A layer of leveling mixture 2 mm thick contains approximately 0.8 liters of water per 1 m2. If half of this amount of water evaporates in a room of 20 m2, this means that at least 8 liters of water must be released into the room air. However, at a temperature of +20°C, the entire volume of air in the room can absorb only about 1 liter of water. This example clearly shows how necessary natural ventilation or indoor air circulation is when working with floor leveling mixtures! But, nevertheless, the windows must be closed and drafts are not allowed!
Layers often make costly mistakes when preparing subfloors, so professionals know very well how important it is to carefully weigh the pros and cons when choosing preparation methods. If you are in any doubt, consult with a qualified professional for detailed advice on the best course of action to take in your particular situation. Too often, a seemingly simple and obvious solution much later, already during operation, leads to negative consequences that could have been avoided. The laws of physics or chemistry cannot be circumvented. Problems arising during the performance of work can only be solved in accordance with these laws by following the recommendations of specialists. Ultimately, this is why there is a technical support service for construction chemical manufacturing companies.
Don't panic . In 2015, the AGATHA collection was released in a new modern format. In addition to recognizable bright colors and stylized decors, the updated collection is presented in three series: AGATHA 25X50 (smooth rectangular tiles), AGATHA PUZLE 25X40 (tiles with uneven edges and a relief surface), and AGATHA TRENCADIS 30x60 (tiles of irregular geometric shape, imitating panels using the trencadis technique ).
EN ISO 10545-13:1997 recommends the following aqueous test solutions:
4.1 Household chemicals . Ammonium chloride solution, 100 g/l. 4.2 Bath salts . Sodium hypochlorite solution, 20 mg/l, prepared from commercially pure sodium hypochlorite with 13% (m/m) active chloride. 4.3 Acids and alkalis . 4.3.1 Low concentrations (L): a) hydrochloric acid solution, 3% (V/V), prepared from concentrated hydrochloric acid (1.19 g/ml); b) citric acid solution, 100 g/l; c) potassium hydroxide solution, 30 g/l. 4.3.2 High concentrations (H) a) hydrochloric acid solution, 18% (V/V), prepared from concentrated hydrochloric acid (1.19 g/ml); b) lactic acid solution, 5% (V/V); c) potassium hydroxide solution, 100 g/l.
Unglazed ceramic tiles or slabs are classified into the following classes. 7.2.1 For test solutions according to 4.1 and 4.2: - class UA: no visible changes; — class UВ: visible changes on cut surfaces; - class UC: visible changes on the cut surfaces, on the edge of the sample, which is the edge of a tile or slab, and on the front side. 7.2.2 For test solutions according to 4.3.1: - ULA class: no visible changes; — ULV class: visible changes on cut surfaces; - ULC class: visible changes on the cut surfaces, on the edge of the sample, which is the edge of the tile or slab, and on the front side. 7.2.3 For test solutions in accordance with 4.3.2: - class UNA: no visible changes; — class UNB: visible changes on cut surfaces; - class UNC: visible changes on the cut surfaces, on the edge of the sample, which is the edge of a tile or slab, and on the front side.
Glazed ceramic tiles or slabs are classified into the following classes. 8.2.3.1 For the test solutions specified in 4.1 and 4.2: - class GA(V): no visible change; — class GB(V): significant changes in appearance; — class GC(V): partial or complete loss of the original surface. 8.2.3.2 For test solutions specified in 4.3.1: - class GLA(V): no visible change; — class GLV(V): significant changes in appearance; — class GLC(V): partial or complete loss of the original surface. 8.2.3.3 For test solutions specified in 4.3.2: - class GHA(V): no visible changes; — class GНВ(V): significant changes in appearance; — class GHC(V): partial or complete loss of the original surface.
EN ISO 10545-14 Determination of stain resistance.
Cleaning methods:
Method A. The test samples are cleaned under running hot water for 5 minutes, after which their surface is wiped with a damp cloth;
Method B. Test samples are manually cleaned with a mild cleaning agent using non-scratch natural sponges or wipes. After this, their surface is washed under running water and wiped with a damp cloth;
Method C. The test samples are cleaned mechanically using strong cleaning agents: a rotating brush with a diameter of 8 cm with stiff bristles at a rotation speed of 500 rpm; container for cleaning agent with appropriate supply, connected to the brush. Cleaning is carried out for 2 minutes, after which the surface is washed under running water and wiped with a damp cloth;
Method D. The test samples are immersed in an appropriate solvent for 24 hours, after which the surface is thoroughly washed under running water and wiped with a damp cloth. Cleaning is considered complete after removing the stain with one of the solvents;
Stages of stain removal. The test samples are cleaned using one of the methods indicated above (method A, B, C or D).
Classification based on test results. Based on the test results, the surfaces of the tested samples are divided into five classes: Class 1; Class 2; Class 3; Class 4; Class 5. The test results for each sample using each of the specified stain formers (with or without a wear test on unglazed ceramic tiles or slabs) are recorded. Class 5 corresponds to the easiest level of stain cleaning; Class 1 means that the stain cannot be cleaned by any of the specified methods and/or indicates the presence of irreversible damage to the front surface.
EN ISO 10545-6 Determination of wear resistance. Unglazed tiles and slabs. Determination of the wear resistance of unglazed ceramic tiles or slabs is carried out by measuring the length of the grinding mark created on the front surface by a rotating disk under specified conditions and using an abrasive material. Wear resistance is indicated as the volume of material removed by grinding in mm 3 , and is calculated based on the length of the grinding mark (chord length of the grinding mark in mm). Requirements for the maximum permissible volume of material removed by grinding are established by the EN 14411 standard and depend on the water absorption and the method of manufacturing of ceramic tiles and slabs. For example:
semi-dry pressed ceramic tiles (E < 0.5%) - volumetric losses 175 mm 3 - ceramic granite (porcelain tiles);
semi-dry pressed ceramic tiles (0.5% < E < 3%) - volumetric loss 175 mm3;
EN ISO 10545-7 Determination of wear resistance of Glazed tiles and slabs. This test method consists of determining the abrasion resistance of a glaze as a result of rotation on the surface of an abrasive wheel and assessing wear based on a visual comparison of abraded test specimens and unabraded tiles. There is the following classification:
Class 0 – the difference is noticeable after 100 revolutions;
Class 1 – the difference is noticeable after 150 revolutions;
Class 2 – the difference is noticeable after 600 rpm;
Class 3 – the difference is noticeable after 750, 1500 rpm;
Class 4 – the difference is noticeable after 2100, 6000, 12000 rpm;
Class 5 - no noticeable difference after 12,000 revolutions and the sample must pass the stain resistance test on an exposed surface in accordance with EN ISO 10545-14.
Evaporation of water
A layer of leveling mixture 2 mm thick contains approximately 0.8 liters of water per 1 m2. If half of this amount of water evaporates in a room of 20 m2, this means that at least 8 liters of water must be released into the room air. However, at a temperature of +20°C, the entire volume of air in the room can absorb only about 1 liter of water. This example clearly shows how necessary natural ventilation or indoor air circulation is when working with floor leveling mixtures! But, nevertheless, the windows must be closed and drafts are not allowed!
Brief summary
Layers often make costly mistakes when preparing subfloors, so professionals know very well how important it is to carefully weigh the pros and cons when choosing preparation methods. If you are in any doubt, consult with a qualified professional for detailed advice on the best course of action to take in your particular situation. Too often, a seemingly simple and obvious solution much later, already during operation, leads to negative consequences that could have been avoided. The laws of physics or chemistry cannot be circumvented. Problems arising during the performance of work can only be solved in accordance with these laws by following the recommendations of specialists. Ultimately, this is why there is a technical support service for construction chemical manufacturing companies.
Agatha collection from Pamesa factory
Don't panic
. In 2015, the AGATHA collection was released in a new modern format. In addition to recognizable bright colors and stylized decors, the updated collection is presented in three series: AGATHA 25X50 (smooth rectangular tiles), AGATHA PUZLE 25X40 (tiles with uneven edges and a relief surface), and AGATHA TRENCADIS 30x60 (tiles of irregular geometric shape, imitating panels using the trencadis technique ).
Determination of chemical resistance
EN ISO 10545-13:1997 recommends the following aqueous test solutions:
4.1 Household chemicals .
Ammonium chloride solution, 100 g/l. 4.2 Bath salts .
Sodium hypochlorite solution, 20 mg/l, prepared from commercially pure sodium hypochlorite with 13% (m/m) active chloride. 4.3 Acids and alkalis .
4.3.1 Low concentrations (L):
a) hydrochloric acid solution, 3% (V/V), prepared from concentrated hydrochloric acid (1.19 g/ml);
b) citric acid solution, 100 g/l;
c) potassium hydroxide solution, 30 g/l.
4.3.2 High concentrations (H)
a) hydrochloric acid solution, 18% (V/V), prepared from concentrated hydrochloric acid (1.19 g/ml);
b) lactic acid solution, 5% (V/V);
c) potassium hydroxide solution, 100 g/l.
Unglazed ceramic tiles or slabs are classified into the following classes.
7.2.1 For test solutions according to 4.1 and 4.2:
- class UA: no visible changes;
— class UВ: visible changes on cut surfaces;
- class UC: visible changes on the cut surfaces, on the edge of the sample, which is the edge of a tile or slab, and on the front side.
7.2.2 For test solutions according to 4.3.1:
- ULA class: no visible changes;
— ULV class: visible changes on cut surfaces;
- ULC class: visible changes on the cut surfaces, on the edge of the sample, which is the edge of the tile or slab, and on the front side.
7.2.3 For test solutions in accordance with 4.3.2:
- class UNA: no visible changes;
— class UNB: visible changes on cut surfaces;
- class UNC: visible changes on the cut surfaces, on the edge of the sample, which is the edge of a tile or slab, and on the front side.
Glazed ceramic tiles or slabs are classified into the following classes.
8.2.3.1 For the test solutions specified in 4.1 and 4.2:
- class GA(V): no visible change;
— class GB(V): significant changes in appearance;
— class GC(V): partial or complete loss of the original surface.
8.2.3.2 For test solutions specified in 4.3.1:
- class GLA(V): no visible change;
— class GLV(V): significant changes in appearance;
— class GLC(V): partial or complete loss of the original surface.
8.2.3.3 For test solutions specified in 4.3.2:
- class GHA(V): no visible changes;
— class GНВ(V): significant changes in appearance;
— class GHC(V): partial or complete loss of the original surface.
Stain resistance
EN ISO 10545-14 Determination of stain resistance.
Cleaning methods:
Stages of stain removal. The test samples are cleaned using one of the methods indicated above (method A, B, C or D).
Classification based on test results. Based on the test results, the surfaces of the tested samples are divided into five classes: Class 1; Class 2; Class 3; Class 4; Class 5. The test results for each sample using each of the specified stain formers (with or without a wear test on unglazed ceramic tiles or slabs) are recorded. Class 5 corresponds to the easiest level of stain cleaning; Class 1 means that the stain cannot be cleaned by any of the specified methods and/or indicates the presence of irreversible damage to the front surface.
Wear resistance of unglazed tiles in cubic mm
EN ISO 10545-6 Determination of wear resistance. Unglazed tiles and slabs. Determination of the wear resistance of unglazed ceramic tiles or slabs is carried out by measuring the length of the grinding mark created on the front surface by a rotating disk under specified conditions and using an abrasive material. Wear resistance is indicated as the volume of material removed by grinding in mm 3 , and is calculated based on the length of the grinding mark (chord length of the grinding mark in mm). Requirements for the maximum permissible volume of material removed by grinding are established by the EN 14411 standard and depend on the water absorption and the method of manufacturing of ceramic tiles and slabs. For example:
Visible changes with number of revolutions for glazed slabs
EN ISO 10545-7 Determination of wear resistance of Glazed tiles and slabs. This test method consists of determining the abrasion resistance of a glaze as a result of rotation on the surface of an abrasive wheel and assessing wear based on a visual comparison of abraded test specimens and unabraded tiles. There is the following classification: