High-performance Novolac epoxy, vinyl ester, and chemical-resistant PU floor systems for chemical plants, pharmaceutical facilities, battery manufacturing, electroplating, and wastewater treatment. Installed by Sri Sai Technologies, India's Authorized Applicator of CIPY flooring systems by Pidilite Industries.
In chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, battery facilities, electroplating shops, and laboratories, the floor is constantly under attack. Acid spills from process equipment, alkali splashes during cleaning operations, solvent leaks from storage tanks, and aggressive cleaning chemicals all work to degrade standard concrete or ordinary epoxy floors over time. The consequences of inadequate chemical resistance extend far beyond surface aesthetics — they represent a genuine threat to structural integrity, personnel safety, regulatory compliance, and production continuity.
Concrete is intrinsically vulnerable to chemical attack. Sulfuric acid — common in battery manufacturing and electroplating — reacts with calcium hydroxide in concrete to form expansive calcium sulfate, causing the concrete surface to spall and break up. Hydrochloric acid dissolves the calcium silicate hydrate cement paste, leaving a weak, friable surface. Even relatively mild organic acids from food processing, dairy operations, or cleaning chemicals can gradually erode unprotected concrete. Once chemical attack has degraded the substrate, the floor not only looks poor — it harbours bacteria in surface pores and cracks, creates trip hazards, compromises drainage systems, and may allow chemical penetration into the building structure below.
The mechanism of chemical attack depends on the specific chemical and the floor system's resin chemistry. Strong mineral acids attack inorganic components in the floor system. Organic solvents (ketones, esters, aromatic hydrocarbons) can cause swelling or softening of standard epoxy resins through plasticization. Strong oxidizing acids (nitric acid, chromic acid) attack the resin polymer chains directly through oxidative degradation. Alkalis at high concentrations cause saponification of ester-based resins. Understanding these degradation mechanisms is essential for selecting the correct CIPY floor system — and this is exactly the expertise that Sri Sai Technologies brings to every chemical resistant flooring project.
The economic cost of inadequate chemical resistant flooring can be enormous. In a battery manufacturing facility, floor replacement during production represents not only the direct cost of the work but also the cost of production downtime, the risk of regulatory non-compliance, and potential environmental liability from chemical penetration into groundwater. Investment in the correct CIPY chemical resistant floor system at the outset is always more economical than reactive floor repair or replacement after chemical damage has occurred.
Novolac epoxy resin delivers the highest chemical resistance of any epoxy-based floor system. The densely cross-linked Novolac polymer network resists concentrated mineral acids, strong alkalis, and many solvents that would attack standard bisphenol-A epoxy. Available in 2–6 mm thickness. Ideal for battery manufacturing, electroplating, pickling lines, and severe chemical environments. CIPY Novolac systems are the go-to choice for India's harshest industrial floors.
For the most aggressive chemical environments — including concentrated hot acids, oxidizing acids (nitric, chromic), and strong solvents — vinyl ester resin systems provide superior resistance beyond even Novolac epoxy. CIPY's vinyl ester floor system is used in chemical plants, solvent manufacturing, and facilities processing highly oxidizing chemicals where even Novolac systems may be insufficient.
For moderate chemical exposure environments — laboratories, pharma production areas, food processing with cleaning chemicals, and general industrial facilities — CIPY's standard chemical resistant bisphenol-A epoxy systems provide reliable protection against dilute acids, alkalis, oils, diesel, and common cleaning agents at competitive cost. Available in 1–3 mm as coating or self-levelling systems.
Where flexibility, thermal shock resistance, and moderate chemical resistance must all be combined — such as in food processing CIP areas, pharmaceutical clean utilities, and facilities with significant temperature cycling — CIPY chemical resistant polyurethane floor systems deliver performance that standard epoxy cannot match. The flexible PU matrix accommodates thermal movement without cracking.
Chemical storage areas, tank farms, and process areas handling hazardous chemicals require bunded containment with chemical-resistant lining. CIPY Novolac or vinyl ester systems are used to line containment bunds, providing a full chemical barrier — including vertical walls and upstands — that prevents chemical leaks from reaching drains, groundwater, or surrounding areas.
For the most severe continuous acid immersion environments — particularly where acid concentration and temperature are both high — acid-resistant brick or tile systems bedded in CIPY furan or Novolac mortars provide unmatched durability. Used in concentrated acid storage areas, plating tanks, and chemical process bunds where polymer coatings alone are insufficient.
Indicative resistance ratings (E = Excellent, G = Good, L = Limited, NR = Not Recommended). Always confirm specific concentrations and temperatures with Sri Sai Technologies before specification.
| Chemical | Standard Epoxy | CR Epoxy | Novolac Epoxy | Vinyl Ester | CR PU |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sulfuric Acid (10%) | L | G | E | E | G |
| Sulfuric Acid (50%) | NR | L | G | E | NR |
| Hydrochloric Acid (10%) | L | G | E | E | G |
| Hydrochloric Acid (37%) | NR | L | G | E | L |
| Nitric Acid (10%) | NR | L | G | G | NR |
| Nitric Acid (30%) | NR | NR | L | G | NR |
| Sodium Hydroxide (50%) | G | E | E | E | G |
| Potassium Hydroxide (50%) | G | E | E | E | G |
| Acetone | NR | L | G | G | NR |
| MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) | NR | L | G | G | NR |
| Toluene / Xylene | NR | L | G | G | L |
| Diesel / Fuel Oil | G | E | E | E | E |
| Lubricating Oils | E | E | E | E | E |
| Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach) | L | G | E | E | G |
| Acetic Acid (10%) | G | E | E | E | G |
| Salt Water / Brine | E | E | E | E | E |
| Battery Electrolyte (H₂SO₄) | NR | L | E | E | NR |
| Phosphoric Acid (10%) | L | G | E | E | G |
Note: E = Excellent (continuous exposure), G = Good (intermittent exposure), L = Limited (brief splash, immediate clean-up), NR = Not Recommended. Ratings are at ambient temperature unless stated. Contact Sri Sai Technologies for specific chemical resistance data for CIPY products.
Creates an impermeable barrier that prevents aggressive chemicals from reaching and attacking the concrete substrate below — extending the life of the entire floor structure and avoiding costly structural repairs.
CIPY Novolac and vinyl ester systems resist the widest possible range of industrial chemicals — acids, alkalis, solvents, oils, and oxidizing chemicals — providing comprehensive protection in multi-chemical environments.
Seamless, jointless application eliminates the weak points where chemicals can penetrate — joints, cracks, and pores — creating a continuous impermeable barrier across the entire floor and into the cove skirting.
Helps facilities meet environmental regulations for chemical containment (CPCB, MoEF&CC guidelines), factory safety requirements, and industry-specific standards for chemical handling areas.
Intact, impermeable chemical resistant floors prevent the formation of slip hazards from chemical pooling, reduce exposure risks from off-gassing of chemicals absorbed into damaged floor surfaces, and eliminate trip hazards from surface deterioration.
CIPY Novolac systems provide 8–12 years of reliable service even in demanding acid environments — dramatically outlasting standard epoxy floors and reducing the total cost of ownership over the facility lifetime.
The smooth, non-porous surface of CIPY chemical resistant floors resists chemical staining, is easy to clean thoroughly, and does not harbour bacteria or chemical residues — critical in pharmaceutical and food facilities.
CIPY Novolac systems maintain excellent compressive and tensile strength even in chemically demanding environments, ensuring the floor remains structurally sound under forklift traffic, pallet loads, and equipment movement.
CIPY chemical resistant systems can be used to line containment bunds and secondary containment areas around chemical storage — preventing spills from reaching drains, waterways, or soil, protecting the environment and avoiding regulatory penalties.
CIPY chemical resistant products are manufactured by Pidilite Industries with rigorous QC, full chemical resistance test data for each product, and comprehensive application guidelines — ensuring you get exactly the performance specified.
Production areas for inorganic and organic chemicals — including acid manufacturing, alkali production, solvent plants, and fine chemical synthesis — where floors are regularly exposed to process chemicals requiring Novolac or vinyl ester systems.
Solvent processing areas, API synthesis labs, granulation rooms, and equipment cleaning areas where a combination of chemical resistance (solvents, acids, alkalis) and hygienic floor quality is required by GMP regulations.
Battery plate formation areas, electrolyte filling zones, and battery charging rooms where sulfuric acid is routinely present require CIPY Novolac epoxy systems — the only floor coating with reliable long-term resistance to battery electrolyte.
Plating shop floors, pickling areas, and chemical stripping zones handling concentrated acids (HCl, H₂SO₄, HNO₃), chromic acid, and cyanide plating solutions require the highest chemical resistance — CIPY Novolac or vinyl ester systems.
Aeration tanks, pump rooms, chemical dosing areas, and sludge processing facilities where H₂S generation, biogenic sulfuric acid, and chemical dosing agents attack concrete floors, requiring CIPY chemical resistant systems for protection.
Chemical research labs, quality control labs, and analytical facilities where bench areas, floor channels, and lab floors require chemical resistance to the full range of laboratory chemicals including acids, bases, and organic solvents.
| Property | CR Epoxy (Standard) | Novolac Epoxy | Vinyl Ester | CR PU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acid Resistance | Dilute acids | Concentrated acids | Extreme acid | Moderate acids |
| Alkali Resistance | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Solvent Resistance | Limited | Good | Good | Limited |
| Compressive Strength | >60 N/mm² | >70 N/mm² | >65 N/mm² | >50 N/mm² |
| Tensile Adhesion | >1.5 N/mm² | >1.5 N/mm² | >1.5 N/mm² | >1.5 N/mm² |
| Shore D Hardness | 80–85 | 85–92 | 80–88 | 70–80 |
| Abrasion (Taber) | <60 mg/1000 cyc | <50 mg/1000 cyc | <55 mg/1000 cyc | <70 mg/1000 cyc |
| Temperature Resistance | Up to 60°C | Up to 120°C (dry) | Up to 80°C | Up to 100°C brief |
| System Thickness | 1–3 mm | 3–9 mm | 3–6 mm | 2–4 mm |
| Water Vapour Permeability | Low | Very Low | Very Low | Low |
Effective drainage is critical in chemical resistant floor areas. Floors must be laid to falls (typically 1:100 to 1:80) towards chemical-resistant drainage channels and gullies fitted with acid-resistant gratings. Chemical resistant channel linings using CIPY systems are applied to all drainage channels to maintain the continuity of the chemical barrier. Poorly designed drainage results in chemical ponding that dramatically reduces floor service life.
Cove skirting (a 75–150 mm upstand with a curved base) is applied at all wall-floor junctions. This eliminates the right-angle junction — the most vulnerable point in any chemical flooring system — and creates a continuous sealed barrier extending from the floor surface up the wall. CIPY cove base compounds are compatible with all CIPY chemical resistant topcoat systems.
Construction joints, control joints, and expansion joints in the concrete substrate must be treated with chemical-resistant joint sealants before chemical resistant floor coatings are applied. Unsealed joints are potential pathways for chemical penetration below the floor coating. CIPY joint sealants compatible with the floor system are specified and installed as part of every CR flooring project.
In chemical storage areas and around process vessels handling hazardous chemicals, secondary containment bunds are designed to hold 110% of the largest single vessel's volume. The bund floor and walls are lined with CIPY Novolac or vinyl ester systems to create a fully sealed chemical containment envelope. Inlet and outlet penetrations are sealed with chemical-resistant sealants.
Chemical resistant flooring demands the most rigorous substrate preparation of any floor system. Concrete is mechanically prepared by diamond grinding or shot-blasting to a CSP 3–5 surface profile. All chemical contamination, oils, curing compounds, and existing coatings must be completely removed. Tensile pull-off strength is tested and must exceed 1.5 N/mm² before application proceeds.
Temperature and humidity control during application and cure are critical for chemical resistant systems — particularly Novolac and vinyl ester. Substrate and ambient temperatures must be within the specified range (typically 10–35°C), and relative humidity must be below 80% with the substrate temperature at least 3°C above the dew point. Full chemical resistance is typically achieved after 7 days cure at 25°C.
As a CIPY Authorized Applicator, Sri Sai Technologies uses only genuine Pidilite Industries chemical resistant flooring products with full technical data sheets and chemical resistance confirmation.
Highest chemical resistance epoxy system. Provides excellent resistance to concentrated acids, alkalis, and solvents. Available in 3–6 mm thickness. Ideal for battery, electroplating, and chemical plant applications.
Chemical resistant bisphenol-A epoxy for moderate chemical exposure. 1–3 mm system. Resists dilute acids, alkalis, oils, diesel, and common industrial cleaning agents at lower cost than Novolac.
Self-levelling chemical resistant epoxy providing a smooth, seamless surface for labs, pharma facilities, and cleanrooms requiring both chemical resistance and aesthetic quality.
Flexible polyurethane system with chemical resistance to food acids, CIP chemicals, and mild industrial chemicals. Ideal for food processing and pharmaceutical utility areas.
Chemical resistant cove base mortar for application at wall-floor junctions. Compatible with all CIPY CR topcoat systems. Available in standard and rapid-set formulations.
Chemical resistant epoxy primer for use under all CIPY CR systems. Penetrates and seals the concrete substrate while providing excellent adhesion for the topcoat layers above.
✅ CIPY products by Pidilite Industries include comprehensive chemical resistance data for each product — critical for specifying the correct system for your specific chemical environment.
Explore All CIPY SystemsChemical resistant flooring uses specialized resin systems — such as Novolac epoxy, vinyl ester, or standard chemical resistant epoxy — that have a more densely cross-linked molecular structure than standard coatings. This prevents aggressive chemicals from penetrating the coating, protecting the concrete substrate below. The correct system selection is critical: different chemicals require different resin types, concentrations, and application thicknesses.
Novolac epoxy provides the highest resistance among epoxy-based systems — excellent against concentrated mineral acids, alkalis, and many solvents. For the most extreme environments (hot concentrated acids, oxidizing acids like chromic or concentrated nitric), vinyl ester resin systems offer even higher resistance. Sri Sai Technologies will assess your specific chemical environment and recommend the appropriate CIPY system.
Yes. CIPY Novolac epoxy systems provide excellent resistance to sulfuric acid at typical battery manufacturing and battery room concentrations. For dilute H₂SO₄ (up to 10%), standard CR epoxy may be adequate; for concentrations up to 50%, Novolac is recommended; for concentrated hot H₂SO₄, vinyl ester systems are used. Contact Sri Sai Technologies to confirm the right specification for your specific acid concentration and temperature.
A secondary containment bund is a raised-edge enclosure around chemical storage tanks or process vessels, designed to contain accidental spills. The bund floor and internal walls are lined with CIPY Novolac or vinyl ester chemical resistant systems to prevent contained chemicals from reaching drains, groundwater, or surrounding floor areas. Bunds are typically sized to contain 110% of the largest vessel's capacity.
Yes — cove skirting is strongly recommended and often mandatory. It replaces the vulnerable right-angle wall-floor junction with a smooth curved upstand of 75–150 mm, extending the seamless chemical barrier from the floor onto the wall. Without cove skirting, chemical liquids can track behind the floor coating at the wall junction, causing delamination and allowing chemical penetration to the substrate.
With correct installation, appropriate chemical management, and proper maintenance, CIPY chemical resistant epoxy flooring systems last 7–12 years in demanding environments. Novolac systems in battery manufacturing typically achieve 8–10 years. Service life is maximised by cleaning chemical spills promptly, using the correct cleaning agents, and carrying out annual condition inspections with prompt repair of any defects.
Chemical resistant flooring requires the most rigorous surface preparation. Concrete must be mechanically prepared by diamond grinding or shot-blasting to CSP 3–5. All chemical contamination, oils, curing compounds, and old coatings must be completely removed. Tensile pull-off strength must be minimum 1.5 N/mm². All cracks and defects must be repaired with compatible CIPY products. Moisture content must be below 4% by weight before coating begins.
Yes. CIPY chemical resistant epoxy systems are widely used in pharmaceutical API manufacturing, solvent processing areas, and equipment cleaning rooms. They combine chemical resistance to solvents, acids, and cleaning agents with the hygienic, seamless surface required by GMP regulations. For cleanroom pharmaceutical areas requiring both chemical resistance and ESD control, CIPY specialist systems addressing both requirements simultaneously are available.
Clean chemical spills immediately — never allow chemicals to dwell on the surface. Routine cleaning uses pH-neutral detergents and warm water. Avoid cleaning agents outside the floor's chemical resistance rating (particularly strong solvents). Annual inspection for microcracks, delamination, and cove/joint integrity is recommended. Any damage should be repaired promptly with compatible CIPY materials to maintain the chemical barrier.
Chemical resistant flooring costs vary based on the system type, floor area, substrate condition, and scope (including cove skirting, drainage, and secondary containment). Standard CR epoxy ranges from ₹350–₹550 per sq. ft.; Novolac epoxy from ₹550–₹900 per sq. ft.; vinyl ester systems are higher. Contact Sri Sai Technologies for a free site assessment and detailed project quotation.
Is your facility floor at risk from chemical attack? Contact Sri Sai Technologies — India's specialist chemical resistant flooring contractor and Authorized Applicator of CIPY flooring systems by Pidilite Industries. We'll assess your chemical environment and specify the correct CIPY system for your needs.