EXPERT ADVICE
3. Styrene Butadiene (SBR), Natural Rubber
(NR), Butyl Rubber (BR) based additives
have been used over the years in sealcoatings
for thickening, sand/ aggregate suspension,
faster drying and improved chemical resis-
tance. These polymers have excellent resis-
tance to water, moderate chemicals, alcohol,
organic acids, etc. Their use is limited to
those areas that have minimal contact with
hydraulic oils, fats, etc. due to their poor
resistance to such products. They have been
commonly used with asphalt-based prod-
ucts.
4. Polyvinyl Acetate/ Acrylic Copolymers
based additives are used in sealcoatings pri-
marily for thickening, sand/aggregate sus-
pension and faster drying. These types of
polymers, generally, have poor resistance to
water, therefore, they are likely to introduce
permanent water sensitivity in the cured
sealer film that, in turn, may cause prema-
ture wear. Also, poor resistance to UV radi-
ation, salts, fuels, oils, fats, etc. limit their use
as an overall performance enhancer.
Very important
Additives are used to enhance sealcoatings
properties. They should be selected with the
proper understanding of their properties and
overall contribution to sealcoating longevity.
All additives are not made equal, some may
actually degrade the properties of the sealer if
the polymers in them are not resistant to the
destructive elements and chemicals. Addi-
tionally, Additives are not a “cure all”. They
will not compensate for poor mix designs,
i.e. the ones using excessive water or sand/
aggregate. Strictly follow manufacturers’ rec-
ommendations. The reader is not expected
to be a chemist; therefore, we strongly advise
you to seek the help of your supplier.
Additives are specialty products, which are
formulated with compounds having com-
plex chemistries. Do not cross-mix additives
from different suppliers because additives
with the same end use recommendations
may be different in their compositions. By
mixing additives you will likely void the
product warranty, as well. It is therefore im-
perative you follow manufacturer’s instruc-
tions to the letter and do not mix different
brands of additives in the same mix design
of sealcoatings.
Too much of a good thing? Adding more
than the recommended amount may cause
undesirable affects, e.g. adding excessive
amount of a drying booster may not neces-
sarily make your sealer dry even faster. Ad-
ditives are specialty products which have to
be used in sealcoatings with proper under-
standing. Follow manufactures’ guidelines
and instructions.
In conclusion, additives are engineered
products which are formulated with state-
of-the-art materials to deliver desired per-
formance properties to sealcoatings. As a
sealcoating professional you deserve the
very best in products that you choose to use,
for which is thorough understanding is es-
sential.
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