The need for dry mortar, from the simplest application to special products with special requirements, is covered by approx. 650 dry mortar factories in Europe. Constantly new requirements according to European standards or special regional conditions are also a major challenge for us as a supplier of process chemicals. Environment and health, occupational safety, fire protection, etc. are the most important factors in the development of new products in addition to technical requirements. In addition, the aspiration for sustainability in both in the product as well as used in raw materials. We at Sika live these principles and work on continuous improvement. When developing and manufacturing our additives, we also ensure that raw materials are as sustainable as possible and that the supply of raw materials is reliable
without losing sight of profitability.
OUR COMPETENCE OF DRY MORTAR INDUSTRY
Based on our almost 50 years of experience with concrete admixtures and our concrete technological experience, we started building a range of additives for the dry mortar industry over 10 years ago. From many Sika products, we have clearly arranged the product groups relevant for the dry mortar industry. From adjustment consistency and saving water, to setting control, adjusting mortar densities and improving processing to ensuring durability.
Sika offers many formulation components from one hand. Our product engineers and technical application service always have the latest market requirements in focus. With our application technology laboratory in Leimen / Germany, we support our customers in adapting their recipes.
HIGH PERFORMANCE SUPERLASTICIZER FOR DRY MORTAR PROCUCTION
Sika® ViscoCrete® – high-performance superplasticizers are based on PCE (polycarboxylate ether) technology. The production takes place in compliance with strict industrial standards and ensures a continuously high product quality. By knowing the effect of different polymer designs, Sika® is able to offer tailor-made solutions for a variety of applications with different binders.
ACCELERATOR FOR DRY MORTAR
In the case of accelerators, a distinction is made between setting accelerators and hardening accelerators. Sigunit® types are classic setting accelerators for shotcrete and can also be used for the formulation of 3-D printing mortars. Hardening accelerators work within a few minutes after adding water. SikaRapid® is the brand for our hardening accelerators which lead to higher early strengths after 2 to 12 hours. The water binder values are set in combination with Sika® ViscoCrete®.
RETARDER FOR OPTIMISED PROCESSING TIME OF MORTAR
The use of retarders is always necessary if the processing time for the mortar is insufficient or if a certain setting behavior is required to carry out individual operations. An example of this would be classic gypsum plaster. Our Retardan® types are perfectly suited to precisely control the start and end of stiffening of beta hemihydrate gypsum plasters. Compared to fruit acids, we achieve higher strengths with Retardan®.
SikaTard® is the general brand name for retarders from Sika which can be used in both cement-based and ternary systems. A recipe optimization can very often take place in conjunction with our special Sika® ViscoCrete® types.
AIR ENTRAINER FOR DRY MORTAR
Powdered air entraining agents essentially have two main functions:
- Increase of the frost-thawing salt resistance
- Improvement of processing through plasticization and stabilization
The aim is to create the smallest (<0.3 mm) and evenly distributed air pores and keep them stable for as long as possible. Sika
offers two basic variants of the mode of action: The Physically effective via mixing time and mixing energy as well as the chemically effective regardless of mixing time and mixing energy.
STABILIZERS FOR DRY MORTAR
In particular, flowable dry mortars, which are mixed and pumped by machine, tend to separate heavy aggregates or bleeding on the surface if they are overwatered. In addition to optimizing the grading curve, sand and aggregate quality play a very important role. By using special stabilizers, more robust dry mortars can be formulated. Side effects can also be water retention for internal aftertreatment and better pumping capabilities.
FIBERS FOR DRY MORTAR INDUSTRY
Sika Fibercast®-500 is a fibrillated polyolefin fiber with a diameter of 0.14 mm and 6 mm in length and is a special form of synthetic, alkali-insensitive micro-reinforcement. It causes increased cohesion and stability in the fresh mortar. In cured mortar, Fibercast®-500 provides increased impact and shock resistance and reduces plastic shrinkage cracks. Due to its good dispersion even in dry mixtures, Fibercast®-500 is particularly suitable for use in dry mortars and dry concrete.
The most important advantages at aglance:
- Simple handling, easy processing
- Improvement of the cohesion in the fresh concrete
- No corrosion
- High tensile strength
- Increased resistance to impact, shock and wear and tear
EXPANSION AGENTS AND INJECTION AIDS
Expansion agents and injection aids are special, powdered additives that counteract the early shrinkage of mostly flowable or soft mortar while it is still in a plastic state by increasing the volume in a targeted manner. Depending on the dosage, expansion values of several per cent by volume can be achieved. As a result, the mortar can virtually brace itself in a cavity. Examples of applications are grouting mortars and concretes, assembly mortars, filling and grouting mortars, jointing mortars, annular gap mortars and masonry mortars. The swelling pressure results in a full adaptation to the contact surfaces.
INOVATIVE SHINKAGE REDUCERS FOR THE DRY MORTAR INDUSTRY
Here you will find our low-emission, powdered shrinkage reducers for the dry mortar industry.
