Delta Coatings and Covestro Develop Fast-Curing Polyurea Lining for Dubai's Iconic Lagoon

Delta Coatings International, in partnership with Covestro, collaborated to create a polyurea-based lining for one of Dubai's largest artificial lagoons. Delta, based in Dubai, was tasked with developing a durable protective lining for the lagoon's shores and walkways. Together, they engineered a fast-curing aliphatic polyurea elastomeric coating technology that met the project's stringent requirements. Located in MBR City, a vast 1100-acre green space project in Dubai, the lagoon required swift action within a tight six-month deadline for customizing and perfecting the coating formulation before application.

The project called for an aesthetically pleasing lagoon with a seamless lining system covering 20,000m2 of shoreline, podiums, and walkways. The coating needed to endure heavy foot traffic, daily cleaning, abrasion in splash zones, while maintaining UV stability and colorfastness.

DeltaShield Aqualine AL 2K was chosen for its thick film elastomeric aliphatic polyurea coating system based on Covestro's Desmodur and Desmophen materials, ensuring colorfastness and waterproof protection. Applied quickly through spraying and curing at ambient temperature, it allows subsequent work on the surface within minutes without damage risk.

This single-product, single-application thick flexible coating eliminates the need for a topcoat, speeding up the process and avoiding issues like delamination and patchy application associated with traditional methods according to Delta.

“The ease of application and fast cure characteristics at ambient temperature made the aliphatic polyurea a perfect choice for this project,” said Delta general manager Belvin Marx. The project was completed within the six month deadline, and the coating’s durability should mean it lasts for decades.

Source: Covestro AG