Sealing device with increased concrete bond strength

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sealing device comprising a functional layer (2) having a first main surface and a second main surface and a barrier layer (3) directly or indirectly connected to the second main surface of the functional layer (2), wherein the functional layer (2) comprises a barrier layer having a median particle size d in the range of 0.5-100 μm. 50 The invention further relates to a method for producing a sealing device and to the use of the sealing device for waterproofing a substrate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing device for use in the construction industry for waterproofing underground or above-ground building structures. In particular, the present invention relates to a sealing device that can be used to protect basements, roofs and tunnel structures from water penetration. Background Art

[0002] In the construction industry, polymer sheets, often referred to as membranes or panels, are used to protect underground and above-ground structures, such as basements, tunnels, and roofs, from water penetration. For example, waterproofing membranes are used to prevent water from intruding through cracks that form in concrete structures due to building settlement, load deformation, or concrete shrinkage. Roofing membranes are used to waterproof flat and low-slope roof structures. Prior art waterproofing membranes and roofing membranes are single-layer or multi-layer systems that contain at least one polymer-based barrier layer to provide watertightness.

[0003] Materials commonly used for barrier layers include plastics, particularly thermoplastics, such as plasticized polyvinyl chloride (p-PVC), thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO) and elastomers, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM). Thermoplastic polyolefins are heterophasic polyolefin compositions that contain a high crystallinity base polyolefin and a low crystallinity or amorphous polyolefin modifier. Films based on cross-linked EPDM are very flexible and weather-resistant, but due to the chemically cross-linked structure, they are not heat-weldable. Films composed of TPO are heat-weldable and cheaper than EPDM films, but they are also slightly stiffer, which may be disadvantageous in some applications. Films based on plasticized PVC are more flexible than TPO films, but they contain environmentally harmful plasticizers and heavy metal additives such as flame retardants, which may limit their use in some applications.

[0004] In waterproofing applications, the membrane can be post-applied to an existing concrete structure or pre-applied before the concrete structure to be waterproofed is constructed. In the first case, the membrane is adhered to the surface of the concrete structure to be waterproofed by a layer of adhesive or through the use of sealing tape. In pre-applied waterproofing applications, the membrane is placed with its barrier surface facing the surface of the underlying structure or formwork, and fresh concrete is then poured onto the surface of the opposite side of the membrane, completely and permanently bonding the membrane to the surface of the hardened concrete.

[0005] A well-known disadvantage of TPO-based barrier layers is their rather poor bonding properties; they typically exhibit low bond strength to adhesives commonly used in the construction industry, such as epoxy adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, and cement-based compositions. Consequently, a contact layer, such as a fleece backing, is often used to improve the bonding of the polymer-based barrier layer to the structure to be waterproofed. Some commercially available membranes for pre-applied waterproofing applications comprise a barrier layer and a nonwoven fabric layer as a contact layer, which is adhered to the barrier layer by an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer serves to secure the contact layer to the barrier layer, but can also improve the bond between the barrier layer and fresh concrete poured against the contact layer. However, the presence of the adhesive layer increases the production cost of these types of waterproofing membranes, and the nonwoven fabric layer is typically fleece, which effectively prevents the seam formed between the overlapping edges of the membrane from being sealed by heat welding.

[0006] Patent application WO 2017 / 108843 A1 discloses a waterproofing membrane comprising a polymer-based barrier layer and a contact layer composed of a thermoplastic polymer composition containing a large amount of mineral fillers, such as a mineral binder. The waterproofing membrane can be produced by coextruding a melt-processed composition of the barrier layer and the functional layer and bonding the resulting layers to one another, for example using calendered chill rolls. The waterproofing membrane disclosed in WO 2017 / 108843 A1 provides high bond strength to concrete in pre-applied waterproofing applications, when the concrete has been cast against the surface of the contact layer and has hardened for 28 days under normal atmospheric conditions.

[0007] Despite establishing a high bond strength with fresh concrete after hardening, the waterproofing membrane of WO 2017 / 108843 A1 has also been found to provide less than optimal early bond strength to cast concrete, i.e., the bond strength achieved after the cast concrete has hardened for 24 hours under normal atmospheric conditions. Low early bond strength to cast concrete can lead to detachment of previously applied waterproofing membranes, as formwork used in the casting of concrete structures, such as baseplates, is often removed only 24 hours after the concrete has been poured.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a new type of waterproofing membrane that establishes high early bond strength with fresh concrete poured on the membrane surface in pre-applied waterproofing applications. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a seal which can be used to protect surfaces from water penetration, for example in basement waterproofing, roofing and tunnel applications, and which, after hardening, bonds completely and permanently to concrete and other cementitious compositions poured over the seal and to adhesives commonly used in the construction industry.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a seal that develops high early adhesion strength to concrete and other cement-based compositions poured onto the surface of the seal after one day of hardening.

[0012] Surprisingly, it has been found that a sealing device comprising a barrier layer and a functional layer based on a highly filled thermoplastic polymer composition comprising at least one first solid filler and at least one second solid filler different from the first filler provides a high early adhesion strength to concrete poured onto the surface of the functional layer after hardening.

[0013] The subject matter of the invention is a sealing arrangement according to claim 1 .

[0014] One of the advantages of the sealing device of the invention is that the formwork can be removed after the poured concrete has hardened for 24 hours without the risk of the sealing device becoming detached from the vertical surface of the poured concrete body.

[0015] Another advantage of the sealing device of the present invention is that, compared to prior art sealing devices, such as the sealing device disclosed in WO 2017 / 108843 A1, an increased early bond strength can be achieved without significantly increasing the production costs of the sealing device.

[0016] Further aspects of the invention are given in the other independent claims. Preferred aspects of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 A cross section of a sealing device (1) according to the invention is shown, comprising a functional layer (2) having first and second major surfaces and a barrier layer (3) directly connected to the second major surface of the functional layer (2).

[0019] Figure 2 A cross section of a sealing device (1) according to the present invention is shown, comprising a first functional layer (2), a second functional layer (2') and a barrier layer (3), wherein the first major surface of the barrier layer (3) is directly connected to the second major surface of the functional layer (2), and the second major surface of the barrier layer (3) is directly connected to the first major surface of the second functional layer (2'). Detailed Description of the Invention

[0021] The subject of the present invention is a sealing device (1) comprising a functional layer (2) having a first main surface and a second main surface and a barrier layer (3) directly or indirectly connected to the second main surface of the functional layer (2), the functional layer (2) comprising:

[0022] a) 20 to 75% by weight, preferably 25 to 70% by weight, of at least one thermoplastic polymer P1, and

[0023] b) 25-80% by weight, preferably 30-75% by weight, of a solid filler component F, all proportions being based on the total weight of the functional layer (2), wherein

[0024] The solid filler component F comprises at least one median particle size d 50 A first solid filler F1 having a diameter of 0.5-100 μm, preferably 1.0-75 μm, and at least one second solid filler F2 different from the at least one first solid filler F1.

[0025] The term "polymer" refers to a collection of chemically homogeneous macromolecules produced by polymerization reactions (polyaddition, polyaddition, polycondensation), wherein the macromolecules differ in their degree of polymerization, molecular weight and chain length. The term also encompasses derivatives of said collection of macromolecules resulting from polymerization reactions, i.e. compounds obtained by reactions such as addition or substitution of functional groups in predetermined macromolecules, and which may be chemically homogeneous or chemically heterogeneous.

[0026] The term "thermoplastic" refers to any polymeric material that can be melted and resolidified with little or no change in physical properties.

[0027] The term "glass transition temperature" (T g ) refers to the temperature above which the polymer component becomes soft and pliable, and below which it becomes hard and glassy. The glass transition temperature (T g ), as the peak of the loss modulus (G") curve measured using an applied frequency of 1 Hz and a strain level of 0.1%.

[0028] The term "softening point" refers to the temperature at which a compound softens in a rubbery state, or the temperature at which crystalline parts within a compound melt. The softening point can be determined by ring and ball measurement according to DIN EN 1238:2011.

[0029] The term "melting temperature" refers to the temperature at which a material undergoes a transition from a solid to a liquid state. m ) is preferably determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using a heating rate of 2° C. / min according to ISO 11357-3:2018. The measurement can be carried out with a Mettler Toledo DSC 3+ apparatus, T m The value can be determined from the measured DSC curve with the aid of DSC software. If the measured DSC curve shows several peak temperatures, the first peak temperature from the lower temperature side of the thermogram is taken as the melting temperature (T m ).

[0030] The "amount or content of at least one component X" in the composition, e.g., the "amount of at least one thermoplastic polymer P1", refers to the sum of the individual amounts of all thermoplastic polymers P1 contained in the composition. For example, if the composition contains 20% by weight of at least one thermoplastic polymer P1, the sum of the amounts of all thermoplastic polymers P1 contained in the composition is equal to 20% by weight.

[0031] The term "normal room temperature" refers to a temperature of 23°C.

[0032] The sealing device of the present invention comprises a functional layer having first and second major surfaces and a barrier layer, the barrier layer being indirectly or directly connected to the second major surface of the functional layer. The functional layer and the barrier layer are preferably sheet-like elements having a length and width that are at least 5 times, preferably at least 25 times, and more preferably at least 50 times, the maximum thickness of the element. The term "major surface" as used in this disclosure refers to the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet-like element, which define the thickness of the element therebetween.

[0033] In waterproofing applications, one of the most important properties is the bond strength by which the sealant is bonded to the substrate to be sealed against water penetration, such as a concrete surface. If the bond strength is too low, gaps are more likely to form between the sealant and the substrate surface, potentially leading to a loss of watertightness. Furthermore, in applications where the sealant is applied to a vertical surface, early bond strength to the cast concrete—that is, after 24 hours of hardening—is particularly critical, as the formwork used during the pouring process is typically removed the day after the concrete structure is cast.

[0034] The present invention is based on the surprising discovery that the early age bond strength of a pre-applied waterproofing membrane comprising a barrier layer and a functional layer containing a highly filled polymer composition can be improved by using at least two different types of fillers in the functional layer, wherein the first filler has a relatively low particle size. Without being bound by any theory, it is believed that the observed increase in early age bond strength results from the favorable surface and mechanical properties of the functional layer achieved by using a mixture of different filler types, which enables faster bond formation with the fresh concrete composition poured onto the surface of the functional layer.

[0035] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one first solid filler F1 and the at least one second solid filler F2 have different physical properties and / or different chemical compositions. The term "physical properties" in the context of solid fillers refers to any type of physical property of the solid filler, such as particle size and shape, density or surface area. According to one or more embodiments, the at least one first solid filler F1 and the at least one second solid filler F2 have different chemical compositions.

[0036] The functional layer of the sealing device comprises at least one first solid filler F1, the average particle size of which is d 50 It is 0.5-100 μm, preferably 1.0-75 μm, more preferably 1.0-50 μm, even more preferably 1.0-25 μm, still more preferably 1.0-15 μm, most preferably 1.0-10 μm.

[0037] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one first solid filler material F1 has:

[0038] -d 90 A particle size of 5-250 μm, preferably 5-200 μm, more preferably 10-150 μm, even more preferably 15-100 μm, and / or

[0039] -d 10 The particle size is 0.1-10 μm, preferably 0.25-7.5 μm, more preferably 0.35-5 μm, even more preferably 0.5-2.5 μm.

[0040] The term "median particle size d 50 ” means that 50% by volume of all particles are smaller than d 50 Similarly, the term d 90 Particle size in this disclosure refers to the particle size such that 90% by volume of all particles are smaller than d 90 value, and the term "d 10 The particle size is defined as the particle size such that 10% by volume of all particles is smaller than d 10 The particle size distribution can be determined by sieve analysis according to the method described in ASTM C136 / C136M-2014 standard (“Standard Test Method for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates”).

[0041] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one first solid filler F1 has a number average particle aspect ratio of not more than 3:1, preferably not more than 2.5:1, more preferably not more than 2:1, even more preferably not more than 1.5:1, and / or the at least one second solid filler F2 has a number average particle aspect ratio of at least 3.1, preferably at least 4.1, more preferably at least 5:1, even more preferably at least 6:1.

[0042] The term "aspect ratio" of a particle in the present disclosure refers to a value obtained by dividing the length (L) of the particle by the thickness (T) of the particle. In the present disclosure, "length of a particle" refers to the maximum Feret diameter (X Fe, max), i.e., the longest Feret diameter among a set of Feret diameters measured. The term "Feret diameter" in this disclosure refers to the distance between two tangent lines on opposite sides of a particle, said two tangent lines being parallel to a certain fixed direction and perpendicular to the measurement direction. In this disclosure, "thickness of a particle" refers to the minimum Feret diameter (X Fe , min), which is the shortest Feret diameter in a set of measured Feret diameters. Therefore, the aspect ratio can be calculated as X Fe,max and X Fe,min ratio.

[0043] The aspect ratio of the particles can be determined by measuring the length and thickness of the particles using any suitable measurement technique, preferably by measuring the length and thickness of the particles using a dynamic image analysis method performed in accordance with ISO 13322-2:2006, and calculating the aspect ratio from the measured dimensions of the particles as described above. Preferably, the size of the particles is measured using a dry dispersion method, wherein the particles are preferably dispersed in air using an air pressure dispersion method. Any type of dynamic image analysis device, such as a Camsizer XT device (trademark of Retsch Technology GmbH), can be used for measurement. The term "average aspect ratio" in this disclosure refers to the arithmetic mean of the individual aspect ratios of the particles within a sample or collection or a statistically significant and representative random sample taken from such a sample or collection.

[0044] It has been found that a sealing device comprising a functional layer, wherein the at least one first solid filler material F1 and the at least one second solid filler material F2 have a particle size and an average particle aspect ratio within the above-mentioned ranges, provides a high early bond strength, as determined 24 hours after hardening of fresh concrete poured onto the first major surface of the functional layer. In particular, it has been found that such a sealing device exhibits an early bond strength that enables its use in pre-applied waterproofing applications, wherein the sealing device is positioned on a vertical surface of a formwork that is removed within 24 hours of casting the concrete structure.

[0045] Furthermore, it has been found that the sealing device exhibits an early age concrete bond strength of at least 10 N / 50 mm, preferably at least 15 N / 50 mm, more preferably at least 20 N / 50 mm, when peeled off from the surface of a concrete test piece obtained by pouring a fresh concrete composition on the first main surface of the functional layer and allowing it to harden for 24 hours in a standard atmosphere (air temperature 23° C., relative air humidity 50%), the early age concrete bond strength being determined as the average peeling resistance per unit width of the sealing device.

[0046] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one second solid filler material F2 has:

[0047] -Median particle length L 50 , which ranges from 5 to 350 μm, preferably from 15 to 250 μm, more preferably from 20 to 200 μm, even more preferably from 25 to 175 μm and / or

[0048] -L 90 Particle length in the range of 15-500 μm, preferably 25-450 μm, more preferably 35-400 μm, even more preferably 45-350 μm and / or

[0049] -L 10 The particle length is in the range of 1-35 μm, preferably 2.5-30 μm, more preferably 5-25 μm, even more preferably 7.5-20 μm.

[0050] The term "median particle length L 50 " refers to the particle length below which 50% by volume of all particles have a particle length greater than L 50 Similarly, the term "L 90 The term "particle length" in this disclosure refers to the particle length below which 90% by volume of all particles have a particle length greater than L 90 The length of the small value, the term "L 10 The term "particle size" refers to the particle length below which 10% by volume of all particles have a particle size ratio L 10 The length of the smaller value.

[0051] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one first solid filler F1 comprises at least 35% by weight, preferably at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 65% by weight, even more preferably at least 75% by weight, yet more preferably at least 85% by weight of the solid filler component F, and / or wherein the at least one second solid filler F2 comprises not more than 45% by weight, preferably not more than 30% by weight, more preferably not more than 25% by weight, even more preferably not more than 20% by weight, yet more preferably not more than 15% by weight of the solid filler component F.

[0052] According to one or more embodiments, the solid filler component F consists of at least one first solid filler F1 and at least one second solid filler F2.

[0053] According to one or more embodiments, the functional layer comprises 25-65% by weight, preferably 30-60% by weight, more preferably 30-55% by weight of at least one thermoplastic polymer P1 and 35-75% by weight, preferably 40-75% by weight, more preferably 40-70% by weight of a solid filler component F, all proportions being based on the total weight of the functional layer.

[0054] According to one or more embodiments, the sum of the amounts of the at least one thermoplastic polymer P1 and the solid filler component F is at least 75 wt %, preferably at least 85 wt %, more preferably at least 90 wt %, even more preferably at least 95 wt % of the total weight of the functional layer.

[0055] The solid filler component F is preferably present in the functional layer as individual solid particles or as an aggregate of one or more solid particles, dispersed in a continuous phase comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer P1. The expression "dispersed in a continuous phase" is understood to mean that the individual solid particles or aggregate of one or more particles are at least partially, and preferably completely, surrounded by the continuous phase comprising at least one thermoplastic polymer. If the functional layer contains one or more mineral binders, i.e., mineral fillers that undergo a hydration reaction in the presence of water, it is important that these mineral binders do not form an interconnected solid network of hydrated mineral binders within the functional layer. Therefore, it may be preferred that the functional layer be substantially free of, and more preferably completely free of, an interconnected solid network of hydrated mineral binders, at least before the sealing device is used to waterproof a substrate.

[0056] Preferably, the particles of solid filler component F are distributed throughout the volume of the functional layer. The term "distributed throughout" means that substantially all parts of the functional layer contain particles of solid filler component F, but it does not necessarily mean that the distribution of the particles throughout the functional layer is completely uniform.

[0057] It is also preferred that the functional layer comprises a homogeneously mixed mixture of at least one thermoplastic polymer P1 and a solid filler component F. In the present disclosure, a "homogeneously mixed mixture" refers to a composition in which the components are substantially uniformly distributed throughout the composition. Thus, a homogeneously mixed mixture of at least one thermoplastic polymer P1 and a solid filler component F refers to a composition in which particles of the solid filler component F are uniformly / consistently distributed throughout the thermoplastic polymer phase comprising the at least one thermoplastic polymer P1. It is clear to those skilled in the art that regions may form in such mixed compositions in which the concentration of one component is slightly higher than in other regions, and that a 100% homogeneous distribution of all components is generally not achieved. However, such mixed compositions with "imperfect" distribution of the components are also intended to be included within the term "homogeneously mixed mixture" according to the present invention.

[0058] The type of the at least one first solid filler F1 is not particularly limited in the present invention. According to one or more embodiments, the at least one first solid filler F1 is selected from inert mineral fillers, hydraulic binders, non-hydraulic binders, latent hydraulic binders, pozzolanic binders and synthetic organic fillers.

[0059] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one first solid filler F1 comprises at least one inert mineral filler F11. Generally, the expression "at least one component X comprises at least one component XN", for example "at least one first solid filler F1 comprises at least one inert mineral filler F11", in the context of the present disclosure is understood to mean that the functional layer comprises one or more inert mineral fillers F11 as representatives of the at least one first solid filler F1.

[0060] The term "inert mineral filler" refers to a mineral filler that, unlike the hydraulic binder, does not undergo a hydration reaction in the presence of water. Suitable mineral fillers for use as the at least one inert mineral filler F11 include, for example, sand, granite, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, clay, expanded clay, diatomaceous earth, pumice, mica, kaolin, talc, potash, dolomite, xonotlite, perlite, vermiculite, wollastonite, barite, cristobalite, silicon dioxide (quartz), fumed silica, fused silica, glass beads, hollow glass spheres, ceramic spheres, bauxite, crushed concrete, and zeolite.

[0061] The term "sand" in this context refers to a mineral clastic deposit (clastic rock), which is a loose aggregate of small rounded or angular particles (loose sediment) that has been separated from the original particle structure during mechanical and chemical degradation and transported to its deposition point, said sediment having an SiO2 content of more than 50% by weight, in particular more than 75% by weight, and particularly preferably more than 85% by weight. The term "calcium carbonate", when used as an inert mineral filler, refers to a solid particulate material produced by grinding and / or precipitation of chalk, limestone or marble.

[0062] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one first solid filler F1 comprises at least one hydraulic binder F12.

[0063] The term "hydraulic binder" refers to substances that react with water in a hydration reaction, forming solid mineral hydrates or hydrate phases that are insoluble in water or have low water solubility. Thus, hydraulic binders, such as Portland cement, can harden and maintain their strength even when exposed to water, for example underwater or under high humidity conditions. In contrast, the term "non-hydraulic binder" refers to substances that harden by reacting with carbon dioxide and therefore do not harden under humid conditions or underwater.

[0064] Examples of suitable hydraulic binders for use as the at least one hydraulic binder include hydraulic cement and hydraulic lime.The term "hydraulic cement" herein refers to a mixture of silicates and oxides including tricalcium silicate, belite, tricalcium aluminate, and ferromagnetite.

[0065] According to DIN EN 197-1, commercially available hydraulic cements can be divided into five main types: Portland cement (CEM I), composite Portland cement (CEM II), blast furnace cement (CEM III), pozzolanic cement (CEM IV), and composite cement (CEM V). These five main types of hydraulic cement are further subdivided into 27 additional cement types known to those skilled in the art and listed in DIN EN 197-1. Naturally, all other hydraulic cements produced according to another standard, for example according to ASTM standards or Indian standards, are also suitable for use as the at least one hydraulic binder F12.

[0066] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one first solid filler F1 comprises at least one non-hydraulic binder F13.

[0067] Examples of suitable non-hydraulic binders for use as the at least one non-hydraulic binder F13 include efflorescent lime (non-hydraulic lime) and gypsum. The term "gypsum" in the present disclosure refers to any known form of gypsum, in particular calcium sulfate dihydrate, calcium sulfate α-hemihydrate, calcium sulfate β-hemihydrate or anhydrous calcium sulfate or a mixture thereof.

[0068] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one first solid filler F1 comprises at least one latent hydraulic binder F14.

[0069] In this disclosure, the term "latent hydraulic binder" refers to Type II concrete additives that have "latent hydraulic properties" as defined in the DIN EN 206-1:2000 standard. These types of mineral binders are calcium aluminosilicates, which do not harden directly or harden too slowly when mixed with water. The hardening process is accelerated in the presence of an alkali activator, which breaks the chemical bonds in the binder's amorphous (or glassy) phase and promotes the dissolution of ionic species and the formation of a calcium aluminosilicate hydrate phase.

[0070] Examples of suitable latent hydraulic binders for use as the at least one latent hydraulic binder F14 include ground granulated blast furnace slag. Ground granulated blast furnace slag is typically obtained by quenching molten iron slag from a blast furnace in water or steam to form a glassy granulated product, which is then dried and ground into a fine powder.

[0071] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one first solid filler F1 comprises at least one pozzolanic binder F15.

[0072] The term "pozzolanic binder" in this disclosure refers to a Type II concrete additive having "pozzolanic properties" as defined in the DIN EN 206-1:2000 standard. These types of mineral binders are siliceous or aluminosilicate compounds that react with water and calcium hydroxide to form calcium silicate hydrate or calcium aluminosilicate hydrate phases.

[0073] Examples of suitable pozzolanic binders for use as the at least one pozzolanic binder F15 include natural pozzolans, such as volcanic dust, and artificial pozzolans, such as fly ash and silica fume. The term "fly ash" as used herein refers to the finely divided ash residue produced by the combustion of pulverized coal, which is carried away with the exhaust gases from the furnace in which the coal is burned. The term "silica fume" as used herein refers to finely divided silicon particles in an amorphous form. Silica fume is typically obtained as a by-product of processing silicon ore, such as smelting quartz in a silica furnace, which results in the formation of silicon monoxide gas, which further oxidizes when exposed to air to produce small particles of amorphous silicon dioxide.

[0074] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one first solid filler F1 comprises at least one synthetic organic filler F16.

[0075] Suitable synthetic organic materials for use as the at least one synthetic organic filler F16 include in particular those having a melting temperature (T m ) is 250° C. or higher, preferably 275° C. or higher, such as plastic materials, such as polyamide, aromatic polyamide, epoxide, polystyrene, expanded polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), poly(phenylene ether), polysulfone and polyethersulfone.

[0076] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one first solid filler F1 comprises or consists of at least one inert mineral filler F11 and / or at least one hydraulic binder F12, wherein the at least one inert mineral filler F11 is preferably chosen from calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, diatomaceous earth, pumice, dolomite, xonotlite, perlite, barite and crushed concrete, more preferably from calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate, and wherein the at least one hydraulic binder F12 is preferably chosen from Portland cement (CEM I), Portland composite cement (CEM II), blast furnace cement (CEM III), pozzolanic cement (CEM IV) and composite cement (CEM V).

[0077] The type of the at least one second solid filler F2 is not particularly limited in the present invention. According to one or more embodiments, the at least one second solid filler F2 is selected from inert mineral fillers, hydraulic binders, non-hydraulic binders, latent hydraulic binders, pozzolanic binders and synthetic organic fillers.

[0078] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one second solid filler F2 comprises at least one inert mineral filler F21, preferably chosen from sand, granite, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, clay, expanded clay, diatomaceous earth, pumice, mica, kaolin, talc, potash, dolomite, xonotlite, perlite, vermiculite, wollastonite, barite, cristobalite, silicon dioxide (quartz), fumed silica, fused silica, bauxite and zeolites, more preferably chosen from vermiculite, wollastonite, mica and talc, even more preferably chosen from vermiculite and wollastonite.

[0079] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one second solid filler F2 is chosen from vermiculite, wollastonite, mica and talc, more preferably from vermiculite and wollastonite.

[0080] In the present invention, there is no particular restriction on the type of the at least one thermoplastic polymer P1.

[0081] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one thermoplastic polymer P1 has:

[0082] - a melting temperature (T ) determined by DSC according to ISO 11357-3:2018 standard at 55°C to 250°C, preferably 60°C to 200°C, more preferably 65°C to 175°C, even more preferably 70°C to 165°C, still more preferably 75°C to 155°C m ) and / or

[0083] a melt flow rate of not more than 250 g / 10 min, preferably not more than 150 g / 10 min, more preferably not more than 100 g / 10 min, even more preferably not more than 50 g / 10 min, still more preferably not more than 25 g / 10 min, measured according to ISO 1133 (190° C. / 2.16 kg) and / or

[0084] a glass transition temperature (Tg), as determined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) using an applied frequency of 1 Hz and a strain level of 0.1% as the peak of the loss modulus (G") curve measured, of 0°C or lower, preferably at -10°C or lower, more preferably at -20°C or lower, even more preferably at -25°C or lower, still more preferably at -30°C or lower, and / or

[0085] - a flexural modulus at 23° C. of not more than 750 MPa, preferably not more than 500 MPa, more preferably not more than 350 MPa, even more preferably not more than 250 MPa, still more preferably not more than 150 MPa, most preferably not more than 100 MPa, measured according to ISO 178:2019 standard.

[0086] Suitable polymers for use as the at least one thermoplastic polymer P1 include, for example, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), ethylene-acrylate copolymers, ethylene-α-olefin copolymers, propylene-α-olefin copolymers, propylene-ethylene copolymers, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE), ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) and polyisobutylene (PIB).

[0087] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one thermoplastic polymer P1 is selected from polyethylene (PE), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-acrylate copolymer, ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, propylene-α-olefin copolymer, propylene-ethylene copolymer, polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), preferably selected from polyethylene (PE), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and ethylene-α-olefin copolymer.

[0088] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one thermoplastic polymer P1 comprises at least one ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer P11 and at least one thermoplastic polymer P12 that is not an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, preferably chosen from polyethylene and ethylene-α-olefin copolymers.

[0089] Suitable ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers for use as the at least one ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer P11 include those having a content of structural units derived from vinyl acetate in the range of 4 to 90 wt. %, preferably 6 to 85 wt. %, more preferably 8 to 80 wt. %, based on the weight of the copolymer. Suitable copolymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate are commercially available, for example under the trade name (available from Exxon Mobil), under the trade name (available from RepsolQuimica SA), under the trade name (available from Arkema Functional Polyolefins), (available from Eni Versalis SPA) and under the trade name (purchased from Arlanxeo GmbH).

[0090] Suitable polyethylenes for use as the at least one thermoplastic polymer P12 include low density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE), preferably having a melting temperature (T ) determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) using a heating rate of 2° C. / min according to ISO 11357-3:2018 standard of 100° C. or above, preferably 105° C. or above, more preferably 110° C. or above. m ).

[0091] Suitable ethylene-α-olefin copolymers include ethylene and one or more C3-C 20 Random and block copolymers of α-olefin monomers, in particular one or more of propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-dodecene and 1-hexadodecene, preferably containing at least 60% by weight, more preferably at least 65% by weight, of ethylene-derived units, based on the weight of the copolymer.

[0092] Suitable ethylene random copolymers include, for example, ethylene-based plastomers, which are commercially available, for example, under the trade name For example EG 8100G, EG 8200G, SL 8110G, KC 8852G, VP 8770G and PF 1140G (both from Dow Chemical Company); For example 3024, 3027, 3128, 3131, 4049, 4053, 5371 and 8203 (both from Exxon Mobil); and trade names (from Borealis AG), and ethylene-based polyolefin elastomers (POE), which are commercially available, for example, under the trade name For example 7256, 7467, 7447, 8003, 8100, 8480, 8540, 8440, 8450, 8452, 8200 and 8414 (both from Dow Chemical Company).

[0093] Suitable ethylene-α-olefin block copolymers include ethylene-based olefin block copolymers (OBCs), which are commercially available, for example, under the trade name For example 9100, 9107, 9500, 9507 and 9530 (both from Dow Chemical Company).

[0094] According to one or more embodiments, the amount ratio of at least one ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer P11 and at least one thermoplastic polymer P12 that is not an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer is 5:1 to 1:5, preferably 3:1 to 1:3, more preferably 3:1 to 1:3.

[0095] According to one or more embodiments, the functional layer further comprises at least one surfactant SF. The term "surfactant" refers to a substance that reduces surface tension and is typically an organic compound containing hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups. Surfactants are generally classified as anionic, cationic, amphoteric, nonionic, and polymeric surfactants based on the charge of their hydrophilic groups. Without being bound by any theory, the presence of the surfactant in the functional layer can reduce the surface tension of water contained in fresh concrete poured onto the functional layer, which can further enhance the ability of the fresh concrete to enter the cavities and pores present on the first major surface of the functional layer.

[0096] Examples of suitable anionic surfactants for use as the at least one surfactant SF include, for example, surfactants containing carboxylate, sulfate, phosphate or sulfonate groups, such as amino acid derivatives; fatty alcohol ether sulfates; fatty alcohol sulfates; soaps; alkylphenol ethoxylates; fatty alcohol ethoxylates; alkane sulfonates; olefin sulfonates; and alkyl phosphates.

[0097] Examples of suitable cationic surfactants for use as the at least one surfactant SF include, for example, quaternary ammonium or phosphonium compounds, such as tetraalkylammonium salts; N,N-dialkylimidazoline compounds; dimethyldistearylammonium compounds, N-alkylpyridinium compounds; and ammonium chloride.

[0098] Amphoteric (zwitterionic) surfactants have a cationic and anionic center attached to the same molecule. Examples of suitable amphoteric surfactants for use as the at least one surfactant SF include, for example, ampholytes, such as aminocarboxylic acids and betaines.

[0099] Examples of suitable nonionic surfactants for use as at least one surfactant SF include, for example, ethoxylates, for example ethoxylated adducts of alcohols, for example polyoxyalkylene polyols; amines; fatty acids; fatty acid amides; alkylphenols; ethanolamides; fatty amines; polysiloxanes; fatty acid esters; alkyl or alkylphenyl polyglycol ethers, for example fatty alcohol polyglycol ethers; alkyl glycosides; sugar esters; sorbitan esters; polysorbates or trialkylamine oxides; esters and amides of poly(meth)acrylic acid with polyalkylene glycols or aminopolyalkylene glycols, which may have an alkyl group attached to at most one end.

[0100] Polymeric surfactants can be divided into two groups of compounds. The first group includes comb-shaped or rake-shaped polymers, in which there are organic polymer chains with hydrophobic groups at regular intervals along the chain and hydrophilic groups at random or regular intervals along the chain. The second group of polymeric surfactants includes block copolymers, in which the hydrophobic group block (B) and the hydrophilic group block (A) are generally present in an ABA configuration. Certain polymeric surfactants, such as ethylene oxide-propylene oxide copolymer surfactants, can also be classified as nonionic surfactants.

[0101] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one surfactant SF is selected from glycerol monostearate, polycarboxylate ethers, polyether-modified polysiloxanes, polyoxyalkylene siloxanes, hydroxyethylamine, erucamide, stearyl stearamide, alkali metal alkanesulfonates and alkylarylsulfonates.

[0102] Suitable glyceryl monostearate is commercially available, for example under the trade name HP (from Danisco) is commercially available.

[0103] Suitable polycarboxylate ethers include polycarboxylate ether-based superplasticizers (PCEs) composed of methoxy-polyethylene glycol copolymers (side chains) grafted with methacrylic acid copolymers (main chain). Suitable polycarboxylate ether-based superplasticizers are commercially available, for example under the trade name Polymer PC-2, Polymer RMC-2, 125P and R-750MC (from Sika AG).

[0104] Suitable polyether-modified polysiloxanes include polyether polysiloxane copolymers, which are commercially available, for example, under the trade name B8870 (from Evonik Industries).

[0105] Suitable polyoxyalkylenesiloxanes are commercially available, for example under the trade name L-1500 (from Momentive) was obtained.

[0106] Examples of suitable hydroxyethylamines include bis(2-hydroxyethyl)amine, which is commercially available, for example, under the trade name 300 (from Akzo Nobel) was obtained.

[0107] Suitable erucamide and stearyl stearamide are commercially available, for example under the trade names E180 and S180 (from PMC Biogenix).

[0108] Examples of suitable alkali metal alkanesulfonates include sodium alkanesulfonate, which is commercially available, for example, under the trade name 3002 (from Akzo Nobel) and 93P (from Emery Oleochemicals) was purchased commercially.

[0109] Suitable alkylarylsulfonates are commercially available, for example under the trade name Purchase, for example 2300, 3100 and 3700 (from Airproducts).

[0110] If present in the functional layer, the at least one surfactant SF preferably accounts for at least 0.01 wt.%, more preferably at least 0.05 wt.%, and even more preferably at least 0.1 wt.%, based on the total weight of the functional layer. It is also preferred that the amount of the at least one surfactant SF in the functional layer does not exceed 10 wt.%, more preferably not exceed 5 wt.%, and even more preferably not exceed 3.5 wt.%, based on the total weight of the functional layer.

[0111] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one surfactant SF accounts for 0.05-7.5 wt %, preferably 0.1-5.0 wt %, more preferably 0.25-3.5 wt %, even more preferably 0.35-2.5 wt %, and still more preferably 0.5-1.5 wt % of the total weight of the functional layer.

[0112] Due to the asymmetric surface structure present on the first major surface of the functional layer, the thickness of the functional layer typically varies along the length and width of the sealing device. Some pores and cavities in the functional layer may even reach the first major surface of the barrier layer. In this case, the thickness of the functional layer measured at such a specific location may not even be measurable.

[0113] However, it may be preferred that the functional layer has a maximum thickness of no more than 25 mm, preferably no more than 15 mm, more preferably no more than 10 mm, even more preferably no more than 5 mm, and still more preferably no more than 2.5 mm. In the context of the present invention, the maximum thickness of the functional layer can be determined according to DIN EN 1849-2:2010 using an optical microscope, for example a Keyence VHX-600 with a magnification of 30 times.

[0114] It has also been found that the mass per unit area of the functional layer may affect the early bond strength obtained with the sealing device in pre-applied waterproofing applications. It may be preferred that the functional layer has a mass per unit area of at least 100 g / m 2 , more preferably at least 150g / m 2 , even more preferably at least 200 g / m 2 According to one or more embodiments, the functional layer has a mass per unit area of 100-1500 g / m 2 , preferably 150-1250g / m 2 , more preferably 250-1000g / m 2 , even more preferably 350-1000g / m 2 , still more preferably 450-1000 g / m 2 , most preferably 500-1000g / m 2 Mass per unit area.

[0115] The functional layer may further comprise one or more additives, such as UV stabilizers and heat stabilizers, antioxidants, plasticizers, flame retardants, dyes, pigments such as titanium dioxide and carbon black, matting agents, antistatic agents, impact modifiers, biocides, and processing aids such as lubricants, slip agents, antiblocking agents, and drying aids. Preferably, the total amount of these types of additives does not exceed 10% by weight, preferably not more than 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the functional layer.

[0116] The sealing device further comprises a barrier layer that is indirectly or directly connected to the second major surface of the functional layer.

[0117] The functional layer and the barrier layer can be connected to each other indirectly, for example, via a tie layer such as an adhesive layer or via a fiber-based layer or a combination thereof. In the case of a porous tie layer such as an open weave fabric, the functional layer can be partially directly connected and partially indirectly connected to the barrier layer.

[0118] The expression "directly connected" in the context of the present invention is understood to mean that there is no further layer or substance between these layers, and the opposite surfaces of the two layers are directly bonded to each other or adhere to each other. In the transition region between the two layers, the materials forming the layers may also be present mixed with each other.

[0119] According to one or more embodiments, the barrier layer has a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein at least a portion of the first major surface of the barrier layer is directly connected to the second major surface of the functional layer. According to one or more embodiments, at least 50%, preferably at least 75% by weight, and more preferably at least 95% by area of the first major surface of the barrier layer is directly connected to the second major surface of the functional layer.

[0120] The composition of the barrier layer is not particularly limited. However, the barrier layer should be as waterproof as possible and not decompose or mechanically damage even under the long-term influence of water or moisture.

[0121] Furthermore, it is preferred that the barrier layer is in the form of a flexible plastic layer. This allows the sealing device to be wound into a roll, typically during production, and then easily applied to the surface of the substrate to be waterproofed. Preferably, the barrier layer has a tensile modulus of elasticity of no more than 500 MPa, preferably no more than 350 MPa, more preferably no more than 250 MPa, even more preferably no more than 150 MPa, and still more preferably no more than 100 MPa, as measured according to EN ISO 527:2018.

[0122] According to one or more embodiments, the barrier layer comprises at least 50 wt.-%, preferably at least 65 wt.-%, more preferably at least 75 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 85 wt.-%, even more preferably at least 90 wt.-% of at least one thermoplastic polymer P2.

[0123] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one thermoplastic polymer P2 has:

[0124] - a melting temperature (T ) determined by DSC according to ISO 11357-3:2018 standard at 55°C to 250°C, preferably 60°C to 200°C, more preferably 65°C to 175°C, even more preferably 70°C to 165°C, still more preferably 75°C to 155°C m ) and / or

[0125] a melt flow rate of not more than 250 g / 10 min, preferably not more than 150 g / 10 min, more preferably not more than 100 g / 10 min, even more preferably not more than 50 g / 10 min, still more preferably not more than 25 g / 10 min, determined according to ISO 1133 (190° C. / 2.16 kg), and / or

[0126] -Glass transition temperature (T g ), which is determined by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) using an applied frequency of 1 Hz and a strain level of 0.1% as the peak of the loss modulus (G") curve measured at 0°C or lower, preferably at -10°C or lower, more preferably at -20°C or lower, even more preferably at -25°C or lower, still more preferably at -30°C or lower, and / or

[0127] - a flexural modulus at 23° C. of not more than 750 MPa, preferably not more than 500 MPa, more preferably not more than 350 MPa, even more preferably not more than 250 MPa, still more preferably not more than 150 MPa, most preferably not more than 100 MPa, measured according to ISO 178:2019 standard.

[0128] Suitable polymers for use as the at least one thermoplastic polymer P2 include, for example, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers (EVA), ethylene-acrylate copolymers, ethylene-α-olefin copolymers, propylene-α-olefin copolymers, propylene-ethylene copolymers, polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyamide (PA), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE), ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber (EPDM) and polyisobutylene (PIB).

[0129] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one thermoplastic polymer P2 is selected from polyethylene (PE), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), ethylene-acrylate copolymer, ethylene-α-olefin copolymer, propylene-α-olefin copolymer, propylene-ethylene copolymer, polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), preferably selected from polyethylene (PE), ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and ethylene-α-olefin copolymer.

[0130] It may be preferred that the at least one thermoplastic polymer P2 contained in the barrier layer is miscible with the at least one thermoplastic polymer P1 contained in the functional layer. In the present disclosure, "miscible" polymers refer to polymer blends consisting of at least one thermoplastic polymer P1 and at least one thermoplastic polymer P2 having a negative Gibbs free energy and heat of mixing. Polymer blends consisting of completely miscible polymer components tend to have a single glass transition temperature (T g ).

[0131] In addition to the at least one thermoplastic polymer P2, the barrier layer may also contain one or more additives, such as UV and heat stabilizers, antioxidants, plasticizers, fillers, flame retardants, dyes, pigments such as titanium dioxide and carbon black, matting agents, antistatic agents, impact modifiers, biocides, and processing aids such as lubricants, slip agents, antiblocking agents, and drying aids. However, it is preferred that the total amount of these types of additives does not exceed 35% by weight, preferably not more than 25% by weight, more preferably not more than 15% by weight, and even more preferably not more than 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the barrier layer.

[0132] The thickness of the barrier layer is not subject to any particular restrictions. However, sealing devices comprising barrier layers having a thickness greater than 10 mm or less than 0.1 mm are generally impractical in waterproofing applications. Preferably, the barrier layer has a thickness of at least 0.1 mm, more preferably at least 0.25 mm. According to one or more embodiments, the barrier layer has a thickness of 0.1-10.0 mm, preferably 0.25-5.0 mm, more preferably 0.3-3.5 mm, and even more preferably 0.35-2.5 mm. The thickness of the barrier layer can be determined using the measurement method defined in the DIN EN 1849-2:2010 standard.

[0133] According to one or more embodiments, the first major surface of the functional layer has a waviness factor W f Characterizing the surface roughness, the waviness factor W f RMS roughness W as waviness Sq The peak density W of the waviness Spd and is at least 0.005 1 / mm, preferably at least 0.0101 / mm, more preferably at least 0.0125 1 / mm, even more preferably at least 0.0135 1 / mm, yet more preferably at least 0.0145 1 / mm, for example at least 0.0155 1 / mm, in particular at least 0.0175 1 / mm, wherein the waviness parameter W is determined according to ISO 25178 standard from the waviness curve obtained from the measured primary curve using a cut-off length λc of 0.8 mm. Sq and W Spd .

[0134] RMS roughness of waviness W Sq and the peak density of waviness W Spd is a standardized three-dimensional (3D) surface parameter calculated from the waviness curve defined in ISO 25178. The 3D area parameter according to ISO 25178 can be calculated based on the waviness curve of the surface or based on the roughness curve of the surface, where the waviness curve can be obtained from a measured primary curve of the surface using a suitable curve cutoff filter λc and optionally λf.

[0135] The term "measured primary curve" in the present disclosure refers to the primary curve defined as "SF surface" in ISO 25178, which is obtained from the measured surface geometry (extracted surface) using the F operator and optionally the S filter. For example, the surface geometry can be measured using a 3D scanner smartSCAN (trademark of AICON 3D Systems GmbH). In the present invention, the primary curve of the first main surface of the functional layer is obtained by subtracting a second-order polynomial fitted to the measured data points from the measured surface shape. In order to obtain the waviness curve from the measured primary curve, a cutoff length λc of 0.8 mm is used. The primary curve, waviness curve and 3D area parameters according to the ISO 25178 standard are preferably calculated using suitable computer software, such as Premium (V7) software (trademark of DigitalSurf Corporation) to determine.

[0136] In particular, when the sealing device is used for waterproofing roof substrates, it may be preferred that the barrier layer comprises one or more reinforcement layers, which serve to improve the dimensional stability of the barrier layer. However, it is possible or even preferred that the barrier layer does not comprise such reinforcement layers, in particular when the sealing device is used for waterproofing underground structures.

[0137] If a reinforcement layer is used, it may be at least partially embedded, preferably completely embedded, in the barrier layer. The expression "at least partially embedded" means that the reinforcement layer is at least partially covered by the matrix of the barrier layer. The type of reinforcement layer is not particularly limited. For example, reinforcement layers commonly used to improve the dimensional stability of thermoplastic waterproofing and roofing membranes can be used. Preferably, the reinforcement layer comprises at least one layer of fibrous material, preferably selected from the group consisting of nonwoven fabrics, textiles, and laid scrims, more preferably selected from the group consisting of nonwoven fabrics and laid scrims.

[0138] The term "nonwoven fabric" as used herein refers to a material composed of fibers that are bonded together using chemical, mechanical, or thermal bonding means and that is neither woven nor knitted. Nonwoven fabrics can be produced, for example, by using carding or needle punching, in which the fibers are mechanically entangled to obtain the nonwoven fabric. In chemical bonding, a chemical binder, such as an adhesive material, is used to hold the fibers together in the nonwoven fabric.

[0139] The term "laid scrim" as used herein refers to a web-like nonwoven product composed of at least two sets of parallel yarns (also referred to as weft and warp yarns) that are superimposed on one another and chemically bonded to one another. The yarns of a laid scrim are typically arranged at angles of 60-120°, for example, 90±5°, toward one another, thereby forming interstices, wherein the interstices preferably occupy more than 60% of the total surface of the laid scrim. Typical materials for laid scrims include metal fibers, inorganic fibers (particularly glass fibers), and synthetic organic fibers (particularly polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)).

[0140] According to one or more embodiments, the sealing device further comprises a second functional layer (2') having a first major surface and a second major surface, wherein the second major surface of the barrier layer (3) is directly or indirectly connected to the first major surface of the second functional layer (2'), and wherein the second functional layer (2') comprises:

[0141] a) 20 to 75% by weight, preferably 25 to 70% by weight, of at least one thermoplastic polymer P1', and

[0142] b) 25 to 80% by weight, preferably 30 to 75% by weight, of a solid filler component F', all proportions being based on the total weight of the second functional layer (2').

[0143] According to one or more embodiments, the solid filler component F' comprises at least one solid having a median particle size d of 0.5-100 μm, preferably 1.0-75 μm. 50 and at least one second solid filler F2' which is different from the at least one first solid filler F1'.

[0144] According to one or more embodiments, at least one thermoplastic polymer P1′ is identical to at least one thermoplastic polymer P1, at least one first solid filler F1′ is identical to at least one first solid filler F1, and at least one second solid filler F2′ is identical to at least one second solid filler F2.

[0145] Unless otherwise stated, the preferences stated above with regard to the functional layer, the barrier layer, the at least one thermoplastic polymer P1 and P1′, the at least one solid filler component F and F′ and the at least one surfactant SF also apply to all other subjects of the present invention.

[0146] Another subject of the present invention is a process for producing a sealing device according to the invention, comprising a step of extruding or coextruding a first molten polymer composition comprising the constituents of the functional layer through an extruder die.

[0147] The first molten polymer composition is preferably obtained by melt processing a first starting composition comprising the ingredients of the functional layer. The term "melt processing" as used in this disclosure refers to a process in which at least one molten polymer component is intimately mixed with at least one other component until a melt blend is obtained, i.e., a substantially uniformly mixed mixture of the polymer component and the other ingredients, which may be another molten polymer component or a solid component, such as a filler. The melt processing of the starting composition can be performed in a batch process using any conventional mixer such as a Brabender, Banbury, or roll mixer, or in a continuous process using a continuous mixer, preferably an extruder such as a single-screw or twin-screw extruder or a planetary roller extruder.

[0148] According to one or more embodiments, the first molten polymer composition further comprises a blowing agent, which is released from the first molten polymer composition through the surface of the functional layer exiting the extruder die.

[0149] Foaming gas can be added to the first molten polymer composition to provide a functional layer with a certain surface roughness on its first major surface. After the molten polymer composition is discharged from the extruder die, due to the increase in volume of the foaming gas, the functional layer first expands, which causes the formation of a closed-cell structure in the material of the functional layer. Finally, the surface of the functional layer is penetrated by the foaming gas, which causes the formation of open or semi-open cells, holes, cavities and other surface defects, which can be touched from a side of the first major surface of the functional layer. The distribution and size of these surface structures that can be touched from a side of the first major surface of the functional layer can be characterized using 3D surface roughness parameters as described above.

[0150] In order to prevent premature release of the blowing agent from the molten polymer composition, ie before the molten polymer composition is discharged through the extruder die, the extruder should be operated with a closed venting unit.

[0151] The foaming gas released from the first molten polymer composition through the surface of the functional layer is preferably present in the first starting composition or in the first molten polymer composition in the form of a physical or chemical foaming agent. In the case of a chemical foaming agent, the foaming agent is preferably added to the first starting composition and the foaming gas is generated during the melt processing of the first starting composition. In the case of a physical foaming agent, the foaming agent is preferably added to the first starting composition or the melt-processed starting composition before the first molten polymer composition is extruded through an extruder die.

[0152] Suitable physical blowing agents for use in the method for making the sealing device include gaseous and liquid physical blowing agents. Gaseous physical blowing agents, such as compressed nitrogen or carbon dioxide, can be injected directly into the melt-processed starting composition under high pressure, and the composition is conveyed through the melt processing device, such as an extruder barrel. Liquid physical blowing agents include volatile liquids that produce gases by evaporation. Suitable liquid physical blowing agents generally include water, short-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as short-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons having five to seven carbon atoms, and their halogenated derivatives, especially chlorinated and fluorinated derivatives. Particularly suitable liquid physical blowing agents have a standard boiling point of not more than 250°C, preferably not more than 200°C, measured at a pressure of 1 bar. The standard boiling point of the liquid physical blowing agent can be measured using an ebulliometer.

[0153] Chemical blowing agents, also called foaming agents, are typically solids that release gases through a chemical reaction (e.g., decomposition) when exposed to elevated temperatures. Chemical blowing agents can be inorganic or organic.

[0154] According to one or more embodiments, the first molten polymer composition is obtained by melt processing a first starting composition comprising the ingredients of the functional layer and additionally at least one chemical blowing agent CBA.

[0155] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one chemical blowing agent CBA has a maximum decomposition peak temperature measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in the range of 85-225° C., preferably 95-215° C., more preferably 105-205° C., and even more preferably 115-195° C. The maximum decomposition peak measured by DSC is preferably determined by using a DSC822e differential scanning calorimeter from Mettler-Toledo by holding the sample at 25° C. for 2 minutes, then heating the sample from 25° C. to 280° C. at a rate of 5° C. / min, then holding the sample at 280° C. for 2 minutes, and finally cooling the sample from 280° C. to 25° C. at a rate of 10° C. / min.

[0156] Suitable substances for use as the at least one chemical blowing agent CBA include, for example, azodicarbonamide, azobisisobutyronitrile, azocyclohexanecarbonitrile, dinitrosopentamethylenetetramine, azodiaminobenzene, calcium azide, 4,4′-diphenyldisulfonyl azide, benzenesulfonylhydrazide, 4,4-oxybenzenesulfonylsemicarbazide, 4,4-oxybis(benzenesulfonylhydrazide), diphenylsulfone-3,3-disulfonylhydrazide, p-toluenesulfonylhydrazide, p-toluenesulfonylsemicarbazide, trihydrazinotriazine, N,N′-dimethyl-N,N′-dinitrosoterephthalamide, diazoaminobenzene, diazoaminotoluene, hydrazinedicarbonamide, barium azodicarboxylate, 5-hydroxytetrazole, sodium bicarbonate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate and organic acids.

[0157] Most of the preferred chemical blowing agents listed above, such as sodium bicarbonate, are solid at ambient temperatures and are typically provided in powder form. To prevent premature decomposition of the chemical blowing agent during premixing, such as during premixing of the components of the first starting composition, the particle size of such powder is preferably not too low. A narrow particle size distribution is also preferred to better control the decomposition temperature of the chemical blowing agent.

[0158] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one chemical blowing agent CBA is present in the first starting composition in the form of solid particles having a median particle size d of 0.5-100 μm, preferably 1.0-75 μm, more preferably 2.5-50 μm, even more preferably 5-35 μm. 50 .

[0159] Suitable organic acids for use as the at least one chemical blowing agent CBA include, for example, monocarboxylic acids, such as acetic acid and propionic acid, solid polycarboxylic acids, such as solid hydroxy-functional or unsaturated dicarboxylic acids, tricarboxylic acids, tetracarboxylic acids or polycarboxylic acids, in particular citric acid, tartaric acid, malic acid, fumaric acid and maleic acid.

[0160] Although some of the compounds used in the present invention are characterized as being useful for specific functions, it should be understood that the use of these compounds is not limited to their described functions. For example, some of the substances mentioned above as chemical blowing agents can also be used as activators for at least one chemical blowing agent CBA.

[0161] For example, commonly used activators for organic acid-based chemical blowing agents include bicarbonates (bicarbonates) and carbonates, particularly those of the formula XHCO3 or X2CO3, where X represents a generic cation, such as Na + , K + NH4 + 、1 / 2Zn 2+ 、1 / 2Mg 2+ and 1 / 2Ca 2+ , especially Na + and K + On the other hand, these types of activators may themselves be suitable for use as at least one chemical blowing agent CBA.

[0162] According to one or more embodiments, the first starting composition comprises, in addition to at least one chemical blowing agent CBA, at least one activator for at least one chemical blowing agent CBA.

[0163] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one chemical blowing agent CBA is chosen from bicarbonates of formula XHCO3 and carbonates of formula X2CO3, wherein X represents a general cation, in particular Na + , K + NH4+ 、1 / 2Zn 2+ 、1 / 2Mg 2+ or 1 / 2Ca 2+ , preferably selected from bicarbonates of formula XHCO3, wherein X represents a general cation, in particular Na + , K + NH4 + 、1 / 2Zn 2+ 、1 / 2Mg 2+ or 1 / 2Ca 2+ , more preferably selected from sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate.

[0164] The at least one chemical blowing agent CBA is preferably present in the first starting composition in an amount of not more than 10 wt.-%, more preferably not more than 7.5 wt.-%, even more preferably not more than 5 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the first starting composition.

[0165] According to one or more embodiments, the at least one chemical blowing agent CBA comprises at least 0.1 wt.-%, preferably at least 0.15 wt.-%, more preferably at least 0.2 wt.-% of the total weight of the first starting composition. According to one or more further embodiments, the at least one chemical blowing agent CBA comprises 0.1-5.0 wt.-%, preferably 0.15-3.5 wt.-%, more preferably 0.2-2.5 wt.-%, even more preferably 0.2-1.5 wt.-% of the total weight of the first starting composition.

[0166] In particular, when the solid filler component F comprises a hydraulic binder, it is preferred that the first starting composition comprises only a small amount of water. According to one or more embodiments, the first starting composition comprises less than 10% by weight, preferably less than 7.5% by weight, more preferably less than 5% by weight, and even more preferably less than 3.5% by weight of water.

[0167] The first molten polymer composition is preferably extruded or coextruded using an extrusion apparatus comprising an extruder and a die.

[0168] Such extrusion devices are well known to those skilled in the art. Suitable extruders include a barrel and a screw unit contained in the barrel or the base. Any conventional extruder can be used, such as a plunger extruder, a single screw extruder or a twin screw extruder. Preferably, the extruder is a screw extruder, more preferably a twin screw extruder. The screw unit of a conventional screw extruder is generally considered to include a feed, transition and metering section. In the feed section, the thermoplastic composition enters the channel of the rotating screw and is transported to the transition section, where the composition is compressed and melted. When the composition leaves the transition section, it should be completely melted. The function of the metering section is to homogenize the molten composition and allow it to be metered or pumped out at a constant rate. The extrusion device also includes a die, preferably a flat die, which is composed of a manifold, a guide channel and a lip area. In the case of a coextrusion method, the extrusion device preferably includes at least two extruders, preferably a twin screw extruder, and a single or multi-tube die.

[0169] The extruder barrel comprises a feed port and an outlet port, and the material to be extruded is fed into the extruder through the feed port, and the material leaves the barrel through the outlet port. The outlet port is connected to the die head via a gate or an adapter component. A mixing device can be inserted between the barrel and the die head. The feed port is usually connected to a hopper, and the material to be extruded is added to the hopper. Preferably, the filter assembly and the porous plate are located at the end of the barrel to avoid clogging the nozzle. The extruder also comprises a heating element, a cooling element, a temperature sensor and a temperature control element to provide a temperature control zone along the barrel, also referred to as a barrel zone. The extruder may comprise, for example, 3 to 8 barrel zones, preferably at least 5 barrel zones, by using which a temperature distribution can be achieved in the barrel.

[0170] Preferably, a significant amount, preferably all, of the at least one thermoplastic polymer P1 is added to the extruder through the feed port. Preferably, at least a portion of the solid filler component F is added to the extruder through a further port located downstream of the feed port. The term "downstream" herein refers to a direction toward the outlet port. For example, it may be advantageous to feed no more than 50% by weight, preferably no more than 30% by weight, and more preferably no more than 10% by weight of the total amount of the solid filler component F into the extruder together with the total amount of the at least one thermoplastic polymer P1 through the feed port, and to feed the remainder of the solid filler component F into the extruder through a further port located downstream of the feed port.

[0171] It may also be preferred that only a portion of the at least one chemical blowing agent CBA and / or the at least one surfactant SF, if used, is fed into the extruder through the feed port and that at least 10% by weight, preferably at least 20% by weight, of the total amount of these components is fed into the extruder through another port located downstream of the feed port.

[0172] Some or all of the components of the first starting composition may also be mixed to obtain a premix, which is then fed into an extruder via a feed port. Premixing may be performed using conventional blending equipment of any type known to those skilled in the art. In the premixing process, particles of at least one thermoplastic polymer P1 are mixed with other ingredients at elevated temperatures, for example, with solid filler component F and / or with at least one chemical foaming agent CBA, to obtain a uniformly mixed mixture. Some or all of the components of the first starting composition may also be processed into pellets or particles in a compounding extruder, which are then added to the extruder via a feed port.

[0173] The preferred extrusion temperature depends on the embodiment of the sealing device, in particular on the type of polymer base of the functional layer. The term "extrusion temperature" refers to the temperature of the extruded composition at the die outlet. According to one or more embodiments, the extrusion temperature is 80-250°C, preferably 100-240°C, more preferably 120-220°C, and even more preferably 140-200°C.

[0174] The preferred extrusion pressure depends on the embodiment of the sealing device, in particular on the type of polymer of the functional layer and the amount of solid filler component F in the functional layer. The term "extrusion pressure" refers to the pressure of the composition at the end of the metering zone, just before the composition enters the die inlet.

[0175] According to one or more embodiments, the extrusion pressure is in the range of 20-350 bar, preferably 30-240 bar, more preferably 35-200 bar, even more preferably 40-150 bar.

[0176] The extrusion process can be performed using different temperature profiles, such as a rising temperature profile in which the temperature increases downstream of the barrel, a falling temperature profile in which the temperature decreases downstream of the barrel, and a hump-shaped temperature profile in which the temperature increases from the feed port to a certain set point, such as toward the middle of the barrel. Preferably, the extrusion process is performed using a hump-shaped temperature profile.

[0177] Preferably, at least a portion of the at least one chemical blowing agent (CBA), for example at least 5% by weight, particularly at least 10% by weight, preferably 25% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight, and most preferably at least 75% by weight, decomposes while the first starting composition is conveyed through the barrel and before the melt-processed starting composition enters the die. This is ensured by selecting a suitable chemical blowing agent or a suitable mixture of a chemical blowing agent and an activator, and by adjusting the temperature profile in the feed, transition, and metering sections. Preferably, the first starting composition is maintained at a temperature at least 10° C. above the decomposition temperature of the at least one chemical blowing agent (CBA) as it is conveyed through the extruder barrel.

[0178] Furthermore, the extruder is preferably operated with a closed venting unit.It is important that at least a significant portion of the foaming gas released within the extruder barrel remains trapped in the melt-processed polymer composition and is not released before the first molten polymer composition exits the extruder die.

[0179] According to one or more embodiments, the method for producing a sealing device comprises the additional step of extruding or co-extruding a second molten polymer composition comprising the ingredients of the barrier layer through an extruder die.

[0180] Preferably, the second molten polymer composition is obtained by melt processing a second starting composition comprising the ingredients of the barrier layer.

[0181] Further details of the method for producing the sealing device depend on the embodiment of the sealing device.

[0182] According to one or more embodiments, the method for producing a sealing device comprises coextruding a first molten polymer composition and a second molten polymer composition through a common extruder die, preferably a flat die, using a coextrusion device. Preferably, the coextrusion device comprises a first extruder for melt processing the first starting composition and a second extruder for melt processing the second starting composition. The first and second molten polymer compositions are extruded through a common extruder die, which can be equipped with a single manifold or multiple manifolds. The thickness of the extruded functional layer and barrier layer and the adhesion between the layers can be easily controlled by adjusting the die lips of the coextrusion device. Preferably, the first extruder is operated under a closed exhaust unit to prevent premature release of the blowing agent.

[0183] Preferably, the method for manufacturing the sealing device comprises the additional step of using spaced-apart calender chill rolls, through which the composite article comprising the extruded functional layer and the extruded barrier layer is stretched after the coextrusion step. The thickness of the functional layer and the barrier layer can be further controlled by adjusting the gap size between the calender chill rolls. Preferably, the gap between the calender chill rolls is adjusted such that substantially no pressure is exerted on the surface of the functional layer, thereby obtaining a functional layer having a surface roughness.

[0184] According to one or more additional embodiments, a method for producing a sealing device comprises extruding a first molten polymer composition through a first extruder die using a first extrusion device, and extruding a second molten polymer composition through a second extruder die using a second extrusion device, and bonding the functional layer and the barrier layer thus obtained to each other. The extruded functional layer and the barrier layer can be, for example, heat-laminated to each other or adhered to each other using an adhesive. The term "heat lamination" herein refers to a method comprising partially melting at least one layer after applying thermal energy, followed by a cooling step, which results in the formation of a bond between the layers without the use of a binder such as an adhesive.

[0185] According to one or more additional embodiments, a method for producing a sealing device comprises extruding a second molten polymer composition through an extruder die onto the second major surface of a preformed functional layer, or extruding a first molten polymer composition through an extruder die onto the first major surface of a preformed barrier layer. In these embodiments, the barrier layer is simultaneously formed and bonded to the previously formed functional layer, or vice versa.

[0186] Another object of the present invention is a sealing device obtained by using the method for manufacturing a sealing device according to the present invention.

[0187] The sealing device may be a waterproof membrane, a roof membrane, a tunnel membrane or a sealing tape.

[0188] Another object of the invention is the use of a sealing device according to the invention for waterproofing a substrate.The substrate to be waterproofed may be any structure or civil engineering structure which is to be sealed against moisture and water.

[0189] According to one or more embodiments, use of a sealing device for waterproofing a substrate comprises the following steps:

[0190] i) applying the sealing device according to the invention to the surface of the substrate such that the second main surface of the barrier layer faces the surface of the substrate,

[0191] ii) pouring a fresh concrete composition onto the first major surface of the functional layer, and

[0192] iii) allowing the fresh concrete composition to harden.

[0193] The term "fresh concrete composition" refers to a concrete composition before hardening, in particular before the concrete composition sets. The hardened cast concrete composition can be part of a structure, in particular an above-ground or underground structure, such as a building, a garage, a tunnel, a landfill, a water retention basin, a pond, a dam, or an element for prefabricated buildings.

[0194] According to one or more further embodiments, use of a sealing device for waterproofing a substrate comprises the following steps:

[0195] i) providing a sealing device according to the invention,

[0196] ii) applying an adhesive layer to at least a portion of the surface of the substrate,

[0197] iii) contacting the adhesive layer with the first major surface of the functional layer.

[0198] The adhesive may be a fresh cement-based composition, or a synthetic resin-based adhesive composition, such as a reactive epoxy-based, polyurethane-based or acrylic-based adhesive composition or a non-reactive thermoplastic-based or rubber-based adhesive composition.

[0199] The term "cement-based composition" refers to concrete, sprayed concrete, grout, mortar, paste or a combination thereof. The terms "slurry", "mortar", "concrete", "sprayed concrete" and "grout" are terms well known in the prior art. Slurry is a mixture comprising a hydraulic cement binder, which is typically portland cement, masonry cement or mortar cement. Mortar is a slurry that also includes fine aggregate such as sand. Concrete is a mortar that also includes coarse aggregate such as crushed stone or stone. Shotcrete is a concrete (or sometimes mortar) that is delivered by a hose and pneumatically sprayed onto a surface at high speed. Cement compositions can be formed by mixing a required amount of certain components such as hydratable cement, water and fine and / or coarse aggregate to produce a specific cement composition.

[0200] According to one or more further embodiments, use of a sealing device for waterproofing a substrate comprises the following steps:

[0201] i) providing a sealing device according to the invention,

[0202] ii) applying a layer of an adhesive composition on at least a portion of the surface of the substrate to form a first adhesive film, and applying a layer of an adhesive composition on the first major surface of the functional layer to form a second adhesive film,

[0203] iii) contacting the first and second adhesive films to effect an adhesive bond between the substrate and the sealing arrangement.

[0204] The adhesive composition used in these embodiments is preferably a solvent or water based contact adhesive. Suitable solvent based contact adhesives are commercially available, for example under the trade name (From Sika AG). Example

[0205] The compounds shown in Table 1 below were used in the examples:

[0206] Table 1

[0207]

[0208] a Before extrusion

[0209] Preparation of sealing device

[0210] Exemplary sealing devices Ex-1 to Ex-8 and reference sealing devices Ref-1 and Ref-2 were produced using a laboratory-scale coextrusion apparatus comprising two twin-screw extruders (Berstorff GmbH), a flat die, and a water-cooled calendar roll set. A thermoplastic waterproofing membrane based on a polymer blend of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer and linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) was used as the barrier layer in all sealing devices.

[0211] The first starting composition containing the components of the functional layer is melt-processed in a first twin-screw extruder. In the case where the first starting composition contains a chemical foaming agent, the extruder is operated with a closed exhaust unit to prevent the escape of foaming gases. The second starting composition containing the components of the barrier layer is simultaneously melt-processed in a second twin-screw extruder, and the first and second molten polymer compositions obtained are coextruded one above the other through a flat die to produce a two-layer composite film, which is then cooled between calender rolls. The gap between the cooling rolls of the calender is adjusted to be slightly larger than the thickness of the coextruded film. The mass per unit area of the functional layer is 624-798 g / m 2 , the thickness of the barrier layer is about 0.7 mm.

[0212] During the production of the sealing device, the composition of the functional layer and the operating conditions of the coextrusion device are shown in Table 2. The extrusion temperature and pressure were measured at the point where the melt-processed material entered the flat die. During production, the temperature of the cooling roller was about 20°C.

[0213] Vermiculite particle size in the functional layer

[0214] The particle size of the vermiculite in the functional layer (after extrusion) was measured by dissolving a representative sample of the functional layer of the sealing device prepared as described above in xylene at 90°C for 24 hours, followed by separation of the solid filler component by filtration. The vermiculite particle size was measured using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The vermiculite was found to be present in the functional layer in the form of flake-like particles with a length of 20-550 μm and a thickness of 5-25 μm.

[0215] Barrier layer thickness

[0216] The thickness of the barrier layer was determined using the measurement method defined in DIN EN 1849-2: 2010. The thickness of the cross section was measured using a Keyence VHX-600 optical microscope (30x magnification).

[0217] Mass per unit area of functional layer

[0218] To determine the mass per unit area of the functional layer of an exemplary sealing device, a reference film comprising a barrier layer having the same thickness and composition as the barrier layer of the corresponding exemplary sealing device was first prepared. Fifty-seven circular samples with a diameter of 8 cm were then cut from the exemplary sealing device and the corresponding reference film. The mass of each sample was measured with an accuracy of 0.01 g, and the mass per unit area was calculated by dividing the measured mass by the calculated area of the sample. The coating weight of the functional layer of the exemplary sealing device was then determined by subtracting the mass per unit area of the reference film from the mass per unit area of the exemplary sealing device. The circular samples were cut from the sealing device and reference film along a length of approximately 5.5 m in the longitudinal direction, with a distance of approximately 30 cm between adjacent samples.

[0219] Waviness parameter and waviness factor

[0220] To characterize the surface roughness of the functional layer, a sample strip measuring 100 mm (length) × 100 mm (width) was cut from each manufactured sealing device and adhered to a rigid PVC sheet measuring 100 mm (length) × 100 mm (width) × 5 mm (thickness) with the functional layer facing upward, ensuring that the sample lay completely flat. Double-sided tape was used when attaching the sample to the rigid PVC sheet.

[0221] The surface geometry of the functional layer of each sample strip was measured with a SmartSCAN 3D scanner from AICON 3D Systems GmbH. In the following paragraphs, the symbols in brackets refer to the terms used in the ISO 25178 standard.

[0222] First, a second-order polynomial fitted to the measured data points (F operator) is subtracted from the surface geometry (extracted surface) to obtain a primary curve (SF surface). The waviness curve is then obtained from the primary curve using a cutoff length λc (S filter) with a value of 0.8 mm. The waviness parameter W is calculated from the measured waviness curve according to ISO 25178. Sq and W Spd (area parameter) and calculated as W Sq and W Spd The waviness factor W of the product f .use Premium (V7) software (from DigitalSurf) was used to obtain the primary curve, waviness curve and waviness parameter W from the measured surface geometry. Sq and W Spd Required calculations.

[0223] Preparation of concrete specimens

[0224] Three sample strips measuring 200 mm (length) x 50 mm (width) were cut from each of the sealing devices produced as described above. The sample strips were placed in a template measuring 200 mm (length) x 50 mm (width) x 30 mm (height) with the functional layer facing upward and the barrier layer against the bottom of the template.

[0225] One edge of each sample strip on the functional layer side was covered with tape having a length of 50 mm and a width corresponding to the width of the strip to prevent adhesion to the hardened concrete. The tape was used to make it easier to mount the test sample to the peel resistance test apparatus.

[0226] To prepare the concrete specimens, a batch of fresh concrete was prepared. The fresh concrete was prepared by mixing 8.9900 kg of dry concrete batch material of MC 0.45 according to EN 1766:2017, 0.7440 kg of water, and 0.0110 kg of Viscocrete 3082 in a tumble mixer for 5 minutes. The MC 0.45 dry concrete batch material contained 1.6811 kg of CEM I 42.5N cement (Normo 4, Holcim), 7.3089 kg of aggregate containing 3% Nekafill-15 (from KFN) concrete additive (limestone filler), 24% sand with a particle size of 0-1 mm, 36% sand with a particle size of 1-4 mm, and 37% gravel with a particle size of 4-8 mm. The dry concrete batch was homogenized in a tumble mixer for five minutes before mixing with the water and Viscocrete 3082.

[0227] The formwork containing the sample strips was then filled with fresh concrete formulation and vibrated for two minutes to release trapped air. After hardening for 24 hours in a standard atmosphere (air temperature 23°C, relative humidity 50%), the test concrete specimens were peeled from the formwork and the concrete peeling resistance (early bond strength) was measured.

[0228] Concrete anti-stripping performance

[0229] The peel resistance was measured according to the procedure specified in DIN EN 1372:2015-06. The peel resistance was measured using a Zwick Roell Allroundline Z010 materials testing instrument equipped with a Zwick Roell 90° peel device (model 316237).

[0230] For the peel resistance measurement, the concrete specimen, including the tape portion of the sample strip, was clamped to a length of 10 mm using the upper grip of the materials testing equipment at the end. The strip was then peeled from the surface of the concrete specimen at a peel angle of 90° and a constant crosshead speed of 100 mm / min. During the measurement, the rollers were spaced approximately 570 mm apart. The peeling of the sample strip continued until approximately 140 mm of the strip had been peeled from the surface of the concrete specimen. The peel resistance value was calculated as the average peel force per unit width of the sample strip (N / 50 mm) during the peeling process over a length of approximately 70 mm, excluding the first and last quarters of the total peel length from the calculation.

[0231] The average peel strength values shown in Table 2 were calculated as the average of three measurements made using the same sealing device.

[0232] Table 2

[0233]

Claims

1. A sealing device (1) comprising a functional layer (2) having a first major surface and a second major surface and a barrier layer (3) directly or indirectly connected to the second major surface of the functional layer (2), the functional layer (2) comprising: a) 20 to 75% by weight of at least one thermoplastic polymer P1, and b) 25-80% by weight of a solid filler component F, all proportions being based on the total weight of the functional layer (2), wherein The solid filler component F comprises at least one median particle size d 50 a first solid filler F1 having a particle size of 0.5 to 100 μm, and at least one second solid filler F2 different from the at least one first solid filler F1; and wherein the at least one first solid filler F1 has a number average particle aspect ratio of not more than 2.5:1, and the at least one second solid filler F2 has a number average particle aspect ratio of at least 4:1, wherein the particle aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of the length to the thickness of the particles, the length and thickness of the particles being measured by using a dynamic image analysis method according to ISO 13322-2:2006 standard, and the median particle size d 50 It is determined by sieve analysis according to the method described in ASTM C136 / C136M-2014 standard. 2 . The sealing device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the functional layer ( 2 ) comprises 25-70% by weight of at least one thermoplastic polymer P1 .

3. The sealing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the functional layer (2) contains 30-75% by weight of a solid filler component F.

4. The sealing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the solid filler component F comprises at least one median particle size d 50 The first solid filler F1 is 1.0-75 μm.

5. A sealing device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the number average particle aspect ratio of the at least one first solid filler F1 is not greater than 2:1, and / or the number average particle aspect ratio of the at least one second solid filler F2 is at least 5:1, wherein the particle aspect ratio is defined as the ratio of the length to the thickness of the particle.

6. The sealing device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the number average particle aspect ratio of the at least one first solid filler F1 is not greater than 1.5:

1.

7. The sealing device (1) according to claim 5, wherein the number average particle aspect ratio of the at least one second solid filler F2 is at least 6:

1.

8. The sealing device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the median particle length L of the at least one second solid filler F2 is 50 In the range of 5-350 μm, and / or L 90 The particle length is in the range of 15-500 μm; and wherein the particle size distribution is determined by sieve analysis according to the method described in ASTM C136 / C136M-2014 standard.

9. The sealing device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the median particle length L of the at least one second solid filler F2 is 50 In the range of 15-250μm.

10. The sealing device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the L of the at least one second solid filler F2 is 90 The particle length is in the range of 25-450 μm.

11. A sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one first solid filler F1 accounts for at least 35 weight % of the solid filler component F, and / or wherein the at least one second solid filler F2 accounts for no more than 45 weight % of the solid filler component F. 12 . The sealing device ( 1 ) according to claim 11 , wherein the at least one first solid filler F1 accounts for at least 50% by weight of the solid filler component F.

13. The sealing device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the at least one second solid filler F2 accounts for no more than 30% by weight of the solid filler component F.

14. The sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein: The particles of the solid filler component F are distributed throughout the entire volume of the functional layer (2). 15 . The sealing device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one first solid filler ( F1 ) comprises at least one inert mineral filler ( F11 ) and / or at least one hydraulic binder ( F12 ).

16. Sealing device (1) according to claim 15, wherein the at least one inert mineral filler F11 is chosen from calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, diatomaceous earth, pumice, dolomite, xonotlite, perlite, barite and crushed concrete, and / or wherein the at least one hydraulic binder F12 is chosen from Portland cement (CEM I), Portland composite cement (CEM II), blast furnace cement (CEM III), pozzolanic cement (CEM IV) and composite cement (CEM V).

17. Sealing device (1) according to claim 16, wherein said at least one inert mineral filler F11 is chosen from calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate.

18. Sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein said at least one second solid filler F2 is chosen from vermiculite, wollastonite, mica and talc.

19. Sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein said at least one second solid filler F2 is chosen from vermiculite and wollastonite.

20. The sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the functional layer (2) has a density of 100-1500 g / m 2 Mass per unit area within the range.

21. The sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the functional layer (2) has a thickness of 150-1250 g / m 2 Mass per unit area within the range.

22. Sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the barrier layer (3) comprises at least 50% by weight of at least one thermoplastic polymer P2.

23. Sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein the barrier layer (3) comprises at least 65% by weight of at least one thermoplastic polymer P2.

24. A method for producing a sealing device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 23, comprising the step of extruding or co-extruding a first molten polymer composition comprising the ingredients of the functional layer through an extruder die.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the first molten polymer composition is obtained by melt processing a first starting composition comprising the ingredients of the functional layer.

26. The method of claim 24 or 25, wherein the first molten polymer composition further comprises a blowing agent, the blowing agent being released from the first molten polymer composition through the surface of the functional layer exiting the extruder die.

27. A sealing device obtained by using the method according to any one of claims 24 to 26.

28. Use of a sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 23 for waterproofing a substrate.

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