Lab with an ESD Floor System Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is a sudden flow of electricity between two objects, which can damage sensitive electronic components, ignite flammable liquids, or cause other hazardous events. In industries that handle these materials, ESD flooring is crucial for mitigating these risks. One of the most exciting advancements in recent years is the use of carbon nanotube technology in resinous ESD floor coatings. There are many benefits to using nanotube coatings when compared to traditional ESD flooring systems. What are Carbon Nanotubes? Carbon nanotubes are cylindrical molecules made of a single layer of carbon atoms. These tiny structures possess exceptional properties regarding structural resilience and conductivity: High Strength : Carbon nanotubes are significantly stronger than steel. Excellent Conductivity : They exhibit high electrical and thermal conductivity. Lightweight : They are incredibly light, making them ideal for applications where weight is a concern. Durability : They are resistant to wear, corrosion, and chemical damage. Benefits of Nanotube Coatings The key advantage of Nanotube ESD systems is their ability to provide exceptionally consistent conductivity  compared to traditional ESD flooring. Traditional systems often rely on conductive particles that can clump or distribute unevenly, leading to inconsistent conductivity and the risk of 'hot spots' – localized areas of high resistance. In contrast, the unique properties of carbon nanotubes allow them to form a highly uniform and interconnected conductive network within the coating. This ensures that static charges are evenly dissipated across the entire floor surface, providing more reliable and long-lasting ESD mitigation.   KRETUS® Nanotube ESD Conductive System Diagram KRETUS Nanotube Coatings KRETUS is at the forefront of utilizing carbon nanotube technology in flooring systems. We offer advanced solutions that leverage the unique properties of nanotubes to deliver exceptional performance. KRETUS has harnessed the power of carbon nanotubes to create cutting-edge ESD flooring systems. Our KRETUS® NANOTUBE ESD systems provide superior static control, enhanced durability, and long-lasting reliability. Key advantages of KRETUS Nanotube ESD Systems: Single Conductive Coating : KRETUS Nanotube ESD systems are built with one conductive top coat, instead of a conductive primer and ESD top coat. This makes the maintenance and cleaning much easier and, in turn, increases the lifespan of the coating. Better ESD Control : KRETUS Nanotube ESD systems are engineered to provide >104 to <106 ohms of resistance. Available in Multiple Chemistries : KRETUS offers both Epoxy and Poly chemistries for their Nanotube ESD systems. Epoxy offers ease of installation, while Poly provides even better durability, wear resistance, and UV/color stability.   Conductive vs. Dissipative ESD Systems KRETUS offers two primary categories of nanotube-enhanced ESD flooring systems, each designed to meet specific application requirements: Conductive Systems ESD Resistance : Lower resistance (typically >10^4 to <10^6 ohms). Key Feature : Designed to rapidly dissipate static charges, providing a very fast path for electrical current to flow to ground. Application : Ideal for environments with highly sensitive electronic components or where extremely rapid static dissipation is critical, such as: Electronics manufacturing facilities Cleanrooms with the most sensitive equipment Areas with a high risk of explosion from static discharge Additional Considerations: When grounding personnel, a lower resistance to ground is optimal to minimize their electrical potential and the risk of charge generation. Conductive flooring, due to its higher carbon content, tends to provide more durable and longer-lasting electrical properties. Conductive flooring can withstand more physical abuse and contamination before its electrical properties are affected. In conjunction with appropriate ESD footwear, conductive flooring minimizes charge generation and helps meet the requirements of ANSI/STM 97.2 for body voltage. Dissipative Systems ESD Resistance : Higher resistance than conductive systems (typically >10^6 to <10^9 ohms). Key Feature : Control the flow of static electricity at a slightly slower rate than conductive systems. This controlled dissipation is sufficient for many applications and can offer a balance of ESD protection and other performance characteristics. Application : Suitable for a broader range of environments, including: General electronics assembly Healthcare facilities Telecommunications installations Areas with moderate ESD sensitivity Additional Considerations: Dissipative materials are often preferred for surfaces that come into direct contact with ESD-sensitive devices (e.g., workbenches, packaging). This prevents excessively rapid discharge, which could damage the device. Comparison Table Feature Conductive Systems Dissipative Systems ESD Resistance >10^4 to <10^6 ohms >10^6 to <10^9 ohms Static Dissipation Rapid Controlled Application Highly sensitive electronics, explosive environments, personnel grounding General electronics, healthcare, areas with moderate ESD sensitivity, device contact surfaces Advantages Fastest ESD protection, optimal personnel grounding, durable electrical properties Broader application range, suitable for direct contact with ESD-sensitive devices ESD Testing Device in use Choosing the Right System The choice between conductive and dissipative systems depends on a careful assessment of the specific needs of your environment. Consider these factors: Sensitivity of Equipment :  For the most sensitive electronic components, a conductive system is generally recommended for personnel grounding, while a dissipative system is often preferred for work surfaces. Risk of Explosion : In areas where static discharge could ignite flammable materials, conductive flooring provides the highest level of protection. Application Requirements : Dissipative systems offer a good balance of ESD protection and other properties, making them suitable for a wider range of applications. KRETUS can help you evaluate your requirements and select the optimal nanotube ESD flooring system for your facility. Contact one of our product specialists for more information.

Contractors are turning to Kretus for support after one of its key distribution partners, Jon-Don, closed without notice on May 9, 2025. Known for its thoughtfully designed resinous coatings, the California-based manufacturer is moving quickly to help customers navigate this unexpected transition. “Though we were surprised and saddened by the news of Jon-Don’s closure,” said Jodi Cain, Director of Kretus, “our priority now—as it’s always been—is keeping our customers’ projects on track and making sure they get the products and support they need.” What Customers Can Expect The company has activated its customer-first response plan, which includes: Personalized Support: Kretus is connecting directly with contractors, retailers, and end-users to review orders placed with Jon-Don and provide immediate assistance where needed. Flexible Ordering: Customers can place new orders directly with authorized distributors at www.kretus.com/distributors or directly with Kretus at order@kretus.com . Expanded Distribution: The company is actively seeking new distribution partners to improve local access and service nationwide. Email info@kretus.com to connect. Looking Ahead KRETUS® remains committed to providing reliable MADE IN USA products, expert service, and trusted partnerships. The company sees this as an opportunity to strengthen direct relationships and expand its distribution network to better serve customers across the country. For updates and ordering information, visit www.kretus.com . Media Contact: Jodi Cain, jodi@kretus.com

Industrial Sand UPC System in a Food Processing Plant Urethane polymer concrete is a high-performance material used in a variety of demanding flooring and coating applications. Unlike traditional cement-based concrete, urethane polymer concrete combines cement, aggregates, and urethane resins to create a system with enhanced properties. This unique composition results in a durable, chemical-resistant, and long-lasting solution for environments that require superior performance. Urethane Polymer Concrete outperforms and outlasts epoxy, tile, VCT, concrete, and urethane-sand under extreme industrial conditions. Key Components and Properties Urethane polymer concrete typically consists of three main components: Resin:  A urethane-based resin that acts as the primary binder. Hardener:  A curing agent that, when mixed with the resin, initiates the hardening process. Aggregate:  A blend of mineral fillers, such as quartz, silica, or other aggregates, that provide strength and bulk. This combination gives urethane polymer concrete several advantages: Exceptional Durability:  It can withstand heavy traffic, impact, and abrasion. Chemical Resistance:  Resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including acids, alkalis, solvents, and oils. Thermal Shock Resistance:  Able to handle rapid temperature changes without cracking or delaminating. Moisture Tolerance:  Can be installed on substrates with high moisture content. Fast Cure Time:  Offers a relatively quick return-to-service time. Hygienic:  Provides a seamless, easy-to-clean surface that resists bacterial growth. Common Applications Urethane polymer concrete's robust properties make it suitable for a wide array of demanding environments, including: Food and Beverage Processing:  Areas exposed to food byproducts, cleaning chemicals, and thermal cycling. Pharmaceutical and Biotech:  Facilities requiring sanitary, chemical-resistant, and easy-to-clean surfaces. Chemical Processing:  Environments with exposure to corrosive chemicals and solvents. Manufacturing and Industrial:  Areas with heavy traffic, impact, and abrasion. Cold Storage and Freezers:  Applications needing resistance to thermal shock and low temperatures. Healthcare:  Areas needing hygienic, easy-to-clean, and durable flooring. Common Systems built with KRETUS UPC UPC is a versatile product that very successful in both high-performance and purely decorative applications. This adaptability stems from the inherent strength, chemical resistance, and customizable nature of UPC. Industrial Sand System Diagram For example, in demanding industrial environments, our Industrial Sand  system leverages the robust nature of UPC combined with graded aggregates to create an extremely durable surface capable of withstanding high abrasion, impact, and heavy loads. Similarly, our UPC 1-Coat  system provides a rapid, self-priming solution ideal for fast-paced industrial settings where downtime is critical, delivering the core benefits of UPC – strength and chemical resistance – in an efficient single application. Introduction to KRETUS UPC KRETUS® Urethane Polymer Concrete (UPC) is designed for the toughest environments, delivering reliable performance every time. Our UPC is a 100%-solids, 3-part system gives you the flexibility to mix and match components to tailor cure times, durability, and application thicknesses. Built to withstand industrial pressure washing, high abrasion, and extreme temperatures from -40°F to 266°F, UPC is a high-performance solution for both large and small jobs. In general, UPC isn’t UV-resistant. That’s why we developed a color-stable UPC UV . KRETUS UPC RC Buckets We offer a comprehensive range of UPC formulations, each engineered to meet specific performance requirements: RC (Roll-Coat) : Designed for thinner application as a standalone system or as a cap/top coating at 5-30 mils thick. SL (Self-Leveling) : Has better flow and compressive strength than RC, works well as a base coat at 1/8-14" thick. MF (Medium-Fill) : Low viscosity slurry with higher compressive strength than SL, applied at 1/8-1/4" thick. TT (Tight-Trowel) : Highest compressive strength, extended with quartz or pea gravel, applied at 1/4-4" thick. VC (Vertical-Coat) : For vertical wall coatings at 3-8 mils thick. WC (Wall Cove) : For wall coving applications 1-10" high. To get more details on our line of UPC, read our UPC Product Guide .