Skip to content

Styrene Acrylic Emulsion — Waterproofing & Construction Grade | GCC

Styrene Acrylic Emulsion (construction grade) is a water-based polymer binder specifically formulated for waterproofing membranes, elastomeric roof coatings, concrete sealers, and polymer-modified cementitious systems across GCC construction markets.

Higher in styrene content than paint-grade SAE, construction-grade formulations deliver the combination of water resistance, UV stability, and mechanical durability required for GCC roof waterproofing, below-grade membranes, and facade coatings exposed to the Gulf's extreme UV radiation and thermal cycling.

Technical specifications

PARAMETER SPECIFICATION TEST METHOD
TypeStyrene-Acrylic copolymer emulsion, construction grade—
AppearanceWhite milky emulsionVisual
Solids Content50 – 55 % (w/w)ISO 3251
Viscosity @ 23°C200 – 2,000 mPa·s (grade dependent)Brookfield
pH7.5 – 9.5—
Minimum Film Formation Temp (MFFT)≤ 5°CISO 2115
Glass Transition Temperature (Tg)+5 to +20°C (grade dependent)DSC
Tensile Strength (dry film)≥ 2.0 MPaISO 37
Elongation at Break (dry film)200 – 600 %ISO 37
Water Uptake (24h immersion)≤ 10 %—
Shelf Life12 months at 5–35°C—
HS Code3906.90

Applications

  • Elastomeric Roof Waterproofing GCC — Primary binder in elastomeric waterproofing coatings for flat and low-slope roofs across GCC residential and commercial buildings. UV stability and high elongation (200–600%) accommodate the thermal movement of GCC roofs — where surface temperature cycles from 15°C at night to 80°C+ in summer can cause 5–10mm movement per meter of roof length.
  • Below-Grade & Basement Waterproofing — Used in polymer-modified cementitious and pure acrylic waterproofing coatings for below-grade concrete structures, foundations, and underground car parks — particularly relevant in coastal GCC cities where groundwater salinity creates aggressive waterproofing conditions.
  • Concrete Sealer & Carbonation Protection — Applied as a diluted sealer coat on GCC concrete facades to prevent carbonation-induced corrosion of reinforcement — a critical durability issue in GCC coastal environments.
  • Podium Deck Waterproofing — High-build SAE-based waterproofing systems for podium decks on GCC mixed-use developments — provides waterproofing beneath hard landscaping and planters.
  • Polymer-Modified Cementitious Coatings — SAE emulsion used as the liquid component in 2K polymer-modified waterproofing slurries, improving flexibility and water resistance vs straight cementitious systems.

Key properties

  • High UV stability — no yellowing or chalking under GCC solar radiation
  • High elongation (200–600%) — accommodates GCC thermal movement cycles
  • Excellent water resistance and low water uptake
  • Good adhesion to concrete, brick, and cementitious substrates
  • MFFT ≤ 5°C — film formation in GCC winter conditions (minimum ~10°C)
  • Compatible with TiO2, iron oxide, and mineral fillers
  • Breathable film — allows moisture vapour transmission from substrate
  • Film maintains flexibility across GCC temperature range (-10°C to +80°C)

Usage and recommendations

For roof waterproofing membranes: formulate at 45–55% solids with TiO2, calcium carbonate, and appropriate additives for a minimum 200 μm DFT (2-coat system recommended). For concrete sealers: dilute to 20–30% solids and apply by brush or spray at 200–300 g/m². For 2K cementitious waterproofing: use at 1:1 to 1:2 (emulsion:powder, by volume) as specified. Always apply to damp (not wet) concrete surfaces — dry surface absorption reduces adhesion. On GCC horizontal surfaces exposed to UV: use a white or reflective pigmented formulation to minimise thermal load.

Packaging

  • 200 kg Steel Drums
  • IBC 950–1,000 kg
  • Custom packaging on request

Storage and shelf life

Store at 5–35°C. Do not freeze — freezing permanently coagulates the emulsion. Keep sealed. In GCC summer: store in shaded, temperature-controlled areas to prevent over-heating. Shelf life: 12 months.

Looking for a chemical supply partner?

Tell us the product, grade, quantity and delivery location. Our team in Dubai and Riyadh will come back to you with availability and pricing.