Kaneka Highlights MS Polymer Technology for High-Performance Tile Adhesives

Kaneka is highlighting the use of KANEKA MS POLYMER™ in tile adhesive formulations as an alternative to conventional mortar- and epoxy-based systems used in masonry applications.

KANEKA MS POLYMER materials are silyl-terminated polyether polymers designed to provide elastic bonding to substrates including concrete, lightweight concrete, metal panels, stone, and ceramic tile. According to Kaneka, the technology can help formulators address challenges associated with rigid bonding systems, including cracking, peeling, vibration, and differential movement between bonded materials.

Kaneka reports that tile adhesives based on the technology can provide low-VOC, solvent-free, and isocyanate-free formulations while eliminating the dust associated with conventional mortar mixing. The company also notes that the polymers can be formulated as one-component adhesives, reducing the need for metering and mixing equipment.

In a long-term evaluation cited by Kaneka, tiles bonded with an MS Polymer-based adhesive showed substantially fewer cracks than those installed using a conventional mortar system over a 12-year period. The company attributed the result to the adhesive's ability to absorb movement and vibration while maintaining bond strength.

A construction-site comparison also found that the MS Polymer adhesive achieved greater coverage and an estimated 1.4 times higher working efficiency than mortar when mixing, application, positioning, and alignment time were considered.

Kaneka offers more than 40 MS Polymer grades covering a range of viscosities and performance characteristics for construction, flooring, waterproofing, and other adhesive and sealant applications.

Source: Kaneka / SpecialChem