What is AST/95?

AST/95 is a remarkable new anti-slip treatment for hard floor materials such as tile, stone or marble. It is not a coating or an acid etching treatment. AST/95 is a two-step chemical process which permanently changes the molecular structure of the floor material as it bonds millions of abrasive silica crystals to the floor surface. The result is a dramatic improvement in slip resistance, especially when the floor is wet.

AST/95 was developed in South Africa by inventor Philip Curtis. It has been widely used in South Africa and other countries since 1990. In 1998, AST/95 was introduced in the United States and is now available from Diamond Safety Concepts and its licensees.

AST/95 has unique attributes which set it apart from other floor safety products such as Safety Grooving, paints, coatings, acid etching, or matting. While each of these products has its place, AST/95 is the only anti-slip treatment available which provides a substantial improvement in slip resistance, without altering the appearance of the floor material. This is why AST/95 is known as the "invisible solution for slippery floors".

In addition to unparalleled effectiveness, AST/95 is long lasting and virtually maintenance free. It is not effected by weather, ultra violet light or cleaning products. The same cannot be said about acid or other chemical treatments as well as paints or coatings. All of these products can have relatively short life spans. Each must be replaced or reapplied periodically, depending on traffic. In addition, most acid etching and other chemical treatments require frequent maintenance using special cleaning chemicals.

AST/95 provides the best combination of effectiveness, long life and ease of maintenance while allowing treated floors to retain all the aesthetic qualities of an untreated floor. AST/95 can be installed in a matter of hours for a fraction of the cost of replacing a slippery floor.

AST/95 uses a patented two step chemical process to achieve dramatic improvements in slip resistance. The first chemical, which we call the "Activator" is sprayed onto the floor. A mild acid in the activator removes a small amount of slica from the floor surface and suspends it in a liquid. The second "Fixative" chemical is then applied. This causes the suspended silica to precipitate out of the liquid and grow millions of tiny abrasive crystals onto the floor surface. Unlike acid treatments, AST/95 is a non-destructive process. There are no caustic fumes and no floor material is removed during the process.

By a miracle of science, the treated floor surface is actually harder, (by 22%), than the untreated floor and therefore extremely resistant to wear. In tests by an independent testing lab, AST/95 improved the coefficient of friction, (COF) of a typical glazed ceramic tile by 37%.

AST/95 has many useful applications. It is particularly effective when installed on tiled floors around swimming pools or in showers, locker rooms and restrooms. Other typical installations include restaurants, shopping malls, hospitals and nursing homes. Granite, marble or tiled entryways and walkways, especially those which become slippery when wet are excellent candidates for AST/95. Residential applications include kitchens, bathrooms and entry foyers.

If improving traction on wet floors, without altering the floor's appearance is the goal, AST/95 is the answer. No other traction product even comes close.

AST/95 is the invisible solution for slippery floors.