Statistical approach: Cellulose ether for decarbonisation of tile adhesive

 
Cement-based tile adhesives (CBTAs) have the primary function to maintain the adhesion between tile and substrate across different conditions. Tiles installed in a freeze/thaw environment, areas that require deformation capability or in wet areas, require high performing adhesives that can withstand these demanding conditions. CBTA usually contain a mixture of inorganic and organic binders, such as Portland cement and dispersible polymer powder. Cement mainly accomplishes its strength by mechanical interlocking due to hydration reactions. Cellulose ether (CE) is a performance additive responsible for water retention, which is crucial for cement hydration and strength development. CE is also well-known for its influence on other CBTA application properties, such as workability and open time. Cement manufacturers have set goals and committed to reduce CO2 emissions due to their significant emissions globally. As a result, they have developed a decarbonization strategy that focuses on the gradual phase-out of high clinker cement containing CEM I and eventual introduction of carbon capture and usage technologies among other actions. Replacing CEM I supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash, limestone, and pozzolanic additives will be introduced in various countries with different timelines. The specific cement compositions manufacturers will eventually choose is strongly dependent on supplementary materials which are available close to their cement factories. Despite the uncertain timeframe and varying ingredients of future cement compositions, the emerging challenges in CBTA formulations are known to be associated with early strength development and adhesion strength after water immersion. In our work, a statistical approach is presented to address the challenges regarding the development of high performing C2-type CBTA based on low-clinker cements. A design of experiment was developed using JMP PRO18 software to study cellulose ether composition effects and provide insights on solutions to the drawbacks currently faced by CBTA producers upon implementing low-clinker cement based CBTA formulations.