistance: 47.8 mg loss (AS 1580.403.2, CS17, 1000 cycles)
• Bond Strength: Greater than 3 MPa to Nitoflor FC150HP and to Nitoflor PU600
• Service Temperature: Up to 80°C
• Line-marking Paint Adhesion: Excellent adhesion with Dulux Roadmaster A1

Advantages

The product offers multiple benefits for demanding environments:

• Abrasion Resistant – Superior wear protection
• UV Resistant – Maintains appearance under ultraviolet exposure
• Chemical Resistant – Protection against common industrial chemicals
• Solvent Free – Environmental and worker safety benefits
• Fast Cure – Rapid return to service
• HACCP Certified – Suitable for food handling areas and splash or spill zones

Color and Design Options

Nitoflor PA is available in a range of 8 colors including Clear, providing significant design flexibility for various floor coating applications. The color selection includes standard options such as Pipeline Grey, Signal Red, Bright Blue, Jade, Sunflower, White, and specialty colors including Curtain Call and Oatmeal.

Product Specifications

Component Supply

• Part A: Supplied in 4-litre and 20-litre containers in clear and color options
• Part B: Supplied in 4-litre and 20-litre containers in various standard and custom colors

Standards Compliance

Nitoflor PA complies with AS/ISO 9239.1-2003 Reaction to Fire Tests for Floorings with the following performance metrics:

• Critical Heat Flux (CHF): ≥11.0 kW/m²
• Smoke Value: 26% minimum

The product holds HACCP certification for SSZ (Splash or Spill Zone), confirming suitability for use in food handling areas such as kitchens and production areas.

Application Substrates

Nitoflor PA can be applied to multiple substrate types:

• Concrete substrates – Requiring proper surface preparation and moisture control
• Epoxy resin screeds – Compatible with Fosroc epoxy formulations
• Polyurethane screeds – Can be overcoated between 24-48 hours at 23°C
• Epoxy and flake flooring systems – Using Nitoflor PA Clear variant for enhanced aesthetics
• Resin floor systems – As a protective topcoat layer

Substrate Requirements

For optimal performance, substrates must meet specific conditions:

• Dry and sound – Free from rising damp conditions
• Moisture content: Not greater than 5% at installation (measured using Tramex CMEX5 moisture meter)
• New concrete floors: Must be at least 28 days old unless water-reduced
• Laitance removal: Required via light grit-blasting or grinding
• Preparation method: Dust and debris removed by vacuum brush

Application Procedure

Surface Preparation

It is essential that Nitoflor PA is applied to sound, clean, dry substrates to achieve maximum adhesion. All oil, grease, and loose particles must be removed. Steel surfaces should be grit-blasted or abraded to remove scale, rust, and grease.

Overcoating Considerations

When applied over epoxy and polyurethane screeds, high spots or trowel marks should be rubbed down. Solvent wiping is recommended to clean the base flooring material when possible to optimize adhesion. Overcoating should occur between 24-48 hours at 23°C (48-72 hours at 10°C) after application of base materials.

Mixing Instructions

Equal parts by volume of Part A and Part B should be combined and mixed thoroughly using a low-speed heavy-duty electric drill with a spiral mixer for 1 to 1.5 minutes. Product should be poured immediately in ribbons onto the floor and rolled out without delay.

Application Method

Application uses 270mm microfibre rollers. During application, the roller should be rolled dry every 10-18 m² to prevent tackiness and extend roller life. Back rolling is essential to ensure even application and eliminate bubbles. Average roller coverage is 45-90 m² before replacement.

Chemical and Slip Resistance

Nitoflor PA is resistant to many common industrial chemicals. For specific chemical resistance details, consultation with Fosroc is recommended.

Slip Rating Performance (AS4586):

• On concrete without additives: D1 Dry Floor Friction; P1 Wet Pendulum
• With Nitoflor Anti-Slip Grains 41 (25g/litre mixed through): D1 Dry Floor Friction; P3 Wet Pendulum; R10 Oil/Wet Ramp
• Over Nitoflor FC150 HP with Anti-Slip Grains 01 or 02: D1 Dry Floor Friction; P5 Wet Pendulum

Maintenance and Service Life

Regular cleaning of Nitoflor PA can be carried out using a rotary scrubbing machine with water miscible cleaning agents at temperatures up to 55°C. Good housekeeping practices considerably extend the service life of coated floors.

Coverage

Theoretical Coverage: 5 to 12.5 m²/litre per coat on concrete

Practical coverage figures are reduced due to wastage factors and substrate variability.

Storage and Shelf Life

Nitoflor PA has a shelf life of 24 months when kept in dry conditions in original, unopened packs between 10°C and 30°C.

Application Limitations

• Should not be applied to polymer-modified cementitious screeds such as Cemtop GP Advanced or Cemtop XD
• Should not be applied to surfaces with rising damp or moisture content exceeding 5%
• Should be applied only when substrate and ambient temperatures are between 10°C and 30°C
• UV-resistant clear coating will not prevent fading of underlying non-UV resistant coatings such as epoxies
• Porous or poor quality concrete may cause excessive product absorption

Cleaning and Disposal

All tools and equipment should be cleaned immediately after use with Fosroc Solvent 10. Hardened material can only be removed mechanically.

References

• [1] Fosroc_Nitoflor_PA_TDS.pdf