BASF’s Ucrete and MasterTop flooring systems are more than just finishes, meeting all the requirements of modern industrial, institutional, commercial and residential applications.

01 July 2014

BASF, a leading global chemical company, is promoting its Ucrete and MasterTop sustainable and innovative flooring systems from its Master Builders solutions range for building finishes, among other wall and roof systems that are popular in the region.

Ucrete industrial flooring is long lasting and convenient to install, meeting the needs of the modern processing industry, according to Sunil Chandra, regional manager – Performance Flooring, BASF. “It is a unique suite of products based on Ucrete heavy-duty polyurethane concrete, which enjoys an unequalled reputation for performance built up over four decades. Polyurethane concretes are extensively used across the food, beverage, pharmaceutical and chemical industries,” he adds.

Chandra says the range of flooring systems provides the perfect combination of aesthetics and functionality, being exclusively designed, beautiful to look at, comfortable, durable and easy to clean.

Another system is MasterTop dry shakes and cementitious toppings that create surfaces that are economical and offer high mechanical resistance, such as those required for factories and warehouses.

“MasterTop’s polyurethane flooring products excel in design flexibility, elasticity, crack and scratch resistance, and are exceptionally tough. These products are ideal for public, commercial and retail buildings as well as healthcare and educational facilities,” says Chandra.

MasterTop’s range of epoxy flooring products is commonly used in factories and warehouses due to its significant mechanical strength and resistance to corrosive liquids such as chemicals, oils, chlorides and fuels. Included in the range is MasterTop DTZ, a decorative yet resistant epoxy terrazzo floor covering used in public space areas prone to high volumes of foot traffic and rolling wheels. MasterTop DTZ is durable and easy to use.

Elaborating on the benefits of the green terrazzo, Chandra says these include:

• Environmental impact: Epoxy terrazzo includes elements which enhance the longevity of the construction material, its composition, maintenance, and renewability.

• Durability: Terrazzo floors typically last the life span of the structure. In many older buildings, the floors can be restored to their original lustre at a fraction of the cost of replacing the finish.

• Low maintenance: Thin-set epoxy terrazzo floors have extremely low maintenance costs. Annual stripping and re-sealing can utilise environment-friendly water-based products. Routine maintenance includes wet and dry mopping with occasional spray buffing.

• Composition and embodied energy: Terrazzo is composed of naturally occurring aggregates, recycled glass and epoxy binder. The epoxy binder constitutes approximately 25 to 30 per cent of the volume of the terrazzo floors. The remainder of the floor is composed of aggregate, pigment and fillers. “Initial life-cycle assessment of embodied energy appears extremely favourable due to the longevity and low energy usage for maintenance. Terrazzo floors can utilise post-consumer re-cycled glass from the market place, and aluminium and zinc divider strips may also incorporate re-cycled metal,” he says.

• VOC (volatile organic compounds) off-gassing and indoor air quality: Thin-set epoxy terrazzo systems are composed of zero VOC materials. The non-porous cleanable terrazzo finish does not support microbial growth nor allows moisture to accumulate, helping maintain a mould-free environment with improved air quality.

• Local sourcing: Terrazzo is assembled on-site, minimising post-consumer waste and transportation costs.

Chandra says MasterTop products have been used in many prestigious projects such as the Cleveland Clinic in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where MasterTop DTZ have been used over an area of 35,000 sq m.

“This terrazzo flooring system meets all the stringent hygienic and maintenance requirements of such institutions, providing a safe and comfortable living and working environment,” he says.

Other sustainable and innovative solutions include the MasterTile range for tile fixing.

The range of tiling and flooring solutions contains cement and epoxy-based adhesives and grouts, waterproof membranes, and silicon sealants, meeting and exceeding the requirements of both Ansi and EN12004/13888 adhesive and grout standards. The products enable convenient installation of ceramic tiles and natural stones in a wide variety of challenging construction projects.

These products have been recently applied in refurbishment works at the BurJuman mall in Dubai. “MasterTile will be capable of withstanding the high impact of heavy foot traffic in a shopping mall, while promising a top quality and aesthetic appeal of the floor,” says Chandra.

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