The Path to the Perfect Floor

Self-leveling compounds can be applied in different ways. For large installation areas, the fastest method is application via a pump truck. This video shows that the workers needed only two hours for a 550 square-meter area. After two more hours, the floor was ready to be walked on. Of course, this stunning result needs preparation: old floors must be removed, cracks and voids must be leveled and a primer needs to be applied. But most of all, the self-leveling compound has to be polymer-modified. Special VINNAPAS^® L and F grades ensure the right rheological and flow properties for this technique. They also improve adhesion and mechanical properties, reducing the necessary layer thickness and thus speeding up the drying process.

Self-leveling compounds are complex formulations. Up to 15 ingredients are needed to give the end product its desired properties, such as fast strength development, rapid drying, sufficient pot life, good rheology and stability. VINNAPAS^® polymer powders play a key role in adjusting the flow, the self-healing and defoaming properties, the workability and the mechanical strength of the finished flooring. To find out which VINNAPAS^® grade performs best in which formulation, we conduct extensive tests in our technical centers around the world.

We have developed our own test method to determine the leveling properties of self-leveling compounds. Whereas European test method EN 12706 gives information only on flow properties, the WACKER test also reveals additional data regarding the self-healing ability of the flooring compound.

Excellent flow properties are indispensable for high-quality self-leveling compounds to ensure smooth and even spreading on the floor. To measure the flow time, we use a test method involving a Ford cup.

Low air content is important for good flow properties and high mechanical strength. We measure the air content of fresh mortar using the air-pressure compensation principle.

Self-leveling compounds must bond well to the substrate. VINNAPAS^® dispersible powders increase bond strength quite considerably. The bond is measured by determining the tensile adhesion strength on concrete slabs.

Flexural and compressive strength are two of the most important parameters when it comes to self-leveling compounds. We test these factors to determine the compound’s load-bearing capacity. It can be shown that the flexural and compressive strengths of a compound are significantly improved by the addition of VINNAPAS^® dispersible polymer powders.

To avoid damage, self-leveling compounds must be free of shrinkage and cracking during hardening. We have developed the hindered shrinkage test for determining this in the lab.

Because control over the reaction kinetics is particularly important for self-leveling compounds, detailed studies are needed on how individual formulation ingredients react with each other. We use thermocouples to measure the heat released due to the hydration of the cement.

Strength development over time of the self-leveling compound is determined by means of ultrasonic equipment. We developed a software that makes it possible to identify the reaction of the different cement phases.

Wear resistance is a key property for areas subjected to such heavy loads as forklifts. We determine wear resistance with the roller abrasion tester specified in a European standard.

We use this test method to determine the resistance to rolling stress of self-leveling compounds with floor coverings. The purpose of this method is to investigate the self-drying properties of flooring compounds and the readiness for subsequent floor coverings.