Polypropylene vs Polycarbonate Anti-Skid in 100% Solids Epoxy Floor Systems

Purpose

This Technical Advisory outlines material class differences between thermoset poly allyl diglycol carbonate (PADC) aggregates and thermoplastic polypropylene anti-skid additives when used in 100% solids, chemical-resistant epoxy floor coating systems.

The purpose of this document is educational and intended to assist contractors, specifiers, and owners in understanding material behavior, performance variables, and substitution considerations.

Related product: Epoxy.com Synthetic Anti-Skid Additive.

Material Identification

Epoxy.com Synthetic Anti-Skid Additive

• Composition: Poly Allyl Diglycol Carbonate (PADC)
• Material Class: Thermoset polymer (polycarbonate family) aggregate
• Rockwell Hardness: M95-M110
• Specific Gravity: Approximately 1.34
• Characteristics: Crosslinked, optically clear, abrasion resistant, chemically resistant

Polypropylene Anti-Skid Additives

• Composition: Polypropylene
• Material Class: Thermoplastic polymer additive
• Characteristics: Lightweight, low-density texture additive commonly used in architectural and maintenance coatings

These materials belong to different polymer classes and exhibit different mechanical and surface characteristics.

Polymer Structure and Mechanical Differences

Thermoset Poly Allyl Diglycol Carbonate (PADC) Aggregate

• Crosslinked polymer structure
• Does not soften once cured
• Maintains particle geometry under mechanical stress
• Defined hardness (Rockwell M95-M110)
• Designed for predictable performance within resinous flooring systems

Thermoplastic Polypropylene Additive

• Non-crosslinked polymer
• Softens under heat
• Lower hardness relative to PADC aggregate
• Greater potential for deformation or rounding under sustained mechanical wear
• Often selected for ease of mixing and subtle texture control

Application in 100% Solids Chemical-Resistant Epoxy

When incorporated into high-build 100% solids epoxy topcoats, both material types may be physically compatible with epoxy resin and will not typically interfere with cure.

However, compatibility does not establish equivalency. Performance in service is influenced by:

• Particle hardness
• Resistance to deformation
• Surface energy and adhesion characteristics
• Film thickness and embedment depth
• Chemical exposure
• Cleaning procedures
• Traffic conditions

Where the anti-skid additive is incorporated into the final clear topcoat, that additive directly influences final surface texture, slip resistance profile, gloss, light reflectivity, and long-term wear behavior.

Optical and Aesthetic Considerations

In pigmented floors finished with clear topcoats, the anti-skid additive becomes part of the visible surface layer.

• Particle refractive properties influence light transmission, gloss depth, and surface reflectivity.
• Thermoplastic polypropylene particles may introduce greater light scatter or surface diffusion at comparable loadings.
• Thermoset PADC aggregate is optically clear and is designed to minimize distortion of pigmented or clear topcoats when properly dispersed.

In gray industrial systems under diffuse lighting, visual differences may be limited. However, under high-intensity LED lighting, low-angle lighting, or in high-visibility areas, variations in gloss uniformity and reflectivity may become more apparent.

For projects where both appearance and slip resistance are important, field mock-ups under final lighting conditions are recommended prior to full installation.

Slip Resistance, Adhesion, and Wear Stability

Slip resistance performance depends on particle exposure, retention, and long-term profile stability.

Epoxy does not chemically bond to polypropylene. Thermoplastic polypropylene additives have low surface energy, and particle retention depends primarily on mechanical encapsulation within the cured film.

Epoxy.com Synthetic Anti-Skid Additive consists of thermoset PADC aggregate with defined hardness and favorable compatibility within epoxy resin systems.

Because polypropylene is generally softer and relies solely on mechanical embedment, wear patterns and long-term particle retention may differ under:

• Repeated foot traffic
• Equipment traffic
• Abrasive cleaning
• Chemical maintenance cycles

Where slip resistance is a specified performance requirement, validation testing or field confirmation is recommended when substituting materials.

Specification Considerations

Epoxy.com Synthetic Anti-Skid Additive is a thermoset poly allyl diglycol carbonate (PADC) aggregate with defined mechanical properties.

When project specifications identify a thermoset polycarbonate or equivalent synthetic aggregate anti-skid, substitution with a thermoplastic polypropylene additive represents a change in material class and mechanical performance characteristics.

Such substitutions may not provide equivalent hardness, abrasion resistance, particle profile stability, or long-term slip consistency.

Compliance with project specifications and performance requirements should be confirmed by the responsible party prior to installation.

Substitution Notice

Epoxy Systems, Inc. designs coating systems as complete systems. When anti-skid materials not supplied, tested, or approved by Epoxy Systems, Inc. are substituted, system performance, appearance, slip resistance, durability, and regulatory compliance cannot be predicted from standard specifications.

Where substitutions occur, field mock-ups and written acceptance by the responsible party are recommended prior to full installation.

Conclusion

Thermoset poly allyl diglycol carbonate (PADC) aggregates and thermoplastic polypropylene additives are distinct polymer classes with different structural, mechanical, and surface characteristics.

While both may function as texture additives in epoxy systems, they are not interchangeable on a material-property basis. Material selection should be based on performance requirements, service environment, safety considerations, and specification compliance.

For project-specific guidance, contact Epoxy.com Technical Support.

Proper mixing and installation is critical to the optimal success of all products.  See Installation Tips, Techdata, & MSDS for more details on our products.  Be sure to contact us with any questions and/or concerns that you have.

For more information please contact:

Epoxy.com
A Division of Epoxy Systems, Inc
A Vermont Corporation
USA

We have products that have passed the test of time as well as the best new Systems available today.

Since 1980 - Over 45 years of the highest quality products

Hours: 9AM-4PM Eastern Time (6AM-1PM Pacific Time)

Closed for lunch from 12Noon to 1PM

321-206-1833  Customer Service - Ordering and Order Status
Katey Lambert-Fontaine - Vice President & Chief Operations Officer
katey@epoxy.com

352-533-2167  Technical Support
Norm Lambert - President & Technical Support Director
info@epoxy.com

Debby Lambert, Co-Founder and Strategic Planning

Website: www.epoxy.com

24 hour Hazmat Emergency Telephone Response Service - 1-800-633-8253

[Home] [Catalog of Products] [MSDS in Acrobat Format] [Online Ordering Authorization Form]