Glossary

I

ICRI - International Concrete Repair Institute.

One of the best reference sources for the coatings industry, ICRI had its origin at a World of Concrete seminar in February of 1988, at which attendees voiced their frustration with the lack of standards and guides in the concrete repair industry. They also expressed their concern over the proliferation of unqualified contractors entering the industry, who were not properly trained in the repair of concrete and who were underbidding them without proper knowledge of surface preparation, equipment, materials, and techniques. In response to these concerns, the International Association of Concrete Repair Specialists was formed, with a formal organizational meeting held in Naperville, Illinois on May 21, 1988 at which 66 people were present. The name was changed to the International Concrete Repair Institute in 1993.

The organizing members agreed on a statement of purpose, which is:

To improve the quality of concrete restoration, repair, and protection, through education of, and communication among, the members and those who use their services.

The philosophy of the group is that if the quality of work is improved, and purchasers of repair services feel that they are obtaining a durable product, the demand for their products and services will increase and the image of the concrete repair industry will be elevated. The founders also insisted that all classes and categories of membership would be treated equally. Initially it was to have been a contractors’ organization, but the immediate interest of engineers, manufacturers, and others in its formation and success made it obvious that it should be open to all from the start. Every attempt is made to insure equitable representation, and the Board of Directors and all committees are made up of members from all disciplines and all geographical areas.

Immersion
Referring to an environment which is continuously submerged in a liquid.

Impact Resistance
The ability to resist deformation or cracking due to a forceful blow.

Incompatibility
Unsuitable for use together because of undesirable chemical or physical effects.

Induction Time
The period of time between mixing of two component products and the moment they can be used. Also known as “Sweat Time”.

Inert Pigment
A non-reactive pigment, filler or extender.

Inhibitive Pigment
A pigment which assists in the prevention of the corrosion process.

Inorganic
The designation of compounds that do not contain carbon.

Inorganic Zinc
A coating based on a silicate resin and pigmented with metallic zinc, which has excellent resistance to organic solvents and general weathering.

Intercoat Adhesion
The adhesion between successive coats of paint.

Intercoat Contamination
The presence of foreign matter such as dust or dirt between successive coats of paint.

Internal Mix
A spray gun in which the fluid and air are combined before leaving the gun.

Intumescent Coating
A fire retardant cooling which, when heated, produces nonflammable gasses which are trapped by the film, converting it to a foam, thereby insulating the substrate.

Ion
An atom or group of atoms possessing a positive or negative electric charge as a result of having lost or gained an electron.

Iron Oxide
An oxide of iron. Often used as a pigment source in coatings and toppings. The natural occurring state of steel.

Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA)
A volatile, flammable liquid used as a solvent commonly known as rubbing alcohol.