KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Tnemec Company, Inc., Kansas City, Mo., a leading manufacturer of high-performance coatings for specialized architectural and industrial markets, has introduced Series 394 PerimePrime, a one-component, moisture-cured, micaceous iron oxide (MIO), zinc-filled perimeter steel primer, uniquely developed to address the issue of corrosion on structural steel components, according to Mark Thomas, director of marketing for Tnemec.
For architects, engineers and specifiers, Series 394 offers triple corrosion protection for perimeter and structural steel. The first barrier is a moisture-cured urethane film. The second layer of protection uses MIO inside the urethane to create a platelet barrier. Moisture vapor that manages to penetrate the first two lines of defense reacts with zinc pigments, resulting in an oxidation process that causes the zinc to fill any voids the vapor used to infiltrate for added moisture protection, according to Thomas.
Meeting the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) requirements for Class B certification over SSPC-SP3 prepared steel, Series 394 eliminates the need for extensive surface preparation at slip critical bolted connections, helping to decrease both preparation and labor costs, Thomas said.
The use of Series 394 is especially important as a high-performance primer under fireproofing, where moisture and contaminants can encourage the corrosion process, Thomas said. Series 394 was tested in accordance with ASTM B 117 Salt Fog Test and showed excellent resistance to corrosion after 10,000 hours of exposure.
In addition, Series 394 is the first primer to receive UL Classification (UL 263/ASTM E 119) for use under select fireproofing materials, eliminating the need for mechanical reinforcement on larger steel members and reducing labor costs that are of concern to owners, specifiers and fireproofing contractors, Thomas said.
Series 394 was also tested by 14 independent fireproofing manufacturers and successfully passed ASTM E 736 adhesion bond testing, demonstrating conformance to UL general requirements for use under fireproofing.
Series 394 is an aromatic polyurethane that can be easily spray or roller applied. It is designed for structural steel applications to help prevent corrosion from moisture, which could lead to possible structural reinforcement or even replacement of the steel.
"When you perform a cost benefit analysis, it is easy to see how costly steel reinforcement or replacement can be compared to the cost of adding Series 394 to the project," Thomas said. "Including preparation and application, the total cost of specifying the product for structural steel applications will usually translate to less than one percent of the total steel costs."
Since its introduction, Series 394 has been used to coat a number of structures, including the Biltmore Hotel, the Museum of Modern Art, the Lincoln Building and Columbia University in New York; Boston University's Fitness Center and Sports Arena; the Capitol Dome in Oklahoma City, Okla.; the Hammock House in Tavernier, Fla.; and Quintessa in Rutherford, Calif.