ARO COMPOUND is bitumen based mastic compound of acid resisting grade used as an underlay to acid proof bricks/tiles or stones to act as impervious membrane.

The membrane is the last line of defense protecting the sub floor and its structural supports from corrosive attack. No brick/tile floor, no matter how well constructed, no matter what material are used, can withstand for ever without some seepage occurring as a result of broken brick or cracked joints. Good construction with good materials will hold this seepage to a minimum, but it is inevitable that some seepage will occur. Hence it is the job of the mastic membrane to prevent this seepage from reaching the sub-floors. Hence the membrane must be corrosion resistant, continuous, impervious and elastic enough to absorb shock and thick enough to prevent acids, alkalies and further penetration.
The membrane also works as a linking layer for ceramic tiles/bricks and mortar and at the same time increases adhessive property.

Arocompound is available in the form of blocks.

Tanks, walls should be carefully inspected to be certain that there are no weal spots or cavities or cracks. Any such weal spots, cavities or cracks should be carefully filled before lining is done. All loose particles should be removed and surface should be smooth and dry.

Priming : After the concrete surface of the floor/tank has been prepared as described above, it is thoroughly coated with two coats of ARO-PRIMER, which is applied by brush.

 
ARO COMPOUND should be melted in cast iron pots over wood, charcoal, gas or oil fire. In melting the material, care has to be taken to prevent it from catching fire. Break up the blocks of ARO COMPOUND with an axe and put the pieces into the heating kettles. Heat until free flowing material is obtained. It is then ready for laying work.

In case of floors the molten compound is poured hot on the floor using a squeezee or a straight edged wood, and screeded to an even layer. Apply it at the rate of 10 to 12 Kgs. / meter in order to obtain about 5-6 mm thickness. Care should be taken to make sure that there are no pin holes and all the floors are evenly covered. Holes or low spots may be marked with a chalk and a second application of compound laid over them.

At no stage during the remelting, and mixing process, shall the temperature exceed 205°C. The surrounding area should not contain other inflammable products. The surface should be smoothen by heating using a flame of the blow lamp and finished off by squeezee or smoothening masonry tools.

Triple Layer Membrane

An impervious triple layer membrane has been developed especially for extraordinary protection of concrete tanks against attack of Nitric, Chromic, Sulphuric, Hydrochloric and Phosphoric acids. It is further protected from mechanical damage and excessive temperature by a brick lining joined with acidproof cement.

Firstly two coats of AROPRIMER are applied. Then a layer of 5 mm thick ARO COMPOUND is applied as mentioned above. Then a layer of compound impregnated glass cloth is pressed over the compound surface. Lap the sections of glass cloth to obtain 1½" wide lap joints. The glass cloth has a loose weave which allows the hot compound to squeeze through and bond to the previous layer. Now again apply 5mm layer of the ARO-COMPOUND to have the total thickness of 12mm.
The glass cloth reinforces the ARO-COMPOUND and prevents damage to the membrane from expansion and contraction of either the acid proof brick lining or the concrete tank.