Application of surface modifiers in ceramic tile to improve adhesion strength with mortars

Abstract

Nowadays, ceramic floor or wall tiles have been composed mainly of large ceramic tiles with low water absorption, which requires a greater need for bond strength between the tile and the adhesive mortar. Some researchers argue that adhesion is obtained mainly by mechanical interlocking, while othersclaim that adhesion is obtained mainly by increasing the contact surface. To provide this increase in the contact surface, some studies indicate the use of surface modifiers on the back of the ceramic plate. Thus, this research aimed to evaluate the influence of surface treatment on tensile strength. The research showed that factors such as the polymer content of the adhesive mortar, the absorption and the roughness of the ceramic back were more influential in the tensile strength than the use of the mentioned surface treatments.