Developing AT130 - High Temperature Epoxy Grout

Epoxy grouts are widely used in high-temperature industrial settings, yet formulating one that meets demanding project requirements can be challenging. A suitable high temperature epoxy grout must:

Withstand temperatures typically up to 150℃
Tolerate aggressive, heat-driven chemical environments
Exhibit excellent mechanical properties, including high compressive strength, strong adhesion, and low shrinkage on cure
Be pumpable for ease of application

This white paper outlines our journey to develop AT130, a grout designed to meet these stringent criteria.

01 Background and Development

Our initial focus was on identifying a high-temperature-compatible hardener. Extensive research led us to Aradur 20315, an amine-type hardener well-suited for elevated temperatures.

With support from testing equipment including a peristaltic pump from Tomosada and collaborative mechanical tests with RDC, we advanced our formulation efforts.

02 Development Strategy

We adopted a four-step strategy to refine AT130:

Step 1: Ratio Optimisation

Determine optimal liquid-to-hardener ratios to achieve a high exothermic peak, indicating effective polymerisation.

Step 2: Aggregate & Pigment Selection

Experiment with different combinations using aggregates such as silica sand for its high compressive strength and abrasion resistance.

Test mixtures with green pigment to ensure consistent flowability and workable mix properties.

Step 3: Mechanical Testing

Conduct compressive strength tests using samples prepared with our candidate formulations.

Identify mixtures that yield strength values around 80 MPa or higher, ensuring durability.

Step 4: Flowability Assessment

Perform in-house pumpability testing using the Tomosada pump to confirm that AT130 meets practical application standards.

03 Testing and Findings

Our extensive laboratory tests revealed that the optimal formulation for AT130 utilised a ‘3K’ system with a Bisphenol A/F and Bisphenol F mixture. Silica sand emerged as the preferred aggregate, creating a mix that was both workable and strong. Key findings include:

An exothermic peak in the optimal range, indicative of proper polymerisation
A compressive strength of approximately 80.3 MPa
Successful pumpability using our standard equipment

04 Conclusion

Through systematic development and systematic testing, we have successfully advanced AT130 as a high temperature epoxy grout that meets the challenges of aggressive environments.

AT130 is designed to perform reliably under high-temperature conditions while delivering excellent mechanical properties and ease of application.

As we continue to refine our formulation with additional mechanical tests at elevated temperatures, AT130 is poised to offer a robust solution for demanding industrial applications.