K-silicate, furane, phenolic or epoxy: choosing an acid-resistant mortar

In acid-resistant lining, the brick or tile usually survives; the joint is where leaks begin. That makes the choice of mortar the most important decision in the whole system.

Start with the service conditions

• Which chemicals, and at what concentration
• Acid, alkali, or both at different times
• Operating temperature, including washdowns and steam cleaning
• Presence of solvents or oxidising chemicals
• Mechanical load and traffic, for floors

Potassium silicate mortars

Good resistance to most acids, including at elevated temperatures, and widely used in acid tanks and towers. They are not suitable for alkaline service or for hydrofluoric acid.

Furane resin mortars

Resistant to a broad range of acids and alkalis and to many solvents, which makes them a common choice for mixed-service areas. They are not recommended for strong oxidising acids.

Phenolic resin mortars

Good resistance to acids and many solvents, with more limited resistance to strong alkalis. Strong oxidising conditions should be avoided.

Epoxy mortars

Good alkali resistance and resistance to many dilute acids, with lower temperature limits than silicate systems. Often used for floors and areas with moderate chemical exposure.

Always confirm with data

These are general guidelines. Actual performance depends on the exact chemical, concentration and temperature, so the final choice should always be checked against the manufacturer's chemical resistance data for your conditions.

Share your chemical list and temperatures with us, and we will recommend a system along with the reasons.