The Role of the Adhesive Accelerator in the Performance of Ceramic Tile Adhesives

Adhesives are typically used in assembly processes involving metal substrates and components. Adhesives have become a better option to mechanical fasteners because of their heat and chemical resistance. The adhesive accelerator has been developed as an ingredient to be used in small amounts so as to speed up the action of the hardener in the two-part adhesive. Two-part no mix acrylics are durable, tough and can develop bond strength rapidly but tends to cure slowly that is why there is a need for the adhesive accelerator. Two-part epoxies offer superior strength and durability, excellent depth of cure and temperature resistance but are slower to cure than other acrylic families; hence the need for the adhesive accelerator for faster, uniform curing.

The job of the adhesive accelerator

When curing beads or in applications where the adhesive is not between two parts, the adhesive accelerator allows for faster and more uniform curing. The adhesive accelerator also helps in the bonding of porous materials such as fabrics and wood. Instant adhesives work excellently in the rapid bonding of metal substrates but it does not work as expected in porous materials hence the need for the adhesive accelerator. It also promotes curing time when bonding acidic surfaces or when there is low humidity conditions. Using the adhesive accelerator will enable the adhesive to fill the gaps up to 0.20”. It is applied to one surface and glued to the other surface, brought together and wait for it to bond in 6 to 8 seconds.

Adhesive accelerators in ceramic tile adhesive formulations

Tile adhesives are used to install tiles on the floors and walls of residential homes and commercial buildings. The appropriate choice of tile adhesives is governed by various criteria that includes jobsite humidity or heat and air circulation, nature of the substrate, type of covering material and its characteristics like pattern, smoothness of the surface, mechanical strength, water absorption, shape, color, etc. Depending on different demands, there is a broad range of ceramic tile adhesives available for a broad range of substrates whether normal or fast settings. There are also adhesives for fixing natural stones, waterproofing, flow-bed mortars for floor tiling, lightweight adhesives with high yield and adhesives for fully vitrified stoneware and glass with virtually no water absorption.

Dispersion-based ceramic tile adhesives are ready to use products and relatively easy to apply because there is no mixing required. Cement-based tile adhesives, on the other hand, are based on dry mortar powder and require the addition of water prior to its application. One of the key components of both the dispersion-based and cement-based tile adhesives is cellulose ether that improves the properties of the adhesives. Ceramic tile adhesives come in varying formulations from the very high cement level to comparably low to accommodate different raw materials and building practices. Ceramic tile adhesives use carbonates as aggregates while others use silica sands depending on its local availability. Re-dispersible powders control adhesive strength and flexibility while adhesive accelerators enhance curing. How much adhesive accelerator or re-dispersible powders are needed in each basic formulation depends on individual requirements of building applications.