Cementitious Hybrid Flooring Copolymer Fire Resistance

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flooring systems for industrial and car park applications lack sufficient flexibility, mechanical properties, adhesion, fire resistance, and abrasion resistance, while also failing to meet the required fire classification Afl-S2.

Innovation Solution

A multi-component composition comprising a first component with water and a second component with at least one hydraulic binder, including a copolymer such as vinyl versatate or styrene and (meth) acrylic acid esters, which provides improved fire resistance, mechanical strength, and workability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If epoxy or polyurethane resins are used for flooring applications, then flexibility and mechanical properties are improved, but fire resistance deteriorates (failing to meet classification Afl-S2)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical propertiesVSAvoidfire resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material system combining hydraulic binder (cement-based) as the base matrix with copolymer modifiers (vinyl versatate or styrene-acrylic ester copolymers) in specific amounts (1-10 wt%). This composite approach allows the flooring to achieve both mechanical strength from the hydraulic binder and improved fire resistance through the copolymer modification, meeting the A2fl fire classification while maintaining required mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the chemical composition parameters of the flooring material by incorporating specific copolymer components (vinyl versatate or styrene and (meth)acrylic acid esters) at controlled concentrations. This parameter change transforms the fire resistance properties of conventional epoxy/polyurethane systems while preserving mechanical performance, enabling achievement of A2fl fire classification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If hydraulic binder content is increased to improve fire resistance, then compressive strength is improved, but workability and ease of application deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompressive strengthVSAvoidworkability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the hydraulic binder content parameter within a specific range (25-65 wt% of total composition) and combines it with copolymer modifiers (1-10 wt%). This parameter optimization ensures sufficient compressive strength for fire resistance while maintaining workability and ease of application by preventing excessive viscosity or poor flow characteristics that would occur with higher binder content alone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The copolymer modifiers act as intermediary substances between the hydraulic binder and the final flooring matrix. These modifiers improve the workability and application characteristics of the hydraulic binder system while preserving the compressive strength needed for fire resistance, effectively mediating between strength and ease of application requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If copolymer amount is increased to improve mechanical strength and fire resistance, then abrasion resistance is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabrasion resistanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for copolymer content (1-10 wt%) and hydraulic binder content (25-65 wt%). By defining these parameters within optimal ranges, the patent achieves improved abrasion resistance and fire resistance while avoiding excessive manufacturing complexity that would result from higher copolymer concentrations or more complex multi-component formulations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution achieves a fire resistance classification of A2fl, high compressive and flexible strengths, excellent adhesion, and good abrasion resistance, while maintaining ease of application and workability.

Implementation Method 1

a first component (A) comprising water, and a second component (B) comprising at least one hydraulic binder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydration reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The multi-component composition shows good fire resistance properties so that it can be classified as A2fl according to EN 13501-1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFire resistance enhancement:

Implementation Method 3

high compressive and flexible strengths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCuring process: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS20250187978A1Cementitious hybrid flooring composition
Publication Date: 2025.06.12 SIKA TECH AG

AI summary

A multi-component composition comprising a first component including water, and a second component including at least one hydraulic binder, wherein the multi-component composition includes a copolymer CP, wherein the copolymer is a vinyl versatate copolymer CPA, and/or a copolymer based on styrene and (meth) acrylic acid esters CPB. The amount of hydraulic binder, based on the total weight of the multi-component composition, is from 25-65 weight-%. The multi-component composition is especially suitable as a flooring material for industrial floors and car parks.