Expoband F: Flexible Polyolefin Joint Bandage Membrane

Overview

Expoband F is a highly flexible, chemically resistant joint bandage membrane system manufactured from flexible polyolefine (FPO) material. It is specifically designed to be bonded over movement joints or cracks in structures to prevent the ingress of water and chemicals. The system uses Nitomortar AP, a two-part epoxy adhesive specifically formulated for optimal adhesion to Expoband F and construction materials.

Key Applications

Expoband F is suitable for use in a diverse range of structural applications:

• Elevated structures: Car park decks, podiums, balconies, and walkways (when protected from mechanical damage by a cover plate)
• Underground applications: Basements, subways, tunnels, refineries, and general substructures
• Industrial facilities: Silos and roofs
• Water-immersed structures: Tanks, sewers, reservoirs, pipelines, and swimming pools where joint movement exceeds the capability of conventional gun-applied elastomeric sealants

Product Specifications

Available Sizes and Thicknesses

Expoband F Tape is available in 1mm and 2mm thicknesses with the following standard widths:

Width	1mm Thick	2mm Thick
100mm	FC020446-UNIT (1501)	FC020445-UNIT (1002)
150mm	FC020446-UNIT (1501)	FC020447-UNIT (1502)
200mm	FC020448-UNIT (2001)	FC020449-UNIT (2002)
250mm	—	FC020450-UNIT (2502)
300mm	—	FC020451-UNIT (3002)
400mm	—	FC020452-UNIT (4002)*
500mm	—	FC020453-UNIT (5002)*

*Made-to-order basis

All products are supplied in 20-metre rolls.

Material Properties

The physical and mechanical properties of Expoband F Tape are as follows:

Property	1.0mm	2.0mm
Material Weight	1050 g/m²	2100 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%
Resistance Temperature	-30°C to +90°C	-30°C to +90°C
In-Service Temperature	4°C to 55°C	4°C to 55°C

Adhesive Bond Strength

The adhesive bond strength of Expoband F Tape exceeds the tensile strength of concrete, providing superior performance in structural applications.

Welding and Joining

• Fusability: The product is fusable with standard hot-air dryers (recommendation >1500 watts / 340°C)
• Joining method: Hot air welding using an electric hot air gun with a slot-shaped nozzle outlet
• Overlap requirement: Minimum 50mm overlap for all welded joins
• Surface preparation: Before welding, surfaces must be abraded with #80 grit sandpaper

Chemical Resistance

Expoband F demonstrates excellent resistance after storage over 28 days at room temperature in the following chemicals:

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

Nitomortar AP Adhesive System

Composition and Properties

Nitomortar AP is a two-component epoxy paste consistency adhesive specifically formulated to provide optimum adhesion to Expoband F and construction materials. It is tolerant of damp concrete surfaces.

Property	Specification
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

Supply Formats

Nitomortar AP is supplied in 3 litre and 15 litre two-component packs:

Pack Size	Base Component	Hardener Component
3 litre	FC320467-2L	FC320468-1L
15 litre	FC320463-10L	FC320464-5L

Coverage

Approximately 0.35 litres per metre per side – total 0.7 litres per metre (35mm bonded width with 5mm encapsulation)

Key Advantages

• Flexible design: Forms a tough, flexible joint flashing that accommodates continuous and pronounced cyclic movement
• Chemical resistance: Excellent resistance to UV and weathering; resistant to a wide range of chemicals
• Water-resistant: Complies with AS4020:2018 for potable water applications
• Surface tolerance: Can be applied to dry and damp (SSD) surfaces without special preparation
• Mechanical fixing: Perforations along edges provide mechanical fixing in addition to chemical bond from Nitomortar AP
• Heat weldable: Can be heat welded for continuity of long joint lengths
• No solvent activation: Solvent activation of surface not required
• Adhesion: Excellent adhesion to most construction materials
• Performance consistency: Performance not affected by climatic extremes
• Durability: Rot resistant

Standards Compliance

Expoband F has been tested in conjunction with Nitomortar AP and complies with AS4020:2018, making it suitable for potable water applications. Testing results are documented in AWQC Report 312170.

Storage and Shelf Life

• Expoband F: 18 months shelf life from date of manufacture when kept in dry store in original packaging
• Storage conditions: Dry conditions, out of direct sunlight, at temperatures between 5°C and 30°C
• Nitomortar AP: 6 months shelf life from date of manufacture when kept in dry store in original, unopened packaging

Installation Requirements

Width Selection

Width selection is based on:

• Width of the joint plus required bond area on either side
• Minimum unbonded area of 20mm for narrow joints and cracks
• 200mm width recommended where concrete porosity is suspect, joints are excessively wide, or when Expoband F is to be permanently immersed

High Movement Applications

When high movement is anticipated and Expoband F is looped into the joint, the loop should be preformed into the membrane with a hot air gun before bonding into place with Nitomortar AP.

Application Temperature Range

• Minimum: 5°C
• Maximum: 35°C

Joint Preparation

Expansion joints must be packed with firm, consolidated joint filler such as Hydrocell prior to laying the Expoband F system. Joints may be pre-sealed using elastomeric sealant if capable of accommodating anticipated joint movement.

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References

• [1] Fosroc_Expoband_F_TDS.pdf
• [2] Fosroc_Nitomortar_AP_TDS.pdf