VINNAPAS® Polmyer Powders - A Dispersible Polymer Powder Makes History
Usually invisible, but always indispensable: WACKER's polymer dispersible powders have been leaving their mark on the construction industry for 50 years. Enabling high-quality mineral building materials with precisely defined technical properties, as well as opening up a great many novel applications and techniques, these powders help rationalize construction-site processing. In sum, VINNAPAS® polymer powders have revolutionized the construction sector.Even though mortar is a traditional material, it would be wrong not to see it in a "high tech" light. Especially dry-mix mortar, modified with high-quality polymer binders, opens up broad innovative potential and a great many novel functions.
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In former times, mortar was still prepared on site from the individual raw materials. Germany's first post-war construction boom, however, soon required enhanced mixtures. Because "traditional" mortar comprising cement, sand and water adheres by way of mechanically interlocking with the substrate, it can only be used with porous substrates. Therefore, liquid polymer binders were added to mortar to enable better adhesion to a wide range of substrates. The drawback to this system, however, was that exactly the right amount of polymer binder had to be added to the mortar - at the construction site which meant that metering errors were common.
The Transformation of Mortar Begins
In 1957, WACKER, the Munich-based chemical company, ran its first tests to pulverize dispersions that previously were only availabe in liquid form. This invention was tantamount to revolutionizing the construction sector because it was now possible to pre-mix mortars at the factory.
On construction sites, these dry-mortar systems only needed to be stirred with water, simplifying matters enormously for the building industry and bringing economic advantages. Thus, a cementitious, one-part system became available to the building sector for the first time.
Adhesion to a Wide Range of Substrates
The name dispersible polymer powder is based on its ability to "redisperse" when water is added. As the mortar sets, flexible polymer bridges are formed between the brittle, mineral constituents of the mortar, thus greatly improving its adhesion to a wide range of substrates. The polymer bridges also increase the system's flexibility. In addition, it is possible to incorporate extra properties such as thixotropy, leveling, superplasticizing and hydrophobicity.
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Today, VINNAPAS® products are chiefly used as tile adhesives. The so-called thin-bed technique of laying tiles would not be possible without dispersible polymer powders which enable the tiler to work much more cost effectively. VINNAPAS® also outscores conventional mortars in ease and flexibility of handling, because it can stick to diverse substrates, such as wood, PVC, cement screed, fiberboard or even other tile surfaces.
The useful properties of dispersible polymer powders are employed to advantage in other fields, too. An example here is EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems) for insulating outside walls of residential buildings. Adhesive mortar with just three to four percent VINNAPAS® will form a stable and permanent bond with polystyrene boards and all kinds of substrates, ranging from concrete, brick and old plaster coatings, to mineral wool.
Self-leveling Floor Screeds
Sealing slurries are based on VINNAPAS® polymer powders as well. Since they are easy to use, the slurries are a sure form of protecting a large number of buildings from water damage. The slurries not only prevent damage caused by water ingress but also help save water. Impregnated water channels and reservoirs, for example, prevent water loss, thus promoting the efficient and sustainable use of water.
Technical Centers Around the World
The flexibility of VINNAPAS® grades applies to regional distinctions. For instance, locally available raw materials such as sand, cement and fillers are not always the same. As a result, the formulation must be optimized for ingredients and take account of aspects such as the specific climate conditions. In its 20 Technical Centers around the world, WACKER experts help customers develop enhanced formulations tailored to their individual demands and respective needs and requirements - an approach that has proved extremely successful.
Dispersible polymer powders have the potential to transcend current thinking by reflecting future megatrends. This applies as much to energy and watersaving opportunities as it does to improve life conditions, as in interior design and lightweight construction. WACKER offers advanced training programs at its local WACKER Academies. At the Mumbai WACKER Academy, experts explain the theoretical basics of dry mortar modification and give practical instruction in well-equipped laboratories which participants can put into practice straight away.
NBM&CW July 2011
