Enhancing Polymer-Modified Mortar Adhesion to Ceramic Tile Surface by Chemical Functionalization With Organosilanes

Adhesion between tiles and mortars is of paramount importance to the overall stability of ceramic tile systems. In this sense, from the chemical perspective, weak forces such as van der Waals forces and hydrophilic interactions are expected to occur preferably at the tiles and polymer-modified Portland cement mortar interfaces. Thus, the main goal of this study was to chemically modify the ceramic tile surface through organosilanes aiming to improve adhesion with polymer-modified mortars (PMMs). Glass tile surfaces were treated with five silane derivatives bearing specific functionalities. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and contact angle measurements were used for characterizing the novel surfaces produced as the chemical moieties were immobilized onto them. In addition, pull-off tests were conducted to assess the effect on adhesion properties between tile and poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate) modified mortar. The bond strength results have given strong evidence of the improvement on adherence at the tile–PMM interface, reflecting the whole balance of silane, cement, and polymer interactions.