StoCretec expands the system range

The new production hall of Eduard Gerlach GmbH, Lübbecke, featuring the chemically and mechanically highly resistant, cleanroom-tested epoxy resin floor coating system StoFloor Cleanroom KU 601. Other areas received the conductive and also cleanroom-tested system StoFloor ESD KU 611. (Photo: MT-Fotos)

For the new production hall of Phylak Sachsen GmbH, a floor coating system suitable for cleanroom class 4 (DIN ISO 14644-1) or A (GMP) was required. The system installed was StoFloor Cleanroom BB T 200 with terrazzo look. In the washroom, the floor was additionally given a slip-resistant surface by broadcasting Sto Ballotini full-glass beads. (Photo: Alexander Sommer, Phylak Sachsen GmbH)

In addition to the supply air quality and introduction, the surfaces, as well as the personnel, the operating materials in the cleanroom significantly influence its cleanliness. These include, among others, walls, ceilings, doors, and floors. StoCretec GmbH has been offering products and systems for coating floors, walls, and ceilings of cleanrooms for many years. Now, the product range has been expanded and subjected to extensive testing at the Fraunhofer IPA.

System Testing Instead of Product Testing

Until now, it was common to have products used as top coats tested for their suitability in cleanrooms at the Fraunhofer Institute for Production Technology and Automation (IPA) in Stuttgart (Cleanroom Suitable Materials, short CSM). This approach was completely sufficient for particle formation. However, doubts existed regarding the outgassing behavior and whether underlying system layers could have a negative influence. As part of expanding its cleanroom system range, StoCretec had ten floor coating systems fully tested.

Epoxy Resin Systems Meet High Requirements

Whether operating materials, including coating systems for walls, ceilings, and floors, are suitable for cleanrooms is determined by the following parameters:

- Emission of airborne particles
- Outgassing behavior
- ESD properties
- Cleanability
- Resistance to chemicals and disinfectants
- Smooth and crack-free surface
- Biological resistance
- Antibacterial effectiveness

As an "Industrial Alliance Member" of CSM, StoCretec offers ten tested systems for coating floors and five systems for walls and ceilings in cleanrooms. It has been shown that epoxy resin systems are well-suited for these specific requirements, mainly due to their smooth surface and excellent chemical resistance. Under mechanical stress such as foot and vehicle traffic, they exhibit very good abrasion resistance and thus low particle generation. Additionally, in recent years, the development of products has further improved outgassing behavior through targeted selection of ingredients. The latest generation of epoxy resin dispersions or emulsions contains (apart from water) hardly any volatile components.