Formulating Tile Adhesives with Carbon-Reduced Cement Types

This technical report discusses the challenges and adaptations in formulating tile adhesives using carbon-reduced cement types. The cement industry is undergoing a transformation to reduce its carbon footprint, leading to a shift from traditional Portland cement (CEM I) to various carbon-reduced alternatives like CEM II to CEM V. These new cement types, while optimized for compressive strength, pose specific challenges for tile-adhesive manufacturers who require performance attributes that have traditionally been best delivered by Portland cement. The report outlines tests conducted on different CEM II grades in existing tile adhesive formulations classified as C2TE according to European Standard EN 12004. Results indicate that while some properties are retained or improved, others, such as early strength development and tensile adhesion strength after immersion in water, are negatively affected. The report also highlights the potential of VINNAPAS® polymeric binders to address these challenges and improve the performance of CEM II-based tile adhesives.