Modern tile adhesives:
building materials with superpowers

Modern tile adhesives are genuine all-rounders that are capable of much more than merely securing tiles in place. They also prevent them from cracking under stress, and, apart from making the tiler’s job easier, save time and material. What then is the secret behind these “superpowers”? Polymer modification with VINNAPAS^®!

Tiles have undergone an unprecedented evolution in recent decades – in size and shape, in design and materials. Irrespective of the enormous variety of tile products available on the market, one aspect is common to them all: the need for high-performance, polymer-modified tile adhesives. Because only these adhesives have the properties that are essential for good bonding and long-term durability.

This article will allow you to delve deeper into the fascinating world of tile adhesives, discover their superpowers, and the source of these powers through polymer modification with VINNAPAS^® dispersible polymer powders.

Polymers: materials that can unleash incredible strength

Tile adhesives made of cement, sand, and a few aggregates were commonly used in the past when tiles were smaller in size and open-pored. Today, as trends, tiles and substrates continue to develop and change, so too do the demands on tile adhesives to perform better and, as such, on the formulation itself. As co-binders, VINNAPAS^® dispersible polymer powders may only have a small role to play in this context. Their impact is nonetheless significant.

Ever since the 1950s, polymeric binders have played a part in the modification of tile adhesives. What could be the reason for this? The answer is simple. Polymers improve key characteristics such as adhesion, flexibility, and durability, whereby we can formulate tile adhesives that meet the requirements of modern tiles.

Watch our video to get an insight into how VINNAPAS^® plays a role in the polymer modification of tile adhesives.

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A closer look at the role of polymers in tile adhesives

How exactly does polymer modification with VINNAPAS^®work? What effect do polymers have in tile adhesives? Find out for yourself in our short film. Embark on a three-minute journey and experience the exciting inner workings of a cementitious tile adhesive. Discover how VINNAPAS^® unleashes the superpowers of tile adhesives!

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Superpower 1: Full wall and floor bonding

The main function of tile adhesives is to ensure proper adhesion to the substrate. At the same time, however, they must also be flexible in order to permanently secure the tiles in their intended position. With VINNAPAS^®, no problem at all!

Adhesion and flexibility are the two most important properties of tile adhesives. Polymer modification with VINNAPAS^® dispersible polymer powders significantly improves the bonding strength of tile adhesives to a wide range of substrates. At the same time, the polymer provides the cured tile adhesive the flexibility it needs to ensure that tiles can withstand mechanical stresses.

Watch these two short clips to see how VINNAPAS^® dispersible polymer powders improve the bonding strength and flexibility of tile adhesives.

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Superpower 2: Strong under stress

Shear forces are often the cause of tiles coming loose from walls or floors. Just small quantities of VINNAPAS^® dispersible polymer powders are enough to tackle this problem.

Shear forces are caused by minute movements in the substrate or masonry that lead to displacement or deformation. The cured tile adhesive must be able to respond flexibly to these challenges and prevent the tiles from chipping off or cracking. To ensure this, VINNAPAS^® dispersible polymer powders are added to tile adhesives. Just a small amount enhances the flexibility of the tile adhesive, thereby minimizing the damage caused by shear forces.

Watch the clip to see how polymer-modified tile adhesives demonstrate enhanced strength to withstand shear forces.

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Superpower 3: Impact-resistant surfaces

The impact of a falling hammer is enough to crack a tile. Is there nothing to prevent this from happening? Indeed there is. While even polymers cannot prevent things from falling, they can indeed prevent tiles from breaking.

Ceramic tile adhesives modified with VINNAPAS^® dispersible polymer powders act as elastic buffers that can cushion any impact. As a result: even if heavy tools or other objects hit the floor, the tiles remain intact.

Hard to believe? Watch our impact test in the clip and convince yourself!

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Superpower 4: Laid in no time

Less time for laying, less material consumption, less effort: polymer-modified tile adhesives also offer decisive advantages for tilers.

How long does it take to tile a floor? With polymer-modified tile adhesives, it’s impressively quick. That’s because tiles can be laid using the modern thin-bed technique. In contrast to the conventional thick-bed method, which is still used in many countries, the thin-bed technique saves up to 90% sand and cement, and a lot of time.

Our next clip clearly demonstrates the benefits by comparing the thin-bed and thick-bed methods. Any doubts? We were certain you wouldn’t have any!

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Good to know: Which is the right tile adhesive for you?

Do I always need to use a polymer-modified tile adhesive? In most cases, you do! Else you run the risk of saving at the wrong end.

C1, C2, special adhesives – the range of modern tile adhesives and product options are greater than ever. That’s because every type of tile and every area of application requires a matching adhesive for optimum results. The same applies to special applications such as large-format tiles or tiling over existing tiles.

So how do you find the right product? And what do you need to consider when using it for your specific requirements? Our short clip will give you some valuable insights.

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