Next Generation Reaction Resins –Botament Multidiamond
Until recently, resins used to have a reputation for being rather stiff and arduous to apply, having a strong and unpleasant smell plus additional time needed on cleaning, Latest research & development, however, has unveiled a whole new side to reaction resins, opening up new exciting possibilities.
Reaction resins are currently used when the demands exceed what cement-based systems have to offer. The most commonly used reaction resins are epoxy or polyurethane-based resins. These mortar combinations can be set to be leak-tight or to be drainage mortars. Their properties depend on the type of aggregates, the grading curve and the mixing ratio.
Not all resins are equal
Today’s application methods are incomparable with those used in the past. In joint mortars for instance, special additives mean free-radicals (pigments) are no longer required – these would otherwise result in more time spent on cleaning the grouting off the tiles, as dark-coloured joint mortars are particularly prone to leaving behind a haze-coloured residue on tiles . The washing off process requires only using a hydro sponge and cold water (even when the tiles are dark in colour, e.g. charcoal etc.).
With our Multidiamond range we are able to demonstrate, how much easier a tiler will find working with such a resin-based grout.
Yet another positive development that is possible thanks to modern resins is that they can be used on damp substrates, because they are able to cope with a higher water content. Previously this was just not possible with standard reaction resins. Substrates and additives had to be dry or oven-dry before the resin could be applied. Nowadays, products exist that can also be stretched with sand that has a moisture content of up to 4 %, if not more. The good news does not end here: now even tiles can be jointed where some water has splashed into the open joint during an earlier cleaning stage. A wonderful advantage of the next generation reaction resins is furthermore their re-emulsifiability during the days following grouting: should there still be a colour-haze on the tile surfaces, it can be removed easily with a diluted vinegar-based cleaning agent. No longer is it necessary to reach for the aggressive chemical option.
Special Characteristics
In the past grouting played a rather less important, secondary role – today the joint is a major consideration and one that can make or break the overall appearance of a tiled floor. Knowing how colours, colour harmony and colour contrasts work, are an essential skill for any tiler worth their salt – it may mean the difference between getting it ‘spot on’ or ‘totally wrong’
Can a cement-based joint produce the same colour intensity as the tile itself? When adding certain special additives to reaction resins, it becomes possible to reach deeper colour intensities than was previously possible with joint mortars. Multidiamond revolutionary colour –fastness is particularly suited to dark tiles.
The high chemical resistance of resins grouts has led to their ascendancy as the preferred choice, especially in areas that have the potential to lead to friction and arguments between tile fitter and building owners. More often than not cement-based joints, particularly in showers, are cleaned trying to adhere to “strict ecological” guidelines, but as a result joints suffer long term from cleaning agents that are far too acidic. In turn this quickly destroys the cement matrix, leading to complaints about the product. Resins are clearly more resistant against acidic household cleaning agents.
A final plus resins have to offer is that they don’t contain any water-soluble lime, hence no efflorescence on balconies and terraces!
. KTW/KSW Testing
In addition to the great application properties of modern resins, such as those of our product Multifuge Diamond, one should also ensure that resins are suitable for use in such critical areas as swimming pools and wherever drinking water is stored! The guidelines of the German Ministry for the Environment specify that polymers must be safe from leaking out any substances which could be ingested and could be harmful to human health.
The list of suitable products available for safe use is being updated constantly and the health & safety standard is being improved all the time. With our products Multifuge Diamond and EF/EK 500 we are complying with the latest guidelines and are meeting these stringent requirements. Besides their use in the drinking water area (KTW), our resins are equally well-suited for use in swimming pools (KSW). In order to gain these approval certifications manufacturers have to show that the products don’t promote micro-organism formation (DVGW W270).
Conclusion:
Next generation reaction resins open up many new application possibilities and offer features that existing resins available in the market simply cannot compete with. Tile fitters now have plenty of new options at their disposal to add to their existing arsenal
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