Effect of formulation parameters on adhesive properties of ANSI 118-15 and 118-11 compliant tile adhesive mortars

The purpose of ANSI 118-15 and 118-11 is to facilitate design of high performance ceramic tile adhesives with improved bond strength on cementitious and plywood substrates. For these polymer modified mortars, the quantities of constituent materials must be properly selected to significantly increase bond properties of the tile adhesive. Consequently, interactions between all the components, such as the adhesion mechanisms between the latex film and the substrate and the effect of water on bond performances at the micro-level must be understood in order to design high performance polymer modified tile adhesives. The influence of percentages by mass of cement, latex polymer and cellulose ether were investigated. Results showed that the relative concentrations of these constituents exerted an influence on the adhesive properties of the mortars. To obtain maximum end use values, optimum dosages are to be found using design tools such as the ceramic tile adhesives design methodology presented herein. •This investigation demonstrates optimum concentration of constituent components, cement and organics can be found to maximize mechanical property performance of cementicious tile adhesives.•The study presents a methodology for mix design together with optimum ranges for the investigated materials.A minimum of 2% by mass of the total drymix of redispersible resin is necessary to ensure sufficient chemical bonding between the mortar and plywood.