Company Announcement - a.b.e. Construction Chemicals' epidermix 500 epoxy mortar provides the ideal solution for structural repairs of concrete structures, says Ivor Boddington, the company's Concrete Repair and General Construction Products Manager. a.b.e. is part of the Chryso Southern Africa Group. Boddington says epidermix 500 is a solvent-free, three-component epoxy mortar, with strong abrasion resistance and high strength. "The epoxy lining is particularly suitable for rapid reinstatement or for the protective coating of concrete structures such as manholes, sewer outfalls, or chemical spillage areas. epidermix 500  is impermeable and extremely fast curing: initial curing time is 24 hours and a full cure can be achieved in seven days," he stated.

Boddington says some of the mortar's advantages include:
*  High early strength ensures limited impact on construction programmes or maintenance shutdowns;
               *  The ability to cure in damp conditions;
               *   The fact that there is no need to apply a primer;
               *  As the product is pre-blended, constant quality and performance are ensured; and
               *  Strong adhesive qualities.
"The low permeability of epidermix 500 retards chemical attack in aggressive environments. The mortar's resistance to diesel fuel and petrol;  citric, tartaric and hydrochloric acids; as well as sodium hydroxide is very high. It is highly resistant to sulphuric , lactic and phosphoric acids; sugar solutions, and hydrocarbons," Boddington said.

Epidermix 500  offers the following strengths at 7 days: compressive strength of 68 MPa, flexural strength of 27 MPa, and tensile strength of 11 MPa. "Application thicknesses of 50mm horizontally, and 12mm vertically, are recommended. The mortar  must not be applied less than 5mm thick. Coverage of a litre epidermix 500 is one square metre, at 1mm thickness," he added.