What Is Polyurea? All The Info You Need To Know

Dec 20, 2019 | Educational

What Is Polyurea? All The Info You Need To Know

Ever wondered what makes OBIC coating systems one of the most cost-effective, long-lasting solutions for the maintenance and rehabilitation of everything from manholes to tank linings? It is the result of extensive research, development and testing of polyurea chemistry.

Uniquely designed to meet the demands of water and wastewater systems, OBIC polyurea products have numerous benefits including:

  • They can be spray applied in various environmental conditions
  • They are fast setting, requiring minimal downtime
  • They are designed to maintain excellent abrasion and chemical resistance
  • They can be customized to meet the unique needs of the structure
  • They are environmentally friendly

OBIC’s polyurea products are manufactured in an ISO 9001-2015 certified facility. Each specific product is formulated to maximize its performance based upon the particular application of drinking water, wastewater, stormwater or industrial use.

The History of Polyurea

Polyurea can be described as an advancement of polymer chemistry based upon the earlier chemical family of polyurethanes. This later technology, known as polyurea, is a plural component elastomer system that is used for coating, casting and sealing materials. Plural component elastomer systems have been understood for decades.

Actually, the reactions forming the basis of polymers was discovered in the mid-1800s. The first polymers were produced in the mid to late 1930s. During the 1950s and 1960s considerable research occurred in the area of urethane development and during the early ‘70s the use of polyurethane as an elastomeric coating became significant. References to polyurea appear in the literature during that time period, but its extremely fast set times proved problematic for practical application uses.

In the early 1980s, the development of reaction injection molding technology (RIM) allowed the use of polyurea in the manufacture of automobile parts. The front and rear bumpers, fenders, doors and quarter panels of the Pontiac Fiero, as well as bumper parts for the Camaro and Trans Am, were molded from polyurea.

In the mid-’80s Texaco Chemical Company began significant efforts to develop polyurea for spray applications. Concurrently, Gusmer Corporation (now owned by Graco) worked with Texaco to develop innovative equipment suitable for the spray application of polyurea. The first commercial polyurea coating was sprayed in 1989.

Polyurea vs Polyurethane

Polyurea and Polyurethane are both two-part systems, the basic difference being in the resin side of the formula. Avoiding a complex chemistry explanation, it is easiest to understand that polyurea cures incredibly quickly (typically ±10 seconds). It is resistant to a broad range of corrosives, and cured material has excellent adhesion and abrasion qualities. Polyurea is unique as a spray-applied coating in that it can be installed, and depending on the application, used almost immediately.

Polyurea coatings uniquely combine properties such as rapid cure, even in cold temperatures, and insensitivity to humidity. They are 100 percent-solids, making them compliant with strict VOC regulations, and have exceptional physical properties such as

  • High hardness
  • Flexibility
  • Tear strength
  • Tensile strength
  • Chemical and water resistance

Product Demonstrations

OBIC polyurea coating systems offer a high-quality, cost-effective alternative to the replacement of water and wastewater system components. To learn more about OBIC, we encourage you to visit our website and schedule a product demonstration.

Product demonstrations can be conducted in an optional lunch and learn format, and we encourage you to invite anyone who is interested in learning more about OBIC products. All we need from you is a location and a manhole no deeper than 8-9’ for the demonstration. We will provide the refreshments.

The OBIC lunch and learn program takes about one hour and may generally be used to meet CEU requirements for engineers.

Chief Financial Officer

KRISTI KIMPEL

With more than 16 years of experience in the trenchless technology industry, Kristi has been with OBIC since the company’s conception. In that time, Kristi has worn many hats while managing the front office: accounting, safety, marketing, event planning, insurance, and shipping and receiving, just to name a few.

Prior to joining the OBIC team, Kristi worked for a transportation broker as an onsite representative for the customers while also serving as an internal transportation specialist. She stays involved in the local manufacturing industry by maintaining active membership in the Black Swamp Safety Council. In addition, she participates in leadership positions for Williams County, learning how the community works and using it as an avenue to be more involved.

In her free time, Kristi stays busy with her two kids who are involved in a variety of extracurricular clubs and sports. She also serves as a school board member and as an archery coach where she is committed to teaching archery basics as well as important life skills. She is passionate about growing and leading women in discipleship programs and wants to positively influence others around her.

 

Physical Properties:

  • Z

    Tensile Strength: 3351 psi
  • Z

    Elongation: 395%
  • Z

    Hardness: 48D
  • Z

    Tear Resistance: 417 pli
  • Z

    SWAT ASTM G210: Pass

CEO/Chief Visionary Officer

DUSTIN SCHLACHTER

Dustin Schlachter is dedicated to providing water and wastewater system repair and maintenance solutions that are both affordable and long-lasting. With a visionary mindset, he is responsible for setting the strategic course for OBIC and ensuring high growth initiatives and strong partnerships as he leads the company toward the future.

Dustin’s entrepreneurial aspiration has held him captive to the trenchless technology field since 1999 when he and his father founded S&S Directional Boring. No stranger to change management, he has successfully led multiple companies as they embraced new infrastructure rehabilitation technologies. In 2007, Dustin founded Advanced Rehabilitation Technology where he continued to grow and expand his work to include infrastructure rehabilitation through lining and coating system applications. This expansion allowed him to strengthen the executive and visionary skills he would need one day to lead a global company.

Dustin continues to expand upon and share his knowledge of the industry by serving as a member and past president of the Great Lakes Trenchless Association. He is also an active member of the National Association of Sewer Service Companies and the Water Environment Federation.

A devoted husband and father of three, Dustin finds enjoyment and relaxation in outdoor activities like landscaping and gardening. Dustin is dedicated to learning and growing in faith, and his life goal is to help others grow as well.​

 

Marketing Manager

Lee Drugan

Lee Drugan is a seasoned Marketing Manager with over 12 years of experience, specializing in bridging the gap between complex industries and their audiences. Lee’s core passion lies in helping companies and individuals understand their ‘Why’ – which is usually a great connection between customer and the company they choose to work with.

Lee’s approach to marketing is defined by adaptability, integrity, and confidence. Understanding that change is constant and trust is essential, Lee develops marketing strategies that genuinely connect with audiences. With a Degree in Management/Marketing from Ashland University, he has expertise in adaptive strategies, digital marketing, and video/content creation, allowing him to create engaging and educational content that leaves a lasting impact.

In current roles, particularly as Marketing Manager for OBIC, Lee is responsible for all facets of marketing and advertising. Lee thrives on the challenge of highlighting the critical role of infrastructure maintenance. His marketing philosophy highlights the power of engaging and educational content, with a strong focus on brand perception and lasting results.

Outside of work, Lee finds joy in traveling with his family and creating opportunities for his kids to excel in what they love.

 

 

Member & Business Development

TROY REED

Troy is responsible for member and business development at OBIC and brings over 35 years of experience in water and wastewater infrastructure construction to the position. From fieldwork to project management, Troy’s industry experience includes a proven track record of expertly communicating a client’s objectives to the crews who are performing the work on-site. No stranger to coordinating high-priority projects, Troy ensures client satisfaction while successfully managing multiple crews of up to 130 employees who are working simultaneously on water and wastewater infrastructure projects on both residential and commercial sites.

Troy’s favorite pastimes include boating, fishing and camping, but his true passion is spending time with his three grandchildren. Although his work schedule keeps him busy, Troy and his wife enjoying finding time to rehabilitate houses.

 

Director of Corporate Training

TREY RUSSELL HESSELSCHWARDT

Before holding the Director of Corporate Training role for OBIC, Trey held various positions including Crew Leader, Project Manager, and Safety Manager at Advanced Rehabilitation Technology (ART), an OBIC certified installer.

As OBIC’s Director of Corporate Training, Trey leads the development and delivery of training programs that ensure applicators are well-versed in OBIC products, equipment, and best practices. He provides hands-on instruction in product use and maintenance, while also contributing to ongoing research and development efforts. His technical knowledge and field experience makes him a trusted resource for both internal teams and external partners, guiding customers in selecting and applying the right solutions for their needs.

Trey holds an Associate Degree in Project Management Technology and maintains several professional certifications, including BCSP Certified Health and Safety Technician, OSHA 40-Hour Certification, and Confined Space Certification. He currently serves as Treasurer for the Polyurea Development Association (PDA), where he supports the advancement of industry standards and practices.

Prior to joining ART, Trey served honorably in the U.S. Army as a Combat Medic for seven years, a background that reflects his strong sense of discipline, leadership, and service.

Outside of work, Trey enjoys spending time outdoors camping, hiking, and hunting with his wife Jamie and their two sons, Jones and Charlie. He’s also an avid sports fan and a proud supporter of the University of Michigan.

 

 

Director of Technology

BOB KLOPFENSTEIN

Bob Klopfenstein has been with OBIC since July of 2018. With over 35 years in the chemical and sewer lining coating, Bob has experience working with clients in every industry that OBIC serves. Over the past 15 years, his focus has been on offering repair and maintenance solutions for the water and wastewater structure rehabilitation industry.

Bob holds a bachelor’s degree from Bradley University and stays current on industry challenges and trends by participating in professional organizations that include the Water Environment Federation, National Association of Sewer Service Companies and North American Society for Trenchless Technology.

In his free time, Bob enjoys golfing, gardening and wine collecting.

 

Vice President of Business Development

MIKE HOFFMASTER

Mike Hoffmaster has over 38 years of experience working in the construction industry, with the last 14 spent in trenchless technology. His experience, which includes working with local construction firms and national manufacturers, makes him uniquely qualified to support and develop OBIC’s network of certified installers and to introduce OBIC products to new markets.

Mike earned his bachelor of science from Shepard University while working full-time in a precast concrete plant. He has helped to open new markets across North America and in Europe. Mike is active with numerous industry organizations, committees and serves on several Board of Directors.

Committed to giving back to his community, Mike has served as the track and field organizer for the Special Olympics for over 32 years and has volunteered with local high school athletics for 37 years. In his free time, Mike enjoys cooking, traveling and photography.