Adhesive strength of ceramic tile systems is one of the most import properties in this type of lining. The understanding of the properties of substrates and mortars, and especially the ability to evaluate the interaction between the elements are basic precepts for making durable finishings. Hence, improving the models that describe the mechanisms of adhesion, which is the focus of this paper, is important, particularly because of the differences in the porosity characteristics of the materials observed both in the substrate and in the tiles. The experiment consisted in the external application of ceramic coatings using the tile on tile technique, the adhesion strength test, SEM imaging of coating removed from the testing field, and the characterization of the adhesive mortars under study. The results showed a relationship between adhesive strength and length of contact between mortar and substrate, which indicates that the mechanism of adhesion for tiles applied on non-porous substrates is directly related to the extension of contact between the materials. Based on those results, a model of adhesion for ceramic coatings applied on non-porous substrate can be established.
Adhesion; Adhesive mortar; Non-porous substrates
