What is MMA Resin Flooring?
Not to be mistaken with mixed martial arts, in the polymer world, MMA is the acronym used for methyl methacrylate – a monomer and key building block for most acrylic-based polymers.
MMA is used in a variety of medical, dental, and industrial products and applications – including acrylic reactive resin flooring, where its inclusion accelerates the liquid-applied flooring’s speed of cure.
More often than not, MMA resin flooring or deck wearing surfaces can receive foot traffic in just 60 minutes after having been applied, which makes it highly advantageous on new construction or maintenance projects where time is of the essence!
MMA resin flooring is best known for its rapid cure and versatility. MMA-based acrylics can be installed fast and fully cure in less than two hours in temperatures as low as -30°C.
What are the Main Benefits of MMA Resin Flooring?
MMA resin flooring is best known for its rapid cure and versatility. MMA-based acrylics can be installed fast and fully cure in less than two hours in temperatures as low as -30°C.
In addition, MMA resin flooring exhibits very high scratch resistance, can withstand service temperatures up to 70°C, has a low-glare satin matt finish and is often available in a decorative range of colours and finishes including decorative PVA flake and quartz blends.
MMA resin flooring also has an excellent chemical resistance profile and can withstand a wide range of acids and caustics, especially the organic acids used in the food processing industry.
The low-temperature cure capability allows them to be used during cold weather and in freezers and coolers. They are highly resistant to UV light, staining and marring, and they do not chalk or yellow.
Is MMA Resin More Expensive than Epoxy or Polyurethane Resin Flooring?
Unfortunately, this really is a how long is a piece of string kind of question because it depends wholly on the client’s requirements and scope of the installation.
In general MMA resin flooring or deck wearing surfaces do tend to be more expensive than epoxy or polyurethane resin counterparts, however, much like the old adage ‘time is money’ their reduced working time and speed of cure often means that any expense incurred in opting for MMA material is generally offset by reduced labour costs.
It also means that follow-on trades have early access to the project in order to minimise any halt or delay to the construction schedule while waiting for the floor to cure, so there are a number of economic benefits in selecting MMA resin flooring.
What’s That Smell?
Yes, MMA resin flooring does exhibit a strong odour during installation, however with adequate extraction and ventilation throughout the process is seldom an issue and completely harmless.
Can Anyone Install MMA Resin Flooring?
No, MMA is considered a specialist product; and due to the material’s reduced working time, applicators need to be trained on the correct installation techniques by the manufacturer to ensure effective installation. Vebro Polymers can recommend a number of trained applicator partners who are able to quote your MMA resin flooring project.
