What type of binder is used to create the FlexDeck surface?
The “industry standard” binder for rubber resurfacing is known as an aromatic hydrocarbon. This is the binder most of our competitors use. Aromatic binders are initially good, but they do not offer much Ultra Violet, (UV), protection, casting a yellow appearance while curing, known as ambering. Care must be taken with certain lighter color rubbers so that ambering does not taint the true color of the rubber. Colored EPDM/TPV such as blue, ivory, white, brown etc… when mixed with UV radiation and aromatics will cure with green to yellow tinge. In areas absent of UV, the surface will not amber, creating a surface splotched with ambered and non-ambered rubber. An alternative to aromatic binders is called an aliphatic binder. Aliphatic binders are more chemically stable and therefore more UV resistant so that granules mixed with this binder remain colorfast and far more resistant to ambering. Aliphatic binders also show better longevity and flexibility over time compared to aromatics. Pure
