Fixing compound for fixing covering materials on a wall surface or floor surface

Abstract

The invention relates to a fixing compound for fixing covering materials on a wall surface or floor surface, comprising at least one filling material, at least one rheologically active material and at least one binder, wherein the fixing compound is soluble in water after hardening for fixing the covering materials, for the non-destructive detachment of the covering materials from the wall surface or floor surface.

Description

[0001] ARDEX Group GmbH Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 45 58453 Witten

[0002] Fixing compound for fixing covering materials to a wall or floor surface

[0003] Description

[0004] The present invention relates to a fixing compound for fixing covering materials to a wall or floor surface, a use of such a fixing compound for laying and fixing natural stone, manufactured stone, tiles, coverings or slabs, and a method for fixing and removing covering materials using such a fixing compound.

[0005] To ensure a permanent bond between covering materials such as tiles, natural stone, ceramics, or similar materials on a wall or floor surface, mortars and adhesives for tiles and slabs must, in accordance with standard EN 12004, be able to create a bond between the covering material and the wall or floor surface that maintains an adhesive strength with tensile bond values ​​of at least 0.5 N / mm² under various storage conditions. 2 or 1.0 N / mm 2 exhibits.

[0006] Mortars and adhesives for tiles and slabs that meet this standard thus guarantee a permanent bond between a tile or natural stone and a substrate or wall.

[0007] Common mortars and adhesives for tiles and slabs typically contain a high proportion of binders such as gypsum, cement, epoxy resin, dispersion powder, or similar materials. A disadvantage of these mortars and adhesives, which comply with the DIN 12004 standard, is that the hardening process is irreversible. This means that once hardened, a mortar or adhesive cannot be softened or reworked, or only with considerable effort. Removing the hardened mortar or adhesive usually requires significant force and mechanical damage to both the hardened mortar or adhesive and the substrate or covering materials. Furthermore, common mortars and adhesives are generally optimized for high moisture stability, chemical resistance, and long-term durability, which further complicates removal.

[0008] Difficult dismantling is particularly disadvantageous when mortars and adhesives are intended only for temporary use. Temporary use is advantageous, for example, when covering materials are only to be applied temporarily (without forming a permanent bond to the covering material and the substrate).

[0009] The well-known mortars and tile adhesives used for a permanent bond between a covering material and a wall or floor surface are therefore difficult to remove, not reusable, poorly or not at all recyclable, and usually have to be disposed of and landfilled at great expense.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the aforementioned disadvantages of known mortars and tile adhesives for fixing covering materials to a wall or floor surface. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a fixing compound for fixing covering materials to a wall or floor surface that ensures simple and sufficiently reliable fixing, especially for the intended type and duration of use, as well as cost-effective, resource-saving and environmentally friendly removal of the covering materials from the wall or floor surface, preferably without damaging a substrate or a covering material.

[0011] The foregoing problem is solved by a fixing compound having the features of the independent product claim, a use having the features of the independent use claim, and a method having the features of the independent method claims. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the respective dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the fixing compound according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the method and use according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention is always, or can always be, mutually interdependent.

[0012] According to the invention, a fixing compound is provided for fixing covering materials to a wall or floor surface. The fixing compound according to the invention comprises at least one filler material, at least one rheologically active material, and at least one binder, wherein, after hardening, the fixing compound is soluble in water for fixing the covering materials and for the non-destructive removal of the covering materials from the wall or floor surface.

[0013] In the context of the invention, "removable" or "removable" can be understood to mean that, after hardening, the fixing compound can be softened by adding water to a state in which it can be removed completely from the substrate and the paving materials without significant force. The removal of the paving materials can, for example, be achieved by applying shear forces. The feature that the fixing compound is soluble in water after hardening can be understood, in particular, to mean that the fixing compound can be liquefied or softened by adding water, so that the fixing of paving materials can be easily removed. It is therefore understood that "water-soluble" within the scope of the invention can also be understood to mean softening, dispersible, suspendable, slurryable, or the like.The term "water-soluble" can also be understood to mean, in particular, that no chemicals are required to dissolve the fixing compound. This protects both the environment and the covering materials themselves. The major advantage of the fixing compound according to the invention is, in particular, that less or no waste is generated, and covering materials can thus be laid or relaid sustainably and in a resource-efficient manner. Furthermore, the fixing compound preferably consists essentially of natural, inorganic, or renewable raw materials, and in particular contains no substances hazardous to health (neither to humans nor to the environment). Covering materials can include, in particular, tiles, natural stone, etc., for fixing to wall and floor surfaces. Likewise, covering materials that are moisture-resistant and mechanically designed in such a way that mechanical "clamping" by the fixing compound according to the invention can also be used.The fixing compound can be formulated as tile adhesive, filler, adhesive mortar, adhesive for ceramic or plastic components, or similar. This type of fixing compound can be used in such a way that only one side of the covering material adheres to it, while the opposite side has an absorbent surface, such as a filler or similar material. The fixing compound can be mixed and applied to the wall or floor surface and / or to the back of the covering materials. After application and hardening to fix the covering materials, the fixing compound can be dissolved by adding water, allowing the covering materials to be easily removed from the wall or floor surface. It goes without saying that the fixing compound can also be supplied ready-to-use in a container and does not require mixing.The fixing compound according to the invention can be considered particularly reversible, since a fixing mortar based on the fixing compound according to the invention is preferably soluble in water after the fixing compound has hardened and the covering material has been fixed, so that the covering materials fixed by means of the fixing mortar can be removed without damage. The fixing compound according to the invention possesses these properties in particular because, when using the fixing compound in question, no setting reaction in the classical sense takes place, but rather a drying and hardening process. Instead of forming classical chemical reactions, the fixing compound according to the invention bonds physically, at least partially via the formation of weak intermolecular interactions, such as hydrogen bonds or similar.

[0014] According to the invention, it has been recognized that by using a fixing compound according to the invention, comprising a filler material, a rheologically active material, and a binder that is water-soluble after hardening, simple and sufficiently reliable fixing as well as cost-effective, resource-saving, and environmentally friendly removal of covering materials from a wall or floor surface can be ensured. Within the scope of the invention, it has been recognized that for sufficiently strong fixing of covering materials, the formation of a setting reaction is not necessary; rather, film formation (drying and hardening) with the formation of weak intermolecular interactions can also suffice.

[0015] With the aid of a fixing compound according to the invention, similar bond strengths can be achieved in dry areas as with conventional mortars and tile adhesives. However, after hardening, the fixing compound according to the invention can be returned to a plastic state by adding water. In this state, the fixing compound and the covering materials can be removed easily, without damage or residue, for example, using a tool that allows for simple leverage on the covering materials and the substrate, such as a spatula. The covering materials can then be reused after the fixing compound has been removed with water.

[0016] With a view to particularly environmentally and resource-efficient installation of flooring materials, it can advantageously be further provided that the fixing compound can be rehardened after dissolving in water and used for refixing flooring materials. Thus, the fixing of the flooring materials using the fixing compound can not only be removed without damage, but can also be recreated and reused after detachment. In the context of the invention, "reusable" means that the fixing compound can be used again for fixing flooring materials by adding water and applying a short shear force.

[0017] The strength of the adhesive compound can advantageously be adjusted to create a temporary bond suitable for the intended use and duration. To ensure a permanent bond while maintaining sufficient adhesion to allow for easy, residue-free removal from the back of the covering and the substrate, the adhesive compound can advantageously be formulated to achieve a bond strength (in dry conditions) with tensile bond values ​​between 0.1 N / mm² when the covering materials are fixed and / or refixed using the adhesive compound. 2 and 1 N / mm 2 , preferably an adhesive strength (in dry conditions) with tensile adhesion values ​​of < 0.5 N / mm² 2, in particular an adhesive strength (in dry conditions) with tensile adhesion values ​​between 0.2 N / mm 2 and < 0.5 N / mm 2 according to DIN EN 12004 (as of the filing date). For the purposes of simple, non-destructive removal of the covering materials from the wall or floor surface, while simultaneously ensuring secure fixation of the covering materials to the wall or floor surface, it is advantageously provided that the filler material within the fixing compound constitutes a mass fraction of at least 65 wt.%, preferably at least 80 wt.%, and in particular at least 95 wt.%.

[0018] The filling material can advantageously be in the form of particles, with an average particle size between 20 and 200 pm, preferably between 30 and 50 pm. The filling material can also be in powder or paste form.

[0019] For ease of processing and high availability, it is also conceivable that the filler material is a mineral filler and consists at least partially of carbonates, preferably at least partially of calcium carbonate, and in particular at least partially of chalk. Likewise, the filler material can consist at least partially of silicates, especially quartz sand. Furthermore, it is also possible that the fixing compound, in addition to a first filler material, comprises a second filler material, which is preferably at least partially carbonate and / or silicate-containing. For example, the fillers can consist of finely ground inert material, particularly in the form of recycled brick dust, tile dust, or glass particles. Recycled materials can be used, especially with regard to sustainability.The use of carbon compounds as fillers is also conceivable, which can particularly improve the CO2 footprint of the fixative in question, allowing the fixative itself to act as a carbon sink and store carbon permanently. A combination of recycled fillers and carbon compounds is also possible.

[0020] With a view to environmentally friendly and cost-effective control of the rheological properties of a fixative, the invention advantageously provides that the rheologically active material is a cellulose ether and / or a starch ether and / or a mineral, e.g., sepiolite and / or pyrogenic silica, wherein the rheologically active material preferably constitutes a proportion of at least 0.05 wt.%, particularly preferably at least 1.0 wt.%, and especially at least 2.5 wt.% of the fixative. Rheology additives preferably serve to regulate rheological properties. Advantageously, the rheologically active material can be present in the fixative in a proportion between 0.05 wt.% and 4 wt.%.

[0021] To enable simple and non-destructive removal of the covering materials from the wall or floor surface, while simultaneously ensuring secure fixation of the covering materials to the wall or floor surface, it is advantageously provided that the water-soluble binder constitutes a mass fraction of at least 0.1 wt.%, preferably at least 3.0 wt.%, and particularly at least 6.0 wt.% of the fixing compound. Preferably, the proportion of the binder within the fixing compound can be between 0.1 and 7.0 wt.%.

[0022] The binder can be at least partially composed of a polymer dispersion powder or a water-soluble biopolymer (non-mineral oil-based). The binder can also be a polymer dispersion, preferably in the form of a re-emulsifiable polymer dispersion. Furthermore, the binder can also comprise a cellulose ether and / or a starch ether. Thus, a cellulose ether and / or a starch ether in a fixing compound according to the invention can fulfill several functions and be used at least partially as a rheologically active material and / or as a binder.

[0023] With regard to modifying the optical properties of a fixative, it is also conceivable that the fixative contains at least one component composed of pigment particles. The addition of pigment particles makes it particularly possible to give the fixative an appealing appearance. It is understood that the fixative may also contain other additives, either alternatively or in combination.

[0024] In the context of the simple application of a fixing compound for bonding flooring materials, as well as the subsequent simple removal of the flooring materials after they have been fixed by the fixing compound, it is advantageously further provided that the fixing compound can be applied to and removed from the flooring materials using commercially available applicators, wherein the commercially available applicators are preferably in the form of a spatula, in particular a notched spatula, and / or a trowel. Thus, when using the fixing compound according to the invention for fixing flooring materials, tradespeople are not dependent on new techniques or new processing equipment for fixing and removing the flooring materials.

[0025] The invention also relates to the use of a fixing compound described above for laying and fixing natural stone, manufactured stone, tiles, coverings, slabs, and the like. The use according to the invention thus has the same advantages as those already described in detail with regard to the fixing compound according to the invention.

[0026] To optimize water absorption and wetting, it can also be advantageous to use the fixing compound together with a nonwoven material, preferably incorporating the nonwoven material into the fixing compound. This can particularly improve the movement of water towards the water-softening fixing compound.

[0027] The invention also relates to a method for fixing and removing covering materials using a fixing compound described above. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of applying the fixing compound to a surface of the covering materials and / or to a surface of a wall or floor, placing the covering materials onto the surface of the wall or floor to fix them to the wall or floor, fixing the covering materials to the wall or floor while the fixing compound hardens, adding water to dissolve the hardened fixing compound, and removing the covering materials without damage by applying tensile, compressive, and / or shear forces (mechanical work).The inventive method thus offers the same advantages as those already described in detail with regard to the inventive fixing compound and its use. It is understood that the steps can be carried out in the intended sequence or in a different sequence. Individual steps can also be repeated sequentially. The non-destructive removal of the covering materials by tensile, compressive, and / or shear forces is made possible, in particular, by the relatively low tensile adhesion values ​​of the fixing compound. Finally, the addition of water to dissolve hardened fixing compound from the wall and / or the covering materials can also be provided in order to completely "wash" them off.The covering materials can then be returned to the product cycle as second-hand goods, and the wall or floor is completely and cleanly restored to its original condition.

[0028] In the context of a simple application of a fixing compound for fixing covering materials and a subsequent simple removal of the covering materials after fixing them by the fixing compound, it can advantageously be further provided that the application of the fixing compound to a surface of the covering materials and / or the non-destructive removal of the covering materials is carried out by applying tensile and / or compressive and / or shear forces using a spatula and / or a trowel.

[0029] According to the invention, for the purpose of simple and quick application of a fixing compound, it can further be provided that the fixing compound for fixing covering materials to a wall or floor surface is supplied ready-to-use in a container. The fixing compound can thus be taken directly from the container and applied accordingly, for example with a spatula, in particular a notched spatula. Cumbersome mixing by the user would then be unnecessary.

[0030] With a view to particularly environmentally and resource-efficient installation of flooring materials, it can advantageously be further provided that the dissolved fixing compound is processed for reuse in fixing flooring materials to a wall or floor surface, wherein the fixing compound is preferably stirred and / or mixed with further fixing compound before reuse. Thus, the fixing of the flooring materials achieved with the fixing compound can not only be removed without damage, but can also be recreated after removal ("cradle-to-cradle approach").

[0031] The invention also relates to a method for removing a fixing compound from coating materials for reuse of the coating materials, preferably a fixing compound described above. The method according to the invention comprises the steps of non-destructively removing the coating materials by applying tensile and / or compressive and / or shear forces, adding water to dissolve the hardened fixing compound, and removing the dissolved fixing compound from the coating materials. This removal of the dissolved fixing compound from the coating materials can preferably be carried out using aids such as a water jet and / or a brush and / or a spatula and / or a sponge. It is understood that the steps can be carried out in the intended sequence or in a different sequence.Individual steps can also be repeated sequentially. This method can, for example, be used for the temporary "covering" of substrates, whereby a "covered" substrate can be easily freed from the covering material without damaging the substrate. This can be particularly advantageous in rental properties, in order to restore an "covered" existing substrate to its original condition without damage.

[0032] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail, partly with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination.

[0033] They show:

[0034] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the individual steps of a method according to the invention for fixing and removing covering materials using a fixing compound according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of the individual steps of a method according to the invention for fixing and removing covering materials using a fixing compound according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the method according to the invention comprises the steps of applying 100 of the fixing compound to a surface of the covering materials and / or to a surface of a wall or floor, placing 200 of the covering materials onto or against the surface of the wall or floor to fix the covering materials to the wall or floor, and fixing 300 of the covering materials to the wall or floor while the fixing compound hardens. Furthermore, according to the method according to the invention, the addition 400 of water to dissolve the hardened fixing compound and the non-destructive removal 500 of the covering materials by applying tensile and / or compressive and / or shear forces are provided.After non-destructive removal 500 of the covering materials, the dissolved fixing compound is further processed 600 according to the inventive method for reuse of the fixing compound for fixing covering materials on a wall or floor surface, wherein the fixing compound for processing 600 is preferably stirred and / or can be mixed with further fixing compound before being reused for fixing covering materials.

[0037] The application of 100 of the fixing compound to a surface of the covering materials and / or the non-destructive removal 500 of the covering materials by the action of tensile and / or compressive and / or shear forces can be carried out in this case by means of a spatula and / or a trowel.

[0038] The fixing compound for fixing covering materials to a wall or floor surface can also preferably be used ready-to-use in a container.

[0039] Examples of implementation:

[0040] The following are some exemplary formulations for compositions of fixing compounds according to the invention. The ratios given are to be understood as weight ratios, each based on the total mass of the fixing compound according to the invention. The formulations are to be understood as merely exemplary and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. Fixing compound 1

[0041] Fixing compound 2:

[0042] Fixing compound 3: Fixing compound 4: Fixing compound 5:

[0043] Fixing compound 6: Fixing compound 7: Fixing compound 8: Fixing compound 9: B ez uqs ze ichenlis te

[0044] 100 applications of a fixing compound onto a surface of the

[0045] Covering materials and / or on a surface of a wall or floor

[0046] 200 Applying or placing the covering materials onto the surface of the wall or floor to fix the covering materials to the wall or floor surface

[0047] 300 Fixing the covering materials to the wall or floor surface

[0048] 400 Adding water to dissolve the hardened fixing compound

[0049] 500 Non-destructive removal of the covering materials by the action of tensile and / or compressive and / or shear forces

[0050] 600 Processing the dissolved fixing compound for reuse

[0051] Use of the fixing compound for fixing

[0052] Covering materials on a wall or floor surface

[0053] 700 Removal of a detached fixing compound from coating materials.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Fixing compound for fixing covering materials to a wall or floor surface, comprising: a) at least one filling material, b) at least one rheologically active material and c) at least one binder, characterized in that the fixing compound, after hardening, is soluble in water for fixing the covering materials and for the non-destructive removal of the covering materials from the wall or floor surface.

2. Fixing compound according to claim 1, characterized in that the fixing compound can be rehardened after dissolution in water for the refixation of coating materials.

3. Fixing compound according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fixing compound is designed such that, when fixing the covering materials and / or refixing the covering materials via the fixing compound, an adhesive strength with tensile bond values ​​between 0.1 N / mm² is achieved. 2 and 1 N / mm 2, preferably an adhesive strength with tensile adhesion values ​​between 0.2 N / mm² 2 and 0.5 N / mm 2 is achievable according to DIN EN 12004.

4. Fixing compound according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filler material within the fixing compound constitutes a mass fraction of at least 65 wt.%, preferably at least 80 wt.%, in particular at least 95 wt.%.

5. Fixing compound according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filler material is a particulate filler material with a mean particle size between 20 and 200 pm, preferably between 30 and 50 pm.

6. Fixing compound according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filler material is a mineral filler material and is formed at least partially from carbonates, preferably at least partially from calcium carbonate, in particular at least partially from chalk.

7. Fixing compound according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rheologically active material is a cellulose ether and / or a starch ether and / or a mineral, in particular sepiolite and / or pyrogenic silica, wherein the rheologically active material preferably constitutes a proportion of at least 0.05 wt.%, particularly preferably at least 1.0 wt.%, in particular at least 2.5 wt.% of the fixing compound.

8. Fixing compound according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the binder constitutes a mass fraction of at least 0.1 wt.%, preferably at least 3.0 wt.%, in particular at least 6.0 wt.% of the fixing compound.

9. Fixing compound according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the binder is formed at least partially from a plastic dispersion powder or a water-soluble biopolymer.

10. Fixing compound according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing compound comprises at least one material formed from pigment particles.

11. Fixing compound according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fixing compound can be applied to the covering materials using commercially available application tools and can be removed from the covering materials using commercially available application tools, wherein the commercially available application tools are preferably in the form of a spatula, in particular a notched spatula and / or a trowel.

12. Use of a fixing compound according to any of the preceding claims for laying and fixing natural stones, manufactured stones, tiles, coverings, slabs and the like.

13. Use according to claim 12, wherein the fixing compound is used together with a nonwoven material, wherein the nonwoven material is preferably incorporated into the fixing compound.

14. Method for fixing and removing covering materials using a fixing compound according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: - Applying (100) the fixing compound to a surface of the covering materials and / or to a surface of a wall or floor, - Applying or placing (200) the covering materials onto or against the surface of the wall or floor surface to fix the covering materials to the wall or floor surface, - Fixing (300) the covering materials to the wall or floor surface while the fixing compound hardens, - Adding (400) of water to dissolve the hardened fixative, - Non-destructive removal (500) of the covering materials by the action of tensile and / or compressive and / or shear forces.

15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the application (100) of the fixing compound to a surface of the covering materials and / or the non-destructive removal (500) of the covering materials is carried out by applying tensile and / or compressive and / or shear forces by means of a tool, in particular a spatula and / or a trowel.

16. Method according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the fixing compound for fixing covering materials on a wall or floor surface is used ready-to-use in a container.

17. Method according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that a preparation (600) of the dissolved fixing compound for reuse of the fixing compound for fixing covering materials on a wall or floor surface is provided, wherein the fixing compound for preparation (600) is preferably stirred and / or mixed with further fixing compound before reuse for fixing covering materials.

18. Method for removing a fixing compound from coating materials for reuse of the coating materials, preferably a fixing compound according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the steps: - Non-destructive removal (500) of the covering materials by the action of tensile and / or compressive and / or shear forces, - Adding (400) of water to dissolve the hardened fixative, - Removal (700) of the loosened fixing compound from the coating materials.

Images