Nitocote EP405: Solvent-Free Epoxy Resin Coating for Potable Water Structures

Product Overview

Nitocote EP405 is a solvent-free, two-component epoxy coating system specifically designed for lining and waterproofing potable water retaining structures and surfaces. The product is supplied in pre-measured quantities ready for site mixing and use, with the cured film providing a smooth, hygienic, and tough finish suitable for contact with potable water and foodstuffs.

Key Applications

Nitocote EP405 is suitable for application to a wide range of potable water retaining structures and facilities, including:

• Reservoirs - for waterproofing water storage structures
• Water treatment works - protecting potable water systems
• Water tanks - lining and protecting storage areas
• Silos - in food processing and beverage applications
• Breweries - for potable water structures
• Meat and food processing plants - ensuring certified food-safe surfaces

Advantages

The product offers numerous technical and practical advantages:

• High build application - allowing thick protective coatings
• Solvent-free formulation - suitable for use in confined areas with minimal environmental impact
• Direct application capability - can be applied directly to prepared mild steel and concrete surfaces
• SSD surface compatibility - can be applied to damp saturated surface dry (SSD) concrete surfaces without prior drying
• Superior finish - creates a smooth, satin, easy-to-clean surface
• Multi-resistant properties - corrosion, chemical, and abrasion resistant
• Potable water certified - cured film is non-toxic and certified to AS 4020:2018

Technical Specifications

Physical Properties

Property	Specification
Solids Content	100%
VOC Content	12.0 g/litre (ASTM D3960-5)
Viscosity	Pourable, spreadable liquid
Mix Ratio	200g base : 30g hardener (w:w)
Pot Life @ 20°C	30-40 minutes
Pot Life @ 35°C	10-15 minutes

Colour Options

Nitocote EP405 is available in two colour options, both matched to Australian Standards Grade 2:

• Blue - N32 Powder Blue AS Grade 2 match
• White - N11 White AS Grade 2 match

Cure and Full Cure Times

Temperature	Fully Cured
10°C	14 days
20°C	7 days

Application Specifications

Design Criteria

Nitocote EP405 is designed to be applied in 2 coats to achieve a minimum total dry film thickness of 400 microns. The correct application rates and overcoating times must be observed to obtain the protective properties of the coating.

Application Rates

Parameter	Specification
Number of Coats	2
Theoretical Application Rate per Coat	0.2 litres/m² (5 m²/litre)
Wet Film Thickness per Coat	200 microns minimum
Coverage	5 m²/litre/coat

Overcoating Times

Overcoating intervals vary with ambient temperature:

Temperature	Overcoating Time
@ 10°C	18-72 hours
@ 20°C	8-48 hours
@ 30°C	4-24 hours

Application Methods

Nitocote EP405 can be applied using multiple methods:

• Brush application - with suitable brush
• Roller application - with suitable roller
• Airless spray - using Graco 55:1 unit operating at 3000 psi with 25 thou spray tip

Chemical Resistance

Nitocote EP405 demonstrates excellent resistance to many industrial chemicals. The product provides corrosion resistance to metal substrates and chemical resistance through contact with various substances. For advice on resistance to specific chemicals, contact Fosroc directly.

Surface Preparation Requirements

Concrete Surfaces

All concrete surfaces must be:

• Smooth, sound, and free from debris, loose or flaking material
• Free from standing water and contamination (oil, grease, dust, organic growth)
• Fully cured, laitance-free, and free from shuttering oils and curing compounds
• Grit blasted to remove foreign matter and provide suitable key
• Blow holes and imperfections filled with Nitomortar AP
• Optionally repaired with high-strength cement-based mortar followed by Nitomortar 903 priming

Steel Surfaces

Steel surfaces must be grit blasted to meet AS1627.4 Class 2.5 requirements, with coating applied as soon as possible after surface preparation to prevent rust reformation.

Mixing Instructions

Full Pack Mixing

1. Stir the contents of the base can thoroughly to disperse any settlement
2. Add the entire contents of the hardener can to the base container
3. Mix thoroughly until uniform consistency is achieved
4. Use mechanical mixing with a helical mixer on a heavy-duty electric drill for 3-5 minutes
5. Important: Pour the mixed product into flat, open paint trays to maximize pot life
6. Caution: Holding the product in the original mixing can will cause an exothermic reaction, significantly reducing pot life

Part Pack Mixing

Experienced applicators may mix smaller quantities using reliable scales to weigh individual components according to the specified mix ratio. The contractor assumes responsibility for any off-ratio mixing.

Quality and Compliance Standards

Nitocote EP405 complies with AS 4020-2018 at an exposure level of 15,000 mm² per litre, as documented in AWQC Report 308397. Copies of compliance reports are available on the Fosroc website.

Product Supply

Nitocote EP405 is supplied in 8-litre two-component packs:

Component	Product Code	Volume
White Base	FC800010-6.5L	6.5L
Blue Base	FC800020-6.5L	6.5L
White/Blue Hardener	FC800015-1.5L	1.5L

Fosroc Solvent 10 is also supplied in 4 and 20-litre cans for cleaning purposes.

Storage Requirements

• Store in dry conditions in original, unopened packs
• Maintain temperature between 5°C and 30°C
• High temperature storage may reduce shelf life
• Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture

Limitations and Considerations

• Not colour stable when exposed to direct sunlight or in contact with some chemicals
• Minimum application temperature is 10°C; application should not occur if temperature is 10°C and falling
• Not suitable for existing coatings - should not be applied over pre-existing coatings
• Moisture exposure during cure - if coating is exposed to condensation or dew during cure, mechanical roughening is required before overcoating
• Humidity limitation - application should not proceed when relative humidity exceeds 90%
• White bloom - may appear on surface in adverse conditions (low temperature/high humidity) but does not affect protective performance
• Cold weather - workability deteriorates and cure time increases; store in heated building and remove immediately before use

Cleaning and Maintenance

Nitocote EP405 should be removed from tools and equipment immediately after use with Fosroc Solvent 10. Cured material can only be removed mechanically.

Safety and Emergency Information

In emergency situations, contact the Poisons Information Centre at phone 13 11 26 within Australia or consult a doctor for advice. A Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is available from the Fosroc website and should be read carefully prior to use.

References

• [1] Fosroc_Nitocote_EP405_TDS.pdf