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IS 9197:1979 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for epoxy resin, hardeners and epoxy resin compositions for floor topping. This standard specifies the requirements for two-component epoxy resin systems, including the resin, hardener, and the mixed composition intended for use as a seamless floor topping. It covers material properties, performance characteristics like compressive strength, bond strength, and abrasion resistance, as well as test methods.
epoxy resin, 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
! Substrate preparation is critical for achieving the specified bond strength; the concrete surface must be clean, dry, and mechanically prepared (e.g., by shot-blasting).
! Always mix components in the exact proportions specified by the manufacturer, as incorrect ratios lead to incomplete curing and failure.
! Pot life is heavily dependent on ambient temperature; higher temperatures will significantly accelerate the reaction and reduce working time.
BS EN 13813:2002BSI (British Standards Institution) / CEN (European Committee for Standardization), UK/Europe
HighCurrent
Screed material and floor screeds - Screed material - Properties and requirements
Covers properties and requirements for all screed materials, including synthetic resin (epoxy) screeds for flooring.
BS EN 1504-2:2004BSI (British Standards Institution) / CEN (European Committee for Standardization), UK/Europe
HighCurrent
Products and systems for the protection and repair of concrete structures - Surface protection systems for concrete
Defines performance requirements for coatings and toppings (including epoxy) used to protect concrete surfaces.
ASTM C881 / C881M - 19ASTM International, USA
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Epoxy-Resin-Base Bonding Systems for Concrete
Specifies epoxy resin systems for bonding concrete, sharing many material property requirements with flooring compositions.
SS 645:2019Enterprise Singapore, Singapore
HighCurrent
Specification for synthetic resin flooring systems
A modern standard providing a comprehensive specification for performance and testing of synthetic resin floors.
Key Differences
≠IS 9197 is a prescriptive standard, defining properties of the base resin and hardener. Modern standards like EN 13813 and EN 1504-2 are performance-based, specifying the required performance of the final cured system based on its intended use (e.g., traffic load, chemical exposure).
≠IS 9197 classifies the components (Type 1/2 resin, Type 1/2/3 hardener). EN standards classify the final system by performance grades (e.g., compressive strength class C20, abrasion resistance class AR2), which is more useful for specifiers.
≠The Indian standard specifies minimum absolute values for properties. The European standards use a class system (e.g., C5 to C80 for compressive strength) allowing designers to specify the appropriate level for a given application.
≠Test methods referenced in IS 9197 are older Indian Standards. International equivalents reference a suite of modern, harmonized test methods from ISO, EN, and ASTM, which are often more precise and globally recognized.
Key Similarities
≈Both IS 9197 and its international counterparts mandate testing of core mechanical properties, including compressive strength, flexural/tensile strength, and bond strength to the concrete substrate.
≈All standards recognize the importance of application properties such as pot life, gel time, and curing time, specifying requirements to ensure the material is usable on site.
≈Chemical resistance is a key requirement in all standards. They specify tests to determine the durability of the flooring system when exposed to various acids, alkalis, and solvents.
≈The fundamental goal of all these standards is to ensure the quality, durability, and fitness-for-purpose of resinous flooring systems applied over a concrete base.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Compressive Strength (7 days)
Minimum 60 MPa
Classified from C5 to C80 (MPa). A value of 'C60' can be specified.
BS EN 13813:2002
Flexural Strength ('Cross breaking strength')
Minimum 25 MPa
Classified from F4 to F50 (MPa). A value of 'F25' can be specified.
BS EN 13813:2002
Bond Strength to Concrete
Minimum 2.5 MPa
Minimum 1.5 MPa for systems with traffic (pull-off test).
BS EN 1504-2:2004
Water Absorption (24h immersion)
Maximum 0.5%
Maximum 1.0% (for Type I, II, IV, V Grade 1, 2)
ASTM C881 / C881M - 19
Pot Life
Minimum 30 minutes at 27 ± 2 °C
Varies by grade. E.g., Grade 2 (medium viscosity) requires a minimum of 20 minutes at its lowest application temperature.
ASTM C881 / C881M - 19
Abrasion Resistance
Maximum loss in weight of 0.2 g (tested per IS:1237)
Classified from AR0.5 to AR6 (based on wear depth in µm using the BCA test method). A lower number is better.
BS EN 13813:2002
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
Minimum Compressive Strength (7 days)60 N/mm²
Maximum Abrasion Resistance (Wear)0.2 g
Minimum Pot Life30 minutes
Minimum Bond Strength to Concrete2.0 N/mm²
Maximum Water Absorption (24h)0.5 % by mass
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 1 - Requirements for Epoxy Resin and Hardener