An important idea in construction is cement adhesion, which establishes how well cement binds materials together. Knowing how cement sticks to surfaces will help you ensure sturdy constructions, whether you’re working on a big-scale building project or a small-scale DIY project.
Cement’s adhesive qualities stem from its capacity to establish robust chemical bonds with a variety of materials. Cement reacts in a number of ways when combined with water to form a paste that can bind surfaces and fill in gaps. This makes it the perfect material for a variety of tasks, such as building solid, smooth floors and laying bricks.
Cement adhesion is affected by a number of variables, such as the kind of cement used, the surfaces it is applied to, and the surrounding circumstances. By understanding how to best utilize these elements, cement can function better in any project and endure longer.
This article will examine the science underlying cement adhesion, go over the various varieties of cement and their adhesive qualities, and offer helpful advice for finishing construction projects with the greatest outcomes.
Technical meaning of adhesion
Translated from Latin, "adhesion" means "sticking." This is the adherence of homogeneous or dissimilar materials to one another. In this instance, the "adhesion" of cement-based solutions—such as glue, plaster, masonry mortar, repair compounds, and concrete—is taken into consideration.
Three categories of adhesion exist:
- Physical. Adhesion occurs at the molecular level. Example – magnet sticking to a steel base.
- Chemical. Adhesion occurs at the atomic level. Example – welding and soldering of parts. Also, the adhesion of a dental filling to the dental pulp has a chemical meaning.
- Mechanical. Adhesion of materials occurs due to the penetration of adhesive (plaster, concrete mortar, masonry mortar, glue, etc.).P.) into the pores and roughness of the base. Example: plastering, tiling, painting.
The degree of adhesion is measured in MPa. The digital value indicates the amount of force that must be applied in order to tear the adhesive from the base. For example, on the packaging of the dry plaster mix "ECO 44" it is indicated that the minimum adhesion of this material to the base is 0.5 MPa. This means that in order to tear the adhesive layer from the base, you will need to apply a force of 5 kg per 1 cm2 of area.
Depending on the kind and age of the base, different materials adhere to them to different degrees. For example, modern dry building mixes can provide a degree of "sticking" up to 2 MPa or more, whereas old concrete only adheres to new concrete to the extent of 0.9 to 1.0 MPa.
As required by GOST 31356-2007, laboratory testing of the degree of adhesion of dry building mixes is done on specific samples.
Methods for increasing adhesion
A number of factors influence the "variable" value of the adhesive’s degree of "adhesion" to the base.
- Surface cleanliness from dirt: dust, greasy stains, amorphous masses, etc.
- Surface roughness. For example, due to the virtually zero surface roughness, the adhesion of cement to glass is significantly lower than the adhesion of cement to wood or the adhesion of cement to concrete.
- Shrinkage processes. When the adhesive shrinks, stresses arise that cause cracking and peeling from the base.
The aforementioned factors must be removed in order to obtain the adhesion value that corresponds to the given parameters. The measures listed below are employed:
- Thorough cleaning of the base from dirt, paint, old plaster and amorphous masses.
- Increasing the degree of roughness by applying notches or grinding with abrasives. A good result is obtained by treating a smooth surface with a composition for increasing the surface roughness "Betonokontakt".
- Use of chemical modification of concrete with special additives such as "MS-ADHESIVE" or "SikaLatex®". "MS-ADHESIVE" significantly increases the adhesion of cement mortars, including the adhesion of cement to metal and the adhesion of cement to paint. The additive is introduced simultaneously with the sealer in accordance with the instructions for use. "SikaLatex®" liquid additive to cement mortars that improves adhesion strength and reduces shrinkage processes. It is introduced into the sealer in accordance with the instructions. With the help of these additives, cement with high adhesion is obtained, even to an old or "smooth" base.
- Base primer. Primers penetrate deeply into the thickness of the base and significantly increase the degree of adhesion of the base to the adhesive. Common brands: Luxorit-Grunt, Joint Primer, Maxbond Latex.
Experience has shown that in private construction, only a few of the measures—such as cleaning the surface and adding more roughness—are employed. Plastering, tiling, floor finishing, and other types of work can all be completed with this degree of adhesion without incurring additional costs thanks to these operations.
The process by which cement joins different materials to create a sturdy, long-lasting structure is known as cement adhesion. It is necessary to produce concrete that is stable and strong, which is the foundation of most building projects. In order to guarantee the longevity and safety of buildings and other structures, it is important to understand how cement adhesion functions and to select the appropriate cement type and mix. The fundamentals of cement adhesion, its importance, and how it impacts the strength and longevity of concrete structures will all be covered in this article.
Methods for measuring the adhesion value
A unique device called "ONIKS-AP" or one of its equivalents measures the degree of adhesion between the adhesive and the base numerically. The technological core of the system consists of adhering the device’s working plate to a piece of porcelain, stoneware, tile, or plaster. In this instance, the tested area needs to match the plate’s measurements. Cutting the adhesive to the base ensures that it adheres to the plate’s dimensions.
The plate is then loaded (torn off) by the device until it completely separates it from the base and the adhesive area that is being tested. An indication of the rising load value happens as the process goes on. This device allows the degree of adhesion to be measured between 0 and 10 MPa. Considering the device’s high price of approximately 70,000 rubles, buying it for a single use in private construction is not financially feasible.
Conclusion
Manufacturers and retailers of building materials provide customers with a large assortment of dry building mixes "for all options"; these include plasters for both interior and exterior work, tile adhesives based on cement, porcelain stoneware, artificial stone, polystyrene foam, and additional finishing and thermal insulation materials.
In this instance, if usage instructions are followed, a given mixture’s adhesion matches its intended use. Developers should not worry about adhesion as long as they use these compositions and strictly follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as the adhesion value will be supplied automatically.
| Concept | Explanation |
| Cement Adhesion | Cement adhesion refers to the ability of cement to stick to other materials, such as sand, gravel, and rebar, creating a strong and durable bond. |
| Importance | Good cement adhesion is crucial for the structural integrity of buildings and other constructions, ensuring stability and longevity. |
| Factors Affecting Adhesion | Factors like surface cleanliness, moisture content, and the type of materials used can impact the effectiveness of cement adhesion. |
| Improving Adhesion | To improve adhesion, surfaces should be cleaned, wetted, and sometimes treated with bonding agents before applying cement. |
Anyone working on construction or renovation projects needs to understand cement adhesion. It does this by creating a strong bond between various materials, which guarantees the strength and longevity of structures. The results of your work can be greatly impacted by your understanding of how cement adheres to surfaces, regardless of the size of the construction or DIY project you’re working on.
Cement and the surfaces it binds to undergo chemical reactions during the adhesion process, which forges a robust, long-lasting bond. Optimizing adhesion is dependent on a number of factors, including curing conditions, mixing ratios, and surface preparation. You can improve the functionality and durability of your concrete structures by paying attention to these little things.
Using the appropriate amount of water, giving the bonding surfaces a thorough cleaning and roughening, and allowing enough time for curing are all useful tips for enhancing cement adhesion. Despite their apparent simplicity, these actions have a big impact on the outcome. Maintaining adequate adhesion guards against problems like detachment and cracking while also fortifying the structure.
Cement adhesion is ultimately about knowing the fundamentals and using them correctly. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently take on any concrete project, knowing that your work will endure over time. You can accomplish professional-caliber outcomes in all of your construction endeavors by adhering to best practices and paying close attention to details.
