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Use Megabond for: High-strength bonding of stone & tile; Non-staining adhesion on light marble; Structural bonding of precast, metal, concrete; Stone/concrete repairs.
Megapoxy Megabond is a premium, two-component structural epoxy adhesive specifically formulated for high-strength bonding applications, particularly involving stone and tile. This 100% solids, Zero VOC adhesive cures to form an incredibly strong, rigid, and permanent bond superior to concrete itself. Its unique smooth, creamy paste consistency is designed for easy mixing (simple 1:1 ratio by volume) and effortless application with a notched trowel, making it ideal for bedding heavy tiles and stone slabs. A key advantage for architectural finishes is that Megabond is non-staining, ensuring it won't discolour white or light-coloured marbles, composite stones, or water-sensitive stones. Furthermore, it can be easily tinted using Megapoxy coloured pigment pastes to match materials for seamless repairs or joints. Suitable for both interior and exterior use across Australia, Megabond offers excellent chemical and shock resistance, making it the professional choice for demanding bonding tasks.
Surface Preparation Focus (Priming): Achieving Megabond's high bond strength relies heavily on meticulous surface preparation. Priming is generally not required if substrates are properly prepared. Concrete must be clean, sound, free of contaminants/laitance, and preferably mechanically abraded (grinding/blasting). Metals require abrasion to bright metal followed by degreasing. Remove all existing coatings before bonding.
Cure Time / Work Time: After mixing the 1:1 ratio, Megabond provides a workable pot life of approximately 45 minutes at 25°C. Minimum cure times vary with temperature: allow 48 hours at 15°C, 24 hours at 25°C, or 12 hours at 35°C before subjecting the bond to significant stress. Full cure develops over several days.
Coverage Rate: Coverage depends on the application method, substrate porosity, and required bond line thickness (e.g., notch size of trowel used). Calculate material needs based on the specific job requirements.
Temperature Ranges: Ensure substrate and ambient temperatures are above the minimum application temperature of 10°C. Cured Megabond can withstand continuous operating temperatures up to 80°C.
Chemical Properties: As a robust Two-Part Epoxy system, Megabond provides excellent resistance to water and a wide range of chemicals once fully cured. It also exhibits high resistance to impact and shock.
Key Features of Megapoxy Megabond
- High Structural Strength: Delivers exceptional bond strength (Concrete >3MPa, Steel 10MPa) and physical properties (Compressive 60MPa, Flexural 50MPa) for demanding load-bearing applications.
- Smooth, Spreadable Paste: Creamy consistency is easily mixed and applied with a notched trowel, ideal for bedding tiles and stone over larger areas.
- Non-Staining Formula: Guaranteed not to stain or discolour sensitive light-coloured marbles, composite stones, or water-sensitive stones.
- Zero VOC Content: Enhances workplace safety and suitable for green building projects or interior applications.
- Tintable: Can be coloured with Megapoxy pigment pastes to match stone or substrate colours for aesthetic joints and repairs.
- Simple 1:1 Mix Ratio: Easy and reliable mixing by volume ensures consistent performance.
- Versatile Adhesion: Bonds strongly to a wide range of substrates including stone, tile, concrete, masonry, cement sheet, timber, metal, and fibreglass.
- Excellent Durability: Offers high resistance to chemicals, water immersion, and shock/impact. Suitable for interior and exterior use.
Why Choose Megapoxy Megabond:
- Ultimate Bond for Stone & Tile: Provides unparalleled strength and reliability for installing heavy or large format stone and tile, especially vertically or in demanding environments.
- Protect Expensive Finishes: Non-staining properties give peace of mind when working with valuable light-coloured marbles and sensitive stones.
- Achieve Aesthetic Results: Tintability allows for colour matching, making repairs and joints less conspicuous.
- Ease of Application: Smooth, creamy texture spreads easily with a trowel, improving workability for bedding applications.
- Safe & Compliant: Zero VOC formulation meets environmental standards and contributes to a safer working environment.
- Reliable Performance: Proven epoxy technology ensures strong, permanent bonds resistant to chemicals and impact.
When to Choose Megapoxy Megabond versus Alternatives:
- Choose Megabond over Cementitious Tile Adhesives when: Maximum bond strength, chemical resistance, suitability for water-sensitive stone, non-staining properties, or Zero VOC are required. Essential for heavy vertical stone/tile cladding or demanding applications.
- Choose Megabond over Megapoxy 254 when: A smoother, more easily spreadable paste for trowel application (bedding) is preferred over a non-sag paste (filling/vertical bonding). Higher maximum service temperature (80°C vs 70°C) is needed. Note: Megabond has slightly lower compressive/tensile strength than 254 but higher flexural strength.
- Choose Megabond over Polyurethane (PU) / MS Polymer Adhesives when: A rigid, high-modulus structural bond is required with minimal flexibility. PU/MS offer flexibility but lower ultimate strength and rigidity compared to Megabond epoxy.
- Consider other options when: Flexibility or movement accommodation is needed (use flexible adhesives/sealants), very fast setting time is the primary requirement, or cost is the main factor for non-structural applications (cementitious adhesives may be more economical).
Trade-Specific Applications for Megapoxy Megabond:
For the Stone Industry:
- Bonding Stone Slabs/Tiles: High-strength bedding adhesive for installing marble, granite, travertine, limestone, and composite stone flooring, cladding, countertops, and monuments.
- Miter Joints & Laminations: Creating strong, seamless bonds for countertop edges and built-up stone sections. Tintable for invisible joints.
- Stone Repair: Filling chips, cracks, and voids in stone; non-staining properties are crucial for aesthetic repairs on light stones.
- Performance Benefits: Non-staining, high bond strength, bonds water-sensitive stone, tintable.
For Tilers (Stone & Large Format Specialists):
- Heavy / Large Format Tile Installation: Provides the necessary high bond strength and rigidity for securely fixing large, heavy porcelain or stone tiles, especially on vertical surfaces (used with appropriate technique).
- Demanding Environments: Ideal for tiling areas subject to high stress, impact, or chemical exposure where cementitious adhesives might fail.
- Water-Sensitive Tile/Stone: Suitable adhesive choice for materials prone to moisture issues when used with water-based adhesives.
- Performance Benefits: Superior bond strength, rigidity, non-staining, chemical resistance.
For Facade / Cladding Installers (Stone/Tile):
- Mechanical Fixing Augmentation: Can be used in conjunction with mechanical fixings (as per engineer specification) to provide enhanced bonding and load distribution for heavy stone or tile cladding panels.
- Adhering Decorative Elements: Securely bonding architectural features made from stone, precast concrete, or GFRC.
- Performance Benefits: High bond strength, excellent durability, suitable for exterior exposure (may require coating if visible).
For Precast Concrete Installers / Repairers:
- Bonding Precast Components: Structurally joining precast panels, stairs, beams, and decorative elements.
- Repairing Precast Units: Filling cracks, spalls, and damaged edges with a material often stronger than the original concrete.
- Performance Benefits: High strength, excellent bond to concrete, durable repair solution.
Application Information
- Required Tools: Notched trowel (for bedding), flat trowel/spatula (for mixing/applying), clean mixing surface/containers, mechanical mixer (optional for large batches), Megapoxy pigment pastes (if tinting), cleaning solvent (Megapoxy Thinners), disposable gloves, safety glasses.
- Surface Preparation is CRITICAL: Ensure surfaces are meticulously clean, sound, dry, and properly abraded (mechanical prep preferred) according to TDS instructions for the specific substrate (concrete, metal, stone).
- Mixing: Accurately measure 1 Part A to 1 Part B by volume. Mix thoroughly for several minutes until a uniform off-white colour is achieved with no streaks. If tinting, add Megapoxy pigment paste (usually to Part A before mixing A+B, check pigment instructions) sparingly to achieve desired colour.
- Application: Apply mixed epoxy using a notched trowel for bedding stone/tile, ensuring adequate coverage and transfer to the back of the tile/stone. For repairs or spot bonding, apply with a spatula/trowel. Work within the 45-minute pot life (@ 25°C).
Storage and Shelf Life
- Storage Requirements: Store kits in a cool, dry area, protected from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep containers tightly sealed.
- Shelf Life Information: Shelf life is not explicitly stated in this TDS revision. Epoxies typically last 12-24 months if stored correctly. Always check packaging for any expiry dates.
Certifications and Compliance
- Zero VOC: Confirmed as free from volatile organic compounds.
- ASTM Tested Properties: Key physical properties are tested and reported according to standard ASTM methods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Megapoxy Megabond
Q: What is the main difference between Megabond and Megapoxy 254?
A: The primary difference is consistency and intended application. Megabond is a smooth, spreadable paste ideal for trowel application (like bedding stone/tile). Megapoxy 254 is a thicker, non-sag paste designed for vertical/overhead bonding and filling where slump resistance is key. Megabond also has a slightly higher max service temperature (80°C vs 70°C).
Q: Is Megabond suitable for installing large, heavy tiles vertically?
A: Yes, Megabond provides the high bond strength necessary for heavy tiles. While described as 'spreadable', its epoxy nature gives it good body. For vertical installations, ensure adequate coverage (back-buttering tile often recommended) and consider using appropriate installation techniques like mechanical support during cure if required by engineering specs or tile weight/size.
Q: How accurately do I need to mix the 1:1 ratio?
A: Very accurately. Use graduated containers or ensure equal volumes are dispensed if using pump packs (if available). Incorrect mix ratios can lead to incomplete cure, lower strength, reduced chemical resistance, and potential discolouration. Thorough mixing until uniform colour is also essential.
Q: Can Megabond be used to fill large holes or gaps?
A: Yes, it can be used for filling holes and voids in stone and concrete. For very deep repairs, it might be necessary to apply it in layers to manage heat generation during cure (exotherm), allowing each layer to partially cure before applying the next. Consult Megapoxy technical service for advice on deep fills.
Q: How much pigment paste should I add to tint Megabond?
A: Add Megapoxy pigment pastes sparingly, typically only a small percentage by weight (e.g., up to 1-3%). Start with a very small amount and mix thoroughly, adding more gradually until the desired colour is achieved. Adding too much pigment can potentially affect the final properties of the cured epoxy.
Q: Does Megabond provide any flexibility for movement?
A: No, Megabond is a rigid structural epoxy adhesive (Modulus 2 GPa, Shore D 70). It is designed to create strong, stiff bonds and is not suitable for joints that require significant movement accommodation. Use flexible sealants or adhesives for expansion/control joints.
Use Megapoxy Megabond for:
- Installing Natural Stone Flooring & Cladding: High-strength, non-staining bedding adhesive for marble, granite, limestone, etc.
- Fixing Large Format / Heavy Tiles: Provides the bond strength needed for heavy ceramic, porcelain, or stone tiles, especially vertically.
- Bonding Composite Stone: Suitable adhesive for engineered quartz and other composite stone materials.
- Creating Miter Joints & Laminations: Strong, seamless bonding for stone countertop edges and assemblies (tintable).
- Structural Bonding: Adhering precast concrete elements, metal components to concrete, or other structural applications.
- High-Strength Repairs: Repairing cracks and damage in concrete, stone, and fibreglass where rigidity and strength are needed.
- Applications Requiring Zero VOC: Suitable for indoor, green building, or sensitive environment projects.
- Exterior Installations: Durable bonding for external cladding and features (protect visible glue lines from UV if needed).
Why Use Megapoxy Megabond for:
- Unmatched Strength for Heavy Materials: Ensures secure, long-term bonding of heavy stone and large tiles, reducing risk of failure.
- Protecting Valuable Stone: Non-staining properties prevent costly aesthetic damage to light-coloured and sensitive marbles.
- Achieving Seamless Aesthetics: Tintability allows adhesive lines in joints or repairs to be colour-matched and minimised.
- Versatile & Reliable Bonding: Adheres strongly to a wide range of common construction materials for diverse applications.
- Durable & Resistant Performance: Excellent resistance to water, chemicals, and shock ensures longevity in demanding conditions.
- Safe and Easy to Use: Zero VOC formulation and simple 1:1 mix ratio enhance user experience and safety.
How to apply Megapoxy Megabond:
- Surface Preparation: Ensure substrates are meticulously prepared: clean, dry, sound, and free of contaminants. Mechanically abrade concrete and metal surfaces for best results as per TDS. Remove all dust.
- Measure Components: Accurately measure exactly equal volumes (1 Part A : 1 Part B) using clean, separate measuring tools or containers.
- Mixing (+/- Pigment): Combine measured Part A and Part B. If tinting, add the required amount of Megapoxy pigment paste (usually to Part A first) and mix briefly before combining A+B. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or mechanical mixer for several minutes until a completely uniform, streak-free, off-white paste is achieved.
- Application: Within the 45-minute work time (@ 25°C), apply the mixed Megabond:
- For bedding stone/tile: Use an appropriate notched trowel to apply an even bed onto the substrate. Consider back-buttering large/heavy tiles.
- For spot bonding/repairs: Apply with a spatula or trowel, ensuring full contact and adequate adhesive volume.
- Positioning & Pressure: Place the stone, tile, or component onto the adhesive bed with firm pressure, ensuring good contact and transfer. Adjust positioning as needed within the work time.
- Curing: Allow the adhesive to cure undisturbed for the minimum required time based on temperature (e.g., 24 hours @ 25°C) before grouting, trafficking, or subjecting to load. Avoid disturbing during initial cure.
- Clean Up: Clean tools and any excess uncured epoxy immediately using Megapoxy Thinners or a suitable solvent. Cured epoxy requires mechanical removal. Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, glasses).
How to apply Megapoxy Megabond:
- Surface Preparation: Ensure substrates are meticulously prepared: clean, dry, sound, and free of contaminants. Mechanically abrade concrete and metal surfaces for best results as per TDS. Remove all dust.
- Measure Components: Accurately measure exactly equal volumes (1 Part A : 1 Part B) using clean, separate measuring tools or containers.
- Mixing (+/- Pigment): Combine measured Part A and Part B. If tinting, add the required amount of Megapoxy pigment paste (usually to Part A first) and mix briefly before combining A+B. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or mechanical mixer for several minutes until a completely uniform, streak-free, off-white paste is achieved.
- Application: Within the 45-minute work time (@ 25°C), apply the mixed Megabond:
- For bedding stone/tile: Use an appropriate notched trowel to apply an even bed onto the substrate. Consider back-buttering large/heavy tiles.
- For spot bonding/repairs: Apply with a spatula or trowel, ensuring full contact and adequate adhesive volume.
- Positioning & Pressure: Place the stone, tile, or component onto the adhesive bed with firm pressure, ensuring good contact and transfer. Adjust positioning as needed within the work time.
- Curing: Allow the adhesive to cure undisturbed for the minimum required time based on temperature (e.g., 24 hours @ 25°C) before grouting, trafficking, or subjecting to load. Avoid disturbing during initial cure.
- Clean Up: Clean tools and any excess uncured epoxy immediately using Megapoxy Thinners or a suitable solvent. Cured epoxy requires mechanical removal. Wear appropriate PPE (gloves, glasses).
Megapoxy Megabond can be used on the following substrates:
- Natural Stone: Marble, granite, limestone, travertine, sandstone, etc. (Non-staining on light/sensitive types). *Requires clean, dry surface*.
- Composite / Engineered Stone: Bonds well to quartz-based and other composite stones. *Follow stone manufacturer recommendations*.
- Ceramic & Porcelain Tiles: High-strength bonding for heavy or large format tiles. *Ensure back of tile is clean*.
- Concrete: New (fully cured) or old concrete. *Requires thorough cleaning and mechanical abrasion*.
- Masonry: Bricks, blocks, renders. *Requires clean, sound surface*.
- Cement Sheet: Compressed Fibre Cement (CFC) and other cementitious boards. *Ensure clean, dry surface*.
- Plasterboard: Standard and water-resistant plasterboard. *Ensure surface is sound and free of dust*.
- Timber: Most wood types. *Requires clean, dry, sound surface*.
- Metal: Steel, potentially others. *Requires grit blasting or mechanical abrasion to bright metal, then degreasing*.
- Fibreglass: Suitable for bonding and repairing fibreglass articles. *Requires surface abrasion*.
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