The Role of Interface Agents in Self-Leveling Cement Flooring Construction
Release Time:
2022-02-16
Source:
The Role of Interface Agents in Self-Leveling Cement Flooring Construction
Interface agents are used in a variety of fields, with differing processing methods and objectives for surface treatment. Common interface-agent-based treatments and modifications of material interfaces can be categorized into four main types: wetting and impregnation, coating, coupling-agent treatment, and surface modification.
In the construction field, concrete interface agents, tile interface primers, and interface primers for thermal insulation boards are classified as a type of interface agent that employs coating-based application methods.
Concrete interface treatment agent is a high-polymer, highly adhesive and flexible liquid interface primer formulated with a specialized polymer emulsion as the base material and refined with multiple fillers. It exhibits excellent permeability, adhesion, water resistance, breathability, and weather resistance, and can form a network structure between substrate layers, effectively addressing quality issues such as hollowing and delamination at interlayer interfaces.
Self-leveling interface agent is an integral part of subfloor preparation and an indispensable step in self-leveling floor installation; it is critically important as it directly affects the bond performance between the self-leveling compound and the substrate. Although the amount of interface agent required is relatively small—typically applied as a thin, even coat—it plays a vital role by providing a suitable substrate for the cement-based self-leveling compound. Failure to apply an interface treatment can easily lead to delamination and surface blistering.
In today’s market, interface agents are available in two forms: water-based and powder. Both are applied to concrete or mortar surfaces to provide excellent adhesion for self-leveling compounds, reduce substrate absorbency, and bind loose dust. Without an interface agent, self-leveling compounds cannot perform properly; the agent is used as a primer coat for self-leveling screeds. It reduces porosity—excessive porosity can draw moisture from the self-leveling binder, leading to premature drying and low strength. It also bonds residual dust particles, enhancing substrate strength, improves the surface finish of the self-leveling compound by significantly reducing defects such as pinholes, and increases the bond between the self-leveling layer and the substrate.
Function of the interface agent:
a. Increase the bond strength between the cement self-leveling compound and the substrate;
b. Enhance interfacial adhesion and seal capillary pores;
c. Prevent moisture from penetrating the substrate before the self-leveling compound has fully cured, which could result in incomplete hydration of the self-leveling material.
d. Prevent surface porosity caused by rising moisture from the substrate.
e. Increase fluidity
Substrates at the base layer typically exhibit high water absorption. Without a bonding agent, the moisture in the self-leveling mortar is rapidly absorbed by the substrate during application, reducing its flowability and making it difficult to achieve proper leveling. Furthermore, omitting the bonding agent increases the risk of delamination and cracking in the later stages. Therefore, applying a bonding agent is essential.
