Dulux® Protective Coatings is proud to offer the Dulux® Flexituff® range, which includes three polyurea elastomer coatings. Alongside our well-known pure polyureas, Dulux® Flexituff® PU-1 and Dulux® Flexituff® DM-8, our latest addition, the polyurethane hybrid Dulux® Flexituff® PU-2, further diversifies our heavy industry solutions.

Flexituff polyurea coatings have been specifically designed to cater to the following sectors and applications:

• Mining, oil, and gas industries
• Lining CIL tanks, slurry systems, shaker screens, chutes, and hoppers
• Raw mineral transportation, including rail car internals and coal wagons
• Agriculture, such as lining tanks and silos
• Water storage and wastewater treatment, both as a lining and for coating rake arm assemblies in settling tanks, clarifiers, and filters

Let's explore the key benefits of polyurea elastomers:

Flexible and Elastic

Polyureas possess high deformability, allowing them to stretch and recover without cracking. They can withstand structural movement, material shrinkage (common in concrete), and temperature changes. This excellent ability to maintain film integrity makes polyurea elastomers ideal for lining and repairing liquid storage assets, such as water factory vortex ponds.

Abrasion Resistance

Polyurea coatings provide extraordinary resistance to impact, tear, and abrasion. With their high shore hardness, they are the ideal choice for coating the interior of structures like CIL tanks, coal wagons, shaker screens, chutes, and hoppers. Even during transport and processing, rigid mineral particles bounce off the internal coatings with minimal damage, preventing dents, scratches, and cracks that would otherwise occur with less elastic coatings.

Chemical Resistance

Polyureas exhibit excellent chemical inertness, rendering them highly resistant to chemicals that can attack other types of coatings. They are particularly suitable for chemical plants and storage facilities, as well as water treatment plants. Consult Dulux Protective Coatings for specialist advice where resistance to chemical exposure is a requirement.

Fast Curing and Low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)

Flexituff® polyurea elastomer coatings are 100% solids. These coatings cure within minutes, even at low temperatures, allowing for quick maintenance of flooring and equipment with minimal disruption. Additionally, they maintain their high elasticity, even in low temperatures.

Understanding the Difference Between Pure and Hybrid Polyureas

Hybrid polyureas is a blend of polyurea and polyurethane. Although they do not possess the same strength, flexibility, elasticity, recovery characteristics, or temperature tolerance as pure polyureas, they offer a cost-effective alternative while still providing high chemical and abrasion resistance. Hybrid polyurea coatings also have a longer pot life, making them easier to apply over large areas.

Choosing the Right Polyurea Coating for Your Project

Dulux Protective Coatings recommends using pure polyureas for assets subjected to extreme abrasion or chemical immersion. Polyurea hybrid coatings are better suited for "non-critical” items where surfaces that still require a high level of protection. Our range includes:

• Flexituff PU-1: The most well-known and versatile polyurea with a reputation for outstanding abrasion resistance. It can be applied to suitably primed steel and concrete
• Flexituff DM-8: Applied directly to properly prepared steel without a primer, saving application time and enabling a fast return to service
• Flexituff PU-2: A polyurea hybrid elastomer that can be applied to suitably primed steel and concrete

Common features across the entire range include protection against impact, abrasion, and corrosion, a seamless thick rubbery coating, suitability for potable water (AS/NZS 4020:2018), and 100% solids formulation with fast curing properties.

While there are some key differences in terms of application and performance specifications between pure and hybrid polyureas, both offer excellent solutions for heavy industry requirements.

Specialised Equipment and Application

Polyurea coatings require specialised application equipment- a plural heated spray equipment. A spray gun mixes and heats the components at the point of application, contributing to the rapid curing times of polyurea coatings. While the application equipment entails a significant investment, the fast return to service delivers substantial cost benefits. Our specialist team can provide equipment advice as part of a tailored specification and offer technical support during application.

For further information, we invite you to

• Read about the Flexituff range in an Australian Mining Review article
• Explore our Polyurea Elastomers range
• Download our Tech note: Polyurea Elastomers for a comprehensive understanding of pure and hybrid polyureas