pot life is 150 minutes, epoxy flows while curing

[nm2]

I have a drying problem for my Epoxy 100% solid with 2:1 ratio !
Normally, according to the manufacturer's instructions, the pot life is 30 minutes.

I did some tests with reduced quantity (mix time and mix ratio observed)and I noticed that a pot life is beyond 150 minutes.

In the 155 minutes, on a piece of wood, epoxy flows so there is a slight slope.

So when will be the time to do my garage floor, near my floor drains during the 155 minutes, the epoxy will flow into drains.

I have attached a picture of the piece of wood and I indicated locations or I used a Q-Tips I to extend the epoxy. The red lines represent the place where the initial application was made. You can see that the epoxy has descended to the bottom of the photo.

During my test piece of wood was at a table.

74F temperature and humidity at 65%

A = 20 minuts enlarge epoxy with Q-Tips (click on photo)
B = 50 minuts enlarge epoxy with Q-Tips
C = 80 minuts enlarge epoxy with Q-Tips
D = 100 minuts enlarge epoxy with Q-Tips
E = 155 minuts enlarge epoxy with Q-Tips

Question:
Is there a solution to prevent the epoxy to flow to my drains during the 150 minutes of curing ?

two attached photos about this:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3EzQ_YvRHmvZk1OUDBvRWdzUE0/edit?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3EzQ_YvRHmvVWROOHJSWmd2eXM/edit?usp=sharing

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

You could allow the material to induct a bit in the pot. Coat the inducted material around the drain first. Once the drain is ok, coat the balance.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[nm2]

You could allow the material to induct a bit in the pot. Coat the inducted material around the drain first. Once the drain is ok, coat the balance.

Good idea !

Once the drain is ok(RED), can I wait one day or two before to coat the balance(PINK) as this image ?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3EzQ_YvRHmva25fQVltLWJMSGs/edit?usp=sharing
Thanks

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

I am assuming the colors represent the two different applications and not the true colors???


If I am assuming correct, I would go right after it so the two different applications will marry up. Allowing the first to tack off prior will show a seam or connecting point.

Also... Be careful when inducting, 100 percent solids, in a bucket, will be smoking in 15 minutes, you will never see 30.

 

[nm2]

I am assuming the colors represent the two different applications and not the true colors???

Sorry, a real color is grey for both !

Also... Be careful when inducting, 100 percent solids, in a bucket, will be smoking in 15 minutes, you will never see 30.

Mine is good on pot for more of 120 minuts.

I have another question ?

Does hardener can to be expired, or a bad batch ?

According to the manufacturer's instructions, the pot life is 30 minutes and mine is more 120.

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

A tiny batch creates little heat. Did you mix 1.5 gals in a plastic bucket??
The volume and inability for the heat to escape is what makes it go.

 

[nm2]

A tiny batch creates little heat. Did you mix 1.5 gals in a plastic bucket??
The volume and inability for the heat to escape is what makes it go.

Scuse me I'm french from Quebec, so sometimes I'm slow to understand ;-)

So, you saying that :
if I mix 2 once of epoxy with 1 once of hardener a live pot could be 120 minutes
and
if I mix 2 pint of epoxy with 1 pint of hardener a live pot could be 30 minutes ?

If I understood, when the entire contents of 3 pint in the container is emptied on the floor after mixed, does I can apply in a 15-20 minutes period or 2 hours period ?

Thanks

 

[LegacyIndustrial]

Yes. no, once on the floor the heat has an outlet and the 30 min should be your workable life again.

 

[rice rocket]

Pot life is literally life in the pot. Epoxy creates heat when curing, which speeds up the chemical reaction. When you spread it out over a big surface area, there isn't nearly the same amount of heat generated and thus the reaction is slowed.

The times provided aren't scientific as it varies with temperature, humidity, size of pot, surface area of pot, etc.