Applied Research

In collaboration with universities and the central research organizations of Akzo Nobel, we build technology platforms to provide new solutions in mortar application. One of the main focuses of our attention is on the systematic understanding of mortars. In the last few years we have been developing analytical methods and models that help us to more easily understand how our materials influence the properties of a mortar.


Materials research - TGA Profiling of mortar layers
The image shows the inhomogeneous distribution of cellulose ether (dyed green) in a tile adhesive. “TGA profiling” confirms the strong fractionation of mortar constituents. In this method, the mortar bed is sampled from top to bottom in a series of thin layers each of which is then subjected to separate thermal analysis. The concentrations in all of the layers of a constituent element of mortar can then be compiled into a concentration profile across the entire mortar bed (see yellow graphic).


Image by A. Jenni

Literature
R. Zurbriggen (2001): Investigation of the segregation behavior of different mortar constituents with TGA/SDTA, UserCom (Information for users of METTLER TOLEDO thermal analysis systems), 13, 9-11.
A. Jenni, M. Herwegh, R. Zurbriggen, T. Aberle, L. Holzer, Quantitative microstructure analysis of polymer-modified mortars, Journal of Microscopy, 212 (2) (2003) 186-196.


Early shrinkage of mortars
The non-contact, laser device allows the shrinkage of thin mortar layers to be measured from the very first moment. Elotex applies this technique to the study of shrinkage/expansion behavior in fresh mortar and swelling/shrinking behavior under different storage conditions.


Image by Erwin Bühler, Elotex AG

Literature
Bühler, E. and Zurbriggen, R. (2004): Mechanisms of early shrinkage and expansion of fast-setting flooring compounds. Submitted to GDCh Baufachtagung, Erlangen, Germany


Shear Bond Strength
The ability to measure shear bond strength and shear bond deformation (flexibility) is indispensable in the study of the relationship between polymer properties and the performance of tile adhesives.

In addition to other tests, shear bond strength measurements provide important data for product development. 


Image by Jörg Lang, Elotex AG


Collaboration with Universities
Right from the start, a major focus of our collaboration with universities has been the basic micro-structural evolution of polymer-modified mortars. The study of microstructures is an essential component for the integrated understanding of polymer-cement composite materials. Depending on the formulation and environmental conditions, specific microstructures are obtained together with the associated macroscopic properties. The research into the microstructures and the associated mechanisms provides the basis for understanding the related physical properties in each case.

Dr. A. Jenni and his co-authors show the basic research and the scientific article in a different way, as an interactive presentation. The presentation is available in English at: www.basicresearch.elotex.de.

The following abstracts from our research activities can be downloaded as pdf files

• ESEM in-situ study on micro-structural changes in polymer-modified mortars during water storage (download)

• In-situ experiments on polymer film formation in cementitious systems using optical microscopy (download)

• Morphology and composite structures of polymer phases in cement mortars (download)

• Investigation of the segregation of different mortar constituents using TGA/SDTA (download)

• Mechanisms of early shrinkage and expansion of fast-setting flooring compounds (download)

• Micro-structural development in tile adhesives (download)