The economic impact of corrosion is often exacerbated in harsh climatic environments and in workplaces with heavy traffic wear from operation of large vehicles and equipment.
Excessive moisture, heat and abrasion can accelerate the deterioration of machinery, vehicles and assets. Applying a protective surface coating is one way of minimising or reducing the effect.
One coating material for harsh conditions—including those in a combat zone—supplied by Rhino Linings Australia (RLA) is Rhino Extreme 11-50 FR.
While the material has been available for several years, it was only late in 2016 that the fire resistant nature of the product received certification.
RLA's technical manager, Robert Idzes, said the formal certification of Rhino Extreme 11-50 FR has opened up a range of new opportunities for industrial and commercial applications for the product.
The spray-applied pure polyurea is suitable for any application, such as a fuel bund—secondary containment area—that requires a fire resistant surface.
Historically, bunds have been constructed of concrete or brick, but in recent years have been coated with a spray-applied pure polyurea or welded plastic liner to prevent leaks.
“Fire is a potential hazard if a leak does occur, especially where fuel, sodium hydroxide, sulphuric acid and other highly flammable materials are stored,” Idzes said.
“The flame resistant properties of Rhino Extreme 11-50 FR significantly reduces the burn rate allowing safety officers and staff time to extinguish the flames before major damage is caused to the liner or catastrophic failure occurs.”
It can also be used on vehicles and equipment requiring abrasion, corrosion and impact protection and when applied with a textured finish (R10 dry slip resistant rating) it is ideal for foot traffic areas requiring a non-slip surface.
Mixed in a 1:1 ratio, the material is a two-part, flame retardant, elastomeric, polyurea.
The product's flame resistance makes it an ideal coating for numerous applications that require a flammability rating, all the more important as fire regulations become more stringent.
However, due to the range of substrates—metals, wood, concrete, fibreglass, geotextiles and most plastics—to which the Rhino Extreme polyurea can be applied and the numerous flammability ratings, RLA recommends that testing, certification and approval be considered prior to any application of a coating.
RLA assists its dealers in developing best method procedures and practices for chemical handling and machinery used to apply the company's products.
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