Waterproofing membrane
A waterproofing membrane composition is provided which is strong, easy to use, trowelable, flexible, passes negative hydrostatic test ASTM D4068 and which can be flood tested after 24 hours @70° F. of application. The waterproofing membrane composition contains a flexible polymer, preferably an epoxy containing polyether chains formed from a glycol, a flexible curing agent, sand, and an aramid fiber. The epoxy component also preferably includes an epoxy flexibilizer and a reactive diluent for epoxy chain termination. A p-aramid fiber is preferred and it is highly preferred to use the polymer fiber in a pulp form which has a fibrillated structure.
1. A waterproofing membrane composition for installing tile, stone, and other masonry products over an underlying surface; wherein said composition: is strong, is workable and easy to apply with a trowel, is flexible, passes ASTM D4068, and cures quickly allowing for flood testing after 24 hours at 70° F.; wherein said composition comprises:
a flexible epoxy resin containing polyether chains derived from ethylene oxides, propylene oxides or a mixture thereof;
a polyether polyamine flexible curing agent;
sand or other inert filler; and
an effective amount of a poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) polymer fiber and/or poly(m-phenylene isophthalamide) polymer fiber.
2. The composition of claim 1 further comprising a reactive epoxy flexibilizer, wherein said epoxy flexibilizer is materially distinct from said flexible epoxy resin and said polyether polyamine flexible curing agent.
3. The composition of claim 2 further comprising an epoxy reactive diluent which is used to reduce the viscosity of the composition.
4. The composition of claim 3 wherein the flexible epoxy resin is a diglycidyl ether of a polypropyleneglycol.
5. The composition of claim 4 wherein the epoxy flexibilizer is an acrylate functional urethane resin.
6. The composition of claim 1 wherein the composition further comprises an aliphatic glycidyl ether as an epoxy reactive diluent.
7. The composition of claim 6 wherein poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) polymer fiber is present.
8. The composition of claim 1 wherein sand is present.
9. The composition of claim 1 further comprising ground rubber.
10. A method of applying a waterproofing composition to a substrate comprising:
providing a substrate to be waterproofed;
applying the composition of claim 1 to the substrate surface; and
curing the composition.