Rubber granulate palisade RP "Grass Green"

Rubber is an elastic material characterised by its ability to deform under tension or compression and then return to its original shape. This property makes rubber particularly effective for shock absorption, vibration reduction and impact sound insulation. In products made from polyurethane (PU) bonded rubber granules, the damping behaviour is further influenced by the elastic binder and the structure and density of the sheets.

A scale of 1 to 5 is used to rate the elastic, shock-absorbing and vibration-damping properties of a rubber product. A value of 1 represents slight but noticeable damping, while a value of 5 indicates exceptionally high damping performance. This classification is based on empirical studies and comparative measurements.

The elasticity of rubber and its importance

Rubber is made up of long, elastic molecular chains that temporarily adopt an ordered structure under mechanical stress. When the stress is removed, they return to their original disordered form, giving the material its high resilience. This elasticity enables efficient shock and vibration absorption.

Shock absorption - absorbing kinetic energy

Rubber can absorb kinetic energy through deformation and convert it into heat. On impact, the material deforms, reducing the forces acting on it. The damping effect is not linear, but increases with greater deformation. This means that rubber provides moderate damping at low loads, which increases significantly at high loads.

Vibration damping - reducing unwanted vibration

Rubber has viscoelastic properties, which means it has both elastic and viscous damping characteristics. Elastic damping occurs when vibrational energy is converted to heat by internal restoring forces, while viscous damping absorbs kinetic energy by internal friction. This makes rubber particularly effective in reducing vibration and shock.

Impact sound insulation - minimising footfall and impact sound

Impact sound insulation refers to measures taken to reduce the noise generated by walking or moving objects on a surface. Because of its elastic structure, rubber can effectively absorb and minimise these sounds. In addition, the material is wear resistant, ensuring that its sound-absorbing properties remain effective over a long period of time.

To determine the suitability of a WARCO product for a specific application, we recommend an individual assessment based on an on-site material sample.

The slip resistance of a floor covering describes its ability to prevent slipping. The EN 14041 standard defines Class DS and states that a floor covering must have a dynamic coefficient of friction of at least 0.30 under dry and clean conditions. Floor coverings that meet or exceed this value are considered slip resistant and contribute to user safety. Adequate slip resistance is particularly important in areas with heavy foot traffic.

The dynamic coefficient of friction is determined using the test method specified in EN 13893. This involves measuring the frictional resistance under standardised conditions using a sliding device. This procedure ensures that the measured values are reliable and reproducible.

A scale from 1 to 5 allows a more detailed classification of slip resistance. A scale value of 1 corresponds to a dynamic coefficient of friction of 0.30, which is the minimum requirement for Class DS. A scale value of 5 corresponds to a coefficient of 0.60, which is twice the minimum value for class DS. The classification of the scale values is based on tests carried out on representative samples, with the results interpolated accordingly.

For rubber granulate floorcoverings, slip resistance is significantly influenced by the physical density, granule size and structure of the material. A higher compression force during manufacture results in a denser material and a smoother, less slip-resistant surface. The type of granules used - fine, coarse or fibrous - affects the surface texture. The higher the scale value, the rougher the surface, the more pronounced the feel of the granules and the more open the pore structure. Depending on the composition of the granules, the texture can range from fine-grained to rough and grippy or even smooth and velvety.

New rubber granule flooring may require a break-in period before achieving optimum slip resistance. This can be due to release agent residues that are deposited on the surface during production and only completely removed by use or cleaning.

The condition of a floorcovering also plays a crucial role in maintaining slip resistance. Dirt build-up or inadequate cleaning can reduce the coefficient of friction and compromise safety. Regular cleaning and proper maintenance are essential to maintain slip resistance.

The abrasion resistance of a floorcovering describes its ability to withstand material loss due to friction or wear. It is a key factor in determining the durability, functionality and quality of rubber granulate flooring.

A scale of 1 to 5 is used to classify abrasion resistance. A score of 1 indicates that the minimum requirements of BS 7188 are met, while a score of 5 indicates excellent abrasion resistance in accordance with this standard. The classification is based on test results obtained from representative products and then interpolated.

Abrasion resistance is determined using a standardised method in accordance with BS 7188. A sample of material is tested using the Taber Abraser, a device in which two standardised abrasive wheels apply a defined pressure and speed to the sample over a specified number of cycles.

To assess material wear, the sample is weighed before and after each test cycle. The difference between the initial weight and the weight after the test represents the incremental weight loss, which is used as a measure of wear.

In addition, the ageing of the material under atmospheric conditions and its behaviour under progressive abrasion are considered over several test cycles. From these tests, the wear index and wear ratio are calculated, giving an indication of the long-term durability and suitability of the floor covering.

Water permeability, also known as hydraulic conductivity, describes the ability of a porous material to absorb and pass water. For flooring, it is measured by the water infiltration rate, which is the amount of water that penetrates and drains through the material under the influence of gravity in one hour.

A scale of 1 to 5 is used to classify water permeability. A scale value of 1 corresponds to a water infiltration rate of 0 mm/h, indicating complete water impermeability. In contrast, a scale value of 5 represents a high water permeability with an infiltration rate of 1100 mm/h, meaning that more than 1000 litres of water can seep through per square metre per hour. This classification is based on test results from representative samples interpolated for the product.

The water permeability of a material can change over time, especially if the pore structure is blocked by external influences. This can happen, for example, if sand accumulates on the surface or if cleaning is inadequate, as in the case of stable mats.

High water permeability, with a scale value between 3 and 5, offers significant advantages, particularly in outdoor areas. Newly designed surfaces can often avoid the need for complex drainage systems or slopes. Rainwater infiltrates directly through the mat, preventing ponding and keeping the surface permeable. As the substrate remains unsealed, this property also contributes to the environmental sustainability of the flooring.

Materials with low or no water permeability, classified on a scale of 1, are only suitable for indoor or covered use.

Resistant to frost and freezing water within the material – no cracking, tearing or breaking.