Tile Adhesive Formulation and Application

Tile adhesive, also known as tile glue, is a specialized adhesive used for bonding ceramic tiles, stone, and other surface materials. Through optimized formulation design, it boasts significant advantages such as high bonding strength, water and weather resistance, aging resistance, flexibility, crack resistance, and ease of application. It can replace traditional cement mortar and is widely used in various building finishing projects.

I. Product Overview and Formulation Principle

Tile adhesive is a dry-mix mortar composed of inorganic cementitious materials (such as cement), graded aggregates, polymer powder, and various functional additives. Its core lies in achieving a synergistic effect of physical anchoring and organic bonding through scientific material compounding.

A typical formulation system includes the following key components:

Cementitious materials and aggregates: Provide basic strength and skeletal support.

Cellulose ethers: Primarily act as water retainers and thickeners, ensuring workability during the open time of the mortar and preventing excessive water absorption by the substrate.

Redispersible latex powder: This is crucial for imparting high adhesion and flexibility to the product. Upon hydration, it forms a polymer film that interweaves with the cement system, enhancing adhesion to tiles and substrates and buffering stress caused by temperature differences or deformation.

Functional Additives: Depending on performance requirements, accelerators (such as calcium formate) may be added to accelerate strength development, anti-sagging starch ethers to improve workability, or waterproofing agents and crack-resistant fibers may be added to meet specific project needs.

II. Main Performance Characteristics

High Bonding Strength: Far exceeding traditional cement mortar, effectively bonding large tiles and reducing the risk of hollowing and detachment.

Excellent Flexibility: Absorbs a certain degree of foundation deformation stress and has good crack resistance.

Good Weather Resistance: Resistant to water, freeze-thaw cycles, aging, and high temperatures, suitable for complex environments.

Efficient Construction: Usually eliminates the need for soaking tiles or wetting walls; the process is simple, and open time can be easily adjusted.

Environmentally Friendly and Safe: Non-toxic and harmless, meeting modern green building material requirements.

III. Scope of Application Suitable for bonding ceramic tiles, glazed tiles, vitrified tiles, and mosaics to indoor and outdoor walls and floors. Especially recommended for applications requiring high bonding strength and durability, such as exterior walls, swimming pools, kitchens, bathrooms, and other damp areas, as well as the finishing layer of exterior wall insulation systems. The substrate must be firm, dry, clean, and flat.

IV. Application Guidelines

Substrate Preparation: Ensure the substrate is firm, clean, and free of oil and loose materials. New concrete or plaster surfaces require sufficient curing (recommended at least 28 days). For highly absorbent or loose substrates, it is recommended to first apply a special interface agent for reinforcement and sealing.

Material Mixing: Using an electric mixer, pour clean water into the mixing bucket according to the recommended water-cement ratio (usually approximately 23-28% of powder), then slowly add the powder, mixing thoroughly until a smooth, lump-free paste is formed. After standing for several minutes to mature, stir lightly again before use. Never add water directly to dry powder.

Application Process:

Use a notched trowel to evenly apply the adhesive to the substrate, creating full, toothed patterns.

Select the appropriate notch depth based on the substrate's flatness and the tile size.

Press and adhere the tile onto the adhesive, ensuring full coverage and leveling. For large stones or tiles with deep grooves, a double-sided troweling method is recommended.

The ambient temperature should be between 5℃ and 40℃. The adhesive should be used within its workable time (usually about 2 hours).

Cure and Cleaning:

Avoid heavy pressure or vibration for approximately 24 hours after application.

Grouting should only be done after the adhesive has fully hardened (usually after 24 hours).

Tools and residual adhesive on the tile surface should be cleaned with a damp cloth before curing; after complete curing, it can be removed with a specialized cleaning agent.

V. Important Precautions: Before application, the verticality and flatness of the substrate must be checked and confirmed.

Strictly follow the mixing ratio; never add water to hardened adhesive and reuse it. Appropriate expansion joints should be left during installation.

Ensure construction is carried out within the specified ambient temperature range. Avoid exposing the mixed adhesive to direct sunlight or freezing temperatures.

By following scientific formulation design principles and standardized construction techniques, tile adhesives can provide long-lasting and reliable bonding for finishing projects, effectively improving project quality and durability.