What is polymer modified mortar?
What is Polymer modified mortars? Polymer modified mortars is formed by mixing the organic polymers as admixture during the preparation of mortar which remains finely dispersed in solid form or emulsified form. The polymer used can be both liquid type as well as the solid fine dusted form.
What are the advantages of polymeric mortar with polymeric admixtures?
Mortar with polymeric admixtures can be utilized advantageously and economically in certain circumstances. Polymer-modified mortar is made by replacing a portion of the traditional binders with polymers.
What kind of polymers can be added to mortar mix?
Redispersible polymer powders such as ethylene vinyl acetate are usually added to dry mortar mix. Water-soluble polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol are also powders but are added to wet mortar mix.
Why use polymers in mortar curing?
It has also been demonstrated that polymers improve mortar curing because it reduces the rate of water evaporation. This reduced rate of water evaporation is especially important in thin applications, where the surface area for evaporation is high, relative to the volume of the mortar.
Is polymer enriched thin-set mortar modified?
They are categorized as modified and un-modified. A modified thin-set mortar contains polymers formulated into the dry mix that increase its performance and strength. An un-modified mortar is simply a thin-set mortar that does not contain polymer in the dry mix.
How do I know if mortar is modified or unmodified?
Look for this standard on the packaging (e.g., product meets ANSI A118. 1 when mixed with water). Unmodified thin-set mortar may also be referred to as dry-set mortar by the manufacturer. Modified thin-set mortars are similar to unmodified thin-set mortars, but include additional polymers such as latex.
What is polymer modified mortar?
Polymer modified mortar is produced by mixing water with polymeric admixtures, Portland cement, and sand. The addition of polymer improves mortar's performance and consequently can be utilized advantageously and economically in several applications.
Which Mapei mortar is unmodified?
Keraset: This is Mapei's mid-range unmodified.
What is polymer enriched Thinset?
Modified thinset, also known as latex or polymer modified thinset, is a mix of Portland cement, sand, and latex/polymer additives. Modified thinsets are suitable for a variety of tiles and surfaces, and have excellent adhesion and bond strength. They reduce water absorption, as well as resist shock and impact.
What is the difference between latex and polymer modified thinset?
They can either me latex modified thin-set where you add the appropriate liquid latex rather than water or there are polymer modified thin-sets that have dry polymers in the powder and when you add water it activates them to give similar performance as the latex modified thin-set.
What's the difference between modified and unmodified thinset?
Unlike unmodified mortar, which consists only of a blend of Portland cement, sand, and water retention agents, modified thinset includes additional retention products, such as latex polymers, which can increase its performance and strength.
Do I need modified or unmodified thinset?
Therefore, it's best to use unmodified thinset when working with an impervious installation membrane like Prodeso for installing radiant floor heating. It's important to note that latex-modified thinset can still be used between the membrane and the subfloor because it is not impervious.
What does a polymer additive do to mortar?
MAPEI's Polymer Additive is an acrylic latex admixture used to enhance the performance of dry-set mortars as well as Mosaic & Glass Tile Mortar. This highly recommended admixture enhances bond strength, flexural strength and freeze/thaw durability.
Is Mapei premium mortar unmodified?
Premium Mortar is a premixed no-mess alternative to traditional thin-set mortars that require water and mixing. It is nonflammable and ready to use.
What happens if you use modified thinset on Kerdi?
Modified thinset mortars aren't recommended for use with Kerdi because they must dry out to gain strength, whereas the membrane inhibits drying, which can lead to unpredictable results. For example, if a shower is used before the mortar has cured properly, leaks and polymer leaching can occur.
Is VersaBond modified or unmodified?
A professional formula, all-purpose mortar, polymer-modified to provide good bond strength for floor and tile projects. VersaBond® cures quickly even in cold climates and adheres to most surfaces, exceeding ANSI A118. 4 and A118.
How is polymer modified mortar formed?
Polymer modified mortars is formed by mixing the organic polymers as admixture during the preparation of mortar which remains finely dispersed in solid form or emulsified form. The polymer used can be both liquid type as well as the solid fine dusted form. The polymer helps to enhance the extra property of mortar and attain its highest performance.
What is the purpose of polymer mortar?
The polymer helps to enhance the extra property of mortar and attain its highest performance. The property likes adhesion, toughness, bonding strength, and flexural strength to some extent are highly enhanced. Such mortar on drying also gives the high resistance property against fire and chemical attacks.
What is the best liquid polymer for mortar?
3) Liquid polymers: Epoxy resins, unsaturated polymer resin, and petroleum-based epoxy are liquid polymers that can be used to provide high-quality polymer mortar. These polymers result in rapid curing and excellent bonding in cement and aggregates. But the especial curing liquids are used.
What is hydrophilic polymer?
These are the polymers available in emulsified form. The hydrophilic part of polymers attached with water molecules and hydrophobic repels the water, thus the polymers can remain highly dispersed without contacting each other to form the polymer chains .
What happens to polymers during the mixing process?
During the mixing process, the polymers act as a lubricant and do not get agglomerated with cement particles. Then the as the hydration process exhibits along with the evaporation of the water molecules, the free movement of the fine polymers is restricted.
What is the process of forming polymers called?
Such smallest repeating units are called monomers and the process of forming the polymers my rearrangement in long-chain is called Polymerization.
What is polymer modified grout?
They are applicable t grouting purposes too. The polymer-modified are suitable for shotcrete purposes especially, for the salt mine galleries and underground work.
What is polymer modified mortar?
It is the most widely used application of polymer modified mortar. Reduced water and salt ingress makes polymer-modified mortar ideal for masonry exposed to weathering and other exterior conditions. Polymer-modified thinset mortar is designed to adhere tile to concrete and cement board substrates without needing to soak the tiles beforehand.
How do polymers improve mortar properties?
How Polymers Improve Mortar Properties. 1. Strength and Durability. Time and again, it has been demonstrated that polymers improve tensile strength, flexural strength, impact and abrasion resistance, water resistance, and chemical resistance of polymer modified mortar in comparison to mortars without polymers.
Why is polymer mortar good?
It has also been demonstrated that polymers improve mortar curing because it reduces the rate of water evaporation. This reduced rate of water evaporation is especially important in thin applications, where the surface area for evaporation is high, relative to the volume of the mortar.
What is the role of polymers in mortar?
3. Adhesion. Due to the fact that Polymers act as an adhesive, it improves the adhesion of mortar to different surfaces like concrete, masonry, brick, wood, rigid polystyrene and polyurethane foam, glass, and metals.
Why are polymers used in mortar?
Polymers make mortar more fluid and easier to handle and apply. It acts as a water-reducer, eventually leading to a stronger mortar with fewer voids. Specific types of polymers extend the hydration period which increase working time. This is considerably advantageous in hot climates.
How long does it take for mortar to cure?
It is required to provide adequate water to have proper curing especially during the early stages of curing process; roughly the first five to seven days.
What is water soluble polymer?
Latex polymers, redispersible dry polymers, water-soluble polymers are the different types of polymer used to produce polymer modified mortar. In addition to improving the workability, Polymers enhance adhesion, toughness, flexural or tensile strength, and resistance to chemicals, and freezing and thawing resistance of mortar. ...
Why does modified vs unmodified mortar matter?
The debate matters because of the way the different products cure. Modified mortars need air to dry and unmodified’s don’t. That is to say, the longer an unmodified mortar holds onto its moisture the better.
To Each their own
What’s happened is that the different manufacturers are setting their own rules and innovating their own products. For example:
Unmodified thinsets
Now, Schluter will still guarantee the use of unmodified thinset mortars meeting ANSI 118.1 with their products. However, they only offer their lifetime system warranty when using their brand of Schluter mortars. [ 3]
Best thinset to use with Schluter Kerdi and Ditra
The table below references some of the thinset mortars that comply with Schluter’s installation instructions. I’ve highlighted my preferred choices in bold.

How Polymers Improve Mortar Properties
- 1. Strength and Durability
Time and again, it has been demonstrated that polymers improve tensile strength, flexural strength, impact and abrasion resistance, water resistance, and chemical resistance of polymer modified mortar in comparison to mortars without polymers. Added to that, polymers restrict th… - 2. Workability
Polymers make mortar more fluid and easier to handle and apply. It acts as a water-reducer, eventually leading to a stronger mortar with fewer voids. Specific types of polymers extend the hydration period which increaseworking time. This is considerably advantageous in hot climates.
Cement Curing
- Curing of mortar is one of the major factors that controls its strength. It is required to provide adequate water to have proper curing especially during the early stages of curingprocess; roughly the first five to seven days. It has also been demonstrated that polymers improve mortar curing because it reduces the rate of water evaporation. This reduced rate of water evaporation is espe…
Types of Polymers
- There are different types of polymers which are used to make polymer modified mortar : 1. Latex polymers 2. Redispersible dry polymers (such as ethylene vinyl acetate) 3. Water soluble polymers like polyvinyl alcohol
Applications
- 1. Grouting Walls and Floor Tiles
It is the most widely used application of polymer modified mortar. Reduced water and salt ingress makes polymer-modified mortar ideal for masonry exposed to weathering and other exterior conditions. Polymer-modified thinset mortar is designed to adhere tile to concrete and cement b… - 2. Patch and Repair
Polymer-modified mortars are widely used for repair purposes because of their minimized shrinkage and ability to bond with the densest surfaces. It is used for repairing cracks and delamination of concrete structure and cracks.