Constructive Conversations with Desmond Sin

What are some of the recent trends or developments in resinous flooring materials that are shaping the industry?

‘Building A Better World’ is an ongoing commitment to a sustainable future by a lot of multi-international companies now. Flowcrete's low emissions resinous flooring reflects our dedication to developing solutions that enable the industry to design and construct sustainable buildings. These solutions enhance user comfort through eco-designed building solutions. By combining the high performance and aesthetics of solvent-free epoxy, polyurethane flooring with low VOC emissions, Flowcrete provide sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions suitable for diverse sectors. These solutions offer thermal, mechanical, chemical, and impact resistance properties.

What factors should architects and builders consider when selecting the most suitable resinous flooring solution for a specific application or environment?

Architects and builders should thoroughly understand and assess the functional requirements of floors for their projects when selecting the appropriate resinous flooring type. These functional requirements include substrate strength and level, moisture levels from ground, types and levels of floor traffic, mechanical loads, potential chemical spills and concentrations, floor service temperatures, slip resistance needs and expected lifespan considerations.

What are the unique properties and benefits of epoxy resin flooring compared to other traditional commercial flooring options use in industrial building environment?

Epoxy resin floors are seamless, non-porous, hard-wearing, and can withstand heavy traffics and chemical spills. Epoxy Floors do not have grout lines that can accumulate dirt, harbor bacteria, and weaken under chemical attack. Epoxy floors can be over-coated for a fresh look. Traditional flooring systems need to be removed and discarded in landfills if the floors to be refurbished. Epoxy floors offer extensive customization options, including color, design, gloss levels, and slip resistance. In contrast, traditional flooring systems, while offering various styles and colors, are often constrained by materials that make in factory in mass volume and cannot match the versatility of epoxy floors.

How do polyurethane (PU) concrete flooring systems contribute to enhancing durability and chemical resistance in manufacturing process environments?

Polyurethane (PU) concrete is a seamless, highly durable flooring system capable of withstanding heavy traffic, impacts, and abrasions. This non-porous resinous material is highly resistant to chemicals such as cleaning detergents, acids, and oils, as well as extreme hot and cold temperatures. It also offers excellent slip resistance, ensuring a safe working environment particularly in food and beverage manufacturing environments.

Can you share examples of successful flooring projects where epoxy resins have been utilized to overcome specific challenges or meet client requirements?

The use of epoxy ESD flooring systems is increasingly common in data centers due to the threat of static electricity, which can destroy sensitive electronic components through Electrostatic Discharge (ESD). ESD occurs when an object or person with an electrostatic charge comes into contact with a computer component, resulting in a spark that can damage integrated circuits, memory modules, and other hardware, even from a small discharge as low as 25 volts, which humans cannot feel. We have installed Flowcrete's epoxy-based ESD floors in several major data centers. The floor reduces the risk of static generated by personnel walking or moving equipment. These floors possess conductive properties that prevent static buildup on human bodies and provide a safe path for dissipating static charges.