Surface interactions of chemically active ceramic tiles with polymer-modified mortars

Adhesion mechanisms and interfacial strengths of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) modified mortar and chemically active tiles with five different silane coupling agents were studied using the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) technique and mechanical testing. The results revealed that small and hydrophilic silane functionalities and isocyanate groups improved interfacial strength between tiles and modified mortar while the silane bearing hydrophobic functional group decreased adhesion resistance. The adhesion mechanism performed by hydrophilic silanes suggested the contribution of covalent chemical bonds between PVA cement modifier and coupling agents at the interface. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.