Polymer powder is a material added to tile adhesive to prevent hollowing of the tiles. Adding polymer powder to the adhesive mixture enhances the adhesive’s bonding capabilities, creating a strong bond between the tile and the substrate. Hollow tiles indicate a lack of adequate contact between the tile and the substrate, or a lack of adhesive between the two surfaces. In construction, the hollowness of tiles has traditionally been considered a critical issue to address. Polymer powder has proven effective in preventing tile hollowing and ensuring safe installation. This article discusses how polymer powders can prevent tile hollowing in construction.
Polymer powders are usually made from redispersible polymer powders (RDP) and are mainly used in premixes, dry mix mortars and bonding courses. RDP is a powder containing a mixture of vinyl acetate and ethylene. The function of polymer powder is to improve the bonding properties of the bonding layer, increase the bonding strength of the ceramic tiles and the tensile strength of the adhesive. The bonding layer contains polymer powder that provides excellent adhesion to a variety of substrates including concrete, plastered concrete and plasterboard.
The polymer powder also acts as a water retaining agent, improving the overall flow of the binder mixture. Polymer powder helps maintain moisture content in the adhesive, thereby extending the drying time of the adhesive. Due to the slow drying process, the adhesive can penetrate into the tile and substrate surfaces, creating a stronger bond. A thicker, slower-setting adhesive mixture helps prevent hollowing of the tiles by ensuring that the tiles are embedded in the adhesive and will not pop out during installation.
In addition, the polymer powder prevents tile hollowing by creating an elastic adhesive. Adhesives containing polymer powders are flexible and can absorb stresses that floors and walls may experience and reduce the chance of cracking. The elasticity of the adhesive means it will move with the tile, reducing the risk of excessive pressure on the tile and preventing the tile from popping out. This also means that the adhesive can fill gaps, voids and irregularities between the tile and substrate, improving the contact surface between the two.
Another advantage of polymer powder is its good adhesion to different types of substrates, which is essential to prevent hollowing of tiles. Adhesives containing polymer powders can bond to a variety of materials, including wood, concrete and metal. The ability to adhere to different substrates reduces the risk of hollow tiles in areas susceptible to pressure, movement or vibration. Adhesives containing polymer powder ensure that the tiles bonded to the substrate are structurally sound and able to withstand stress without detaching from the substrate.
Polymer powders are also user-friendly and easy to use, making them an ideal solution for preventing tile hollowing. The material comes in powder form and can be easily mixed with adhesives, making the installation process faster and easier. Adhesives containing polymer powder ensure that the tiles adhere evenly to the substrate, reducing the possibility of tile hollowing during installation.
The use of polymer powders in tile adhesives can prevent tile hollowing by enhancing the bonding properties of the bonding layer. The function of the polymer powder is to improve the bonding strength of the adhesive to the substrate and ceramic tiles, forming a strong bond between the ceramic tiles and the substrate. It also creates an elastic adhesive that absorbs stress and movement, reducing the risk of cracking and separation from the substrate. The water-retaining properties of the polymer powder also extend drying time, ensuring the adhesive can penetrate the tile and substrate surfaces for better bonding. Finally, the polymer powder is user-friendly and easy to use and can bond to different substrates, making it an ideal solution for preventing hollowing in tiles.
Post time: Sep-13-2023