UK company Euro Resin Solutions says that its ultra-lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials help cut both costs and weight, and so meet many current requirements for newbuild and refurbishment projects.
The company, part of the Quaker Chemicals group, says that the military and commercial shipbuilding and ship repair sectors are highly focused on the fuel efficiencies that result from ultra lightweight materials. Its deck underlayment system, known as SynDeck, is about one-third of the weight of the normally-used latex and cement leveling systems, and as no water or water-soluble latex is used, bonding in potentially wet areas is much better then conventional cement leveling systems.
The system was chosen by Southampton, UK, based marine outfitter Trimline for a recent refurbishment onRFA Black Rover, a fleet tanker of the British Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Water ingress in interior deck spaces had caused the deck underlay to separate from the steelwork, so Trimline contacted ERS for a recommendation for an alternative underlayment system.
SynDeck can be trowelled at any thicknesses between 6 to 100mm creating slopes and coving. It can be overlaid with most coverings including resins, carpet, tiles, vinyl or timber.
Interior decks of tanker 'RFA Black Rover' after refurbishment with SynDeck underlayment materialTrimline was happy to approve the use of SynDeck underlayment on this project, and Rocket and his team were able to trowel the SynDeck to a uniform finish even though the steel decking was undulating.
SynDeck ultra lightweight underlayment is one of a line of Epmar products used in the construction, overhaul and repair of decking and other surfaces in marine environments. SynDeck products have full IMO approvals and meet US Navy military specifications for weight and performance. They are claimed to lower maintenance and repair costs and to be durable against corrosion and wear, even in extreme conditions. SynDeck is additionally available in a terrazzo-effect finish with clear sealers and enhanced anti-slip additives used to create a simple decorative appearance that saves more time and money.
