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IS 9162:1979 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for methods of tests for epoxy resins, hardeners and epoxy resin compositions for floor topping. This standard specifies the methods for testing the physical and chemical properties of epoxy resins, hardeners, and their compositions intended for use as floor toppings. It covers procedures for determining characteristics like viscosity, gel time, compressive strength, and bond strength to a concrete substrate.
Methods of Tests for Epoxy Resins, Hardeners and Epoxy Resin Compositions for Floor Topping
Overview
Status
Current
Usage level
Specialized
Domain
Materials Science — Flooring, Wall Finishing and Roofing
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! This standard provides the test procedures, not the acceptance criteria. Required performance values (e.g., minimum compressive strength) must be obtained from project specifications or the manufacturer's data sheet.
! Epoxy curing is highly sensitive to temperature and humidity. Strict adherence to the conditioning requirements in the standard is crucial for obtaining accurate and comparable test results.
! The Slant Shear Test (Clause 14) is a key test to evaluate the quality of the bond between the epoxy topping and the concrete substrate, which is critical for flooring performance.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
epoxy resinhardenersfloor toppingpolymers
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
ASTM C881/C881M-20ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Specification for Epoxy-Resin-Base Bonding Systems for Concrete
Covers epoxy resin systems for bonding concrete, which share many test methods with floor toppings.
ASTM C579-18ASTM International, USA
HighCurrent
Standard Test Methods for Compressive Strength of Chemical-Resistant Mortars, Grouts, Monolithic Surfacings, and Polymer Concretes
Directly provides test methods for the mechanical properties of cured monolithic surfacings (floor toppings).
EN 1504-2:2004CEN (European Committee for Standardization), Europe
MediumCurrent
Products and systems for the protection and repair of concrete structures - Definitions, requirements, quality control and evaluation of conformity - Part 2: Surface protection systems for concrete
Covers performance requirements for concrete surface protection, including flooring, but is a broader specification system.
BS 6319 (Series)BSI (British Standards Institution), UK
HighWithdrawn
Testing of resin compositions for use in construction
A historically equivalent series of test methods for resin-based construction materials, including flooring.
Key Differences
≠IS 9162 is a single document from 1979 containing test methods. Modern equivalents like the EN 1504 series are multi-part, performance-based specifications that reference separate, detailed test method standards (e.g., EN 196-1, EN ISO 62).
≠ASTM C881 provides a detailed classification system for epoxy resins (Type, Grade, Class) based on application, viscosity, and curing temperature, which is absent in IS 9162.
≠The standard specimen size for compressive strength testing differs. IS 9162 specifies 25 mm cubes, whereas ASTM C579 uses 50 mm (2-inch) cubes, which can affect reported strength values.
≠IS 9162 describes a shear bond strength test (Annex D), while modern standards like EN 1504-2 primarily require a pull-off adhesion test (EN 1542), which measures tensile adhesion and is considered more representative of in-situ performance.
Key Similarities
≈All standards recognize the importance of and provide methods for determining the fundamental properties of the uncured components, such as viscosity and density of the resin and hardener.
≈The principle of evaluating the working life of the mixed system through tests like pot life or gel time is a common feature across IS 9162 and international standards.
≈All standards include methods to determine the core mechanical properties of the cured resin system, such as compressive strength, flexural strength, and tensile strength, as these are critical for performance.
≈The requirement to test for water absorption and chemical resistance is a shared concept, acknowledging the need for durability in typical flooring environments.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Compressive Strength Specimen
25 mm cube
50 mm (2 in.) cube
ASTM C579
Epoxy Equivalent Determination
Method specified in Annex A (Titration with perchloric acid)
Method specified in ASTM D1652 (Titration with hydrogen bromide)
ASTM D1652
Bond Strength Test Type
Shear Bond Strength (Annex D)
Slant Shear Bond Strength (ASTM C882)
ASTM C881/C881M
Tensile Strength Specimen
Dumb-bell shape as per Fig. 5
Dumb-bell shape as per ASTM D638 Type I
ASTM C307
Viscosity Classification
No specific classification; value is reported.
Grade 1 (<20 P), Grade 2 (20-150 P), Grade 3 (>150 P) at 25 °C
ASTM C881/C881M
Water Absorption Test Duration
24 hours immersion (Annex E)
24 hours immersion (Method specified in ASTM D570)
ASTM D570
Flexural Strength Test Span
100 mm (for a 150x25x25 mm bar)
101.6 mm or 4 in. (for a 12.7x12.7x127 mm bar)
ASTM C580
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values3
Quick Reference Values
Slant Shear Test Specimen Angle30 degrees from vertical
Standard Temperature for Testing27 ± 2 °C
Standard Relative Humidity for Conditioning65 ± 5 percent
Key Formulas
Compressive Strength = P / A (where P is max load, A is cross-sectional area)
To provide a uniform set of laboratory procedures for testing the properties of epoxy resin systems used for floor toppings.
How is the bond strength of the epoxy tested according to this standard?+
It uses the 'Slant Shear Method' (Clause 14), where a concrete prism is cast against the epoxy at a 30-degree angle and then tested in compression to measure the shear strength at the bond interface.
Does this standard specify the minimum required strength for an epoxy floor?+
No, it only details how to measure the strength. The minimum required values must be specified by the project designer or are found in product-specific standards.
What is 'gel time' and why is it important?+
Gel time (Clause 5) is the time taken for the mixed epoxy system to start thickening or gelling. It indicates the working time or 'pot life' available for applying the material after mixing.