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Minimum Film-Formation Temperature
(MFT) is an inherent problem to water emulsion polymer floor
finishes. MFT is the minimum temperature of the substrate
at which the finish will form a strong continuous film.
This is a particular problem in the northeast section of
the country in wintertime where several factors are involved.
They are:
A. Concrete slab construction floors transmit cold from
the exterior walls, as well as from beneath, to become as
much as 15 degrees F. colder than the surrounding interior
air.
B. Personnel, allow containers of floor finish to remain
in their trucks or vans for hours, chilling them to below
their MFT.
C. Supermarkets, customarily turn back the heat after closing
‘hours which allows the room and floor temperatures to drop
below the MFT of than polish.
The MFT of a floor polish is usually correlated to the hardness
of the product. The harder the product, the higher the MFT.
The softer, more buffable finishes have a lower MFT. This
explains why in certain sections of the country, like New
England, they only used waxes or buffable finishes in the
wintertime. However, due to modern polish technology, the
MFT of products can be controlled by the addition of plasterizers
and synthetic waxes. The average floor polish today has
an MFT of 45 degrees to 55 degrees F. To avoid product failure
and the expensive repercussions; it is imperative to guard
against applying floor finish when the floor temperatures
are less than 60 degrees F. |
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