Thickeners for Powder Tile Adhesives
In the formulation of powder tile adhesives, thickeners play a vital role in regulating rheological properties and improving the performance of the final product. By controlling the viscosity, these additives help to evenly distribute the powder components in the solution, making it easier to apply and increasing adhesion to the substrate. Also, the presence of suitable thickeners prevents the materials from becoming two-phase and prevents rapid settling of particles.
Features expected from a suitable thickener in powder tile adhesives:
High rheological stability:
A suitable thickener should allow the adhesive to maintain its viscosity over time.
Water retention:
To prevent the adhesive from drying out quickly and provide sufficient time for tile installation, it is necessary to use a suitable thickener.
Increase in initial adhesion:
To increase the holding power and initial adhesion, which reduces the sliding of tiles on the surface, choosing the right thickener is a priority.
Suspension stability:
Preventing premature settling of heavy particles such as cement and fillers during storage or application is one of the characteristics of a suitable thickener for powder tile adhesive.
Compatibility with other formulation materials:
Thinners used in tile adhesives must be compatible with materials such as cement, mineral fillers, setting time modifiers, polymers, etc.
Common types of thickeners for powder tile adhesives:
CMC (carboxymethyl cellulose)
HPMC (hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose)
MHEC (methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose)
These materials are considered the first choice in cement-based adhesives at the industrial level due to their high ability to control viscosity, water retention capacity, and high stability.
How it works:
Thinners prevent the free movement of particles by creating a network structure in an aqueous solution. This feature ensures uniform distribution of components, increases spreadability on the surface, and prevents the tile from falling or slipping after installation.
Conclusion:
The use of appropriate thickeners in powder tile adhesives not only improves the mechanical and operational performance of the product, but also ensures long-term stability, reduces waste, and increases the quality of the final tile installation. The correct selection of the type and amount of these additives, considering the climatic conditions, type of tile, and type of subsurface, plays a decisive role in the success of construction projects.