Argamassa polimérica para assentamento cerâmico: avaliação das propriedades mecânicas e comparação com sistemas tradicionais

Abstract

This study aimed to compare the technical performance of polymer mortar with that of an adhesive mortar and a laboratory-prepared mortar, all applied to the installation of ceramic tiles. To this end, mechanical properties such as compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, tensile bond strength, and apparent densities in both fresh and hardened states were evaluated. The rationale is based on the search for more sustainable and efficient solutions in civil construction, considering the environmental impacts of cement production, the main component of traditional mortars, which is responsible for significant CO₂ emissions. The methodology involved standardized laboratory tests, following ABNT standards, to analyze the properties of the mortars at 14 and 28 days for compressive and flexural tensile strength, and at 28 days for tensile bond strength. The main results demonstrated that the polymer mortar presented tensile bond strength equivalent to the AC-III adhesive mortar, both meeting the normative requirements. However, the polymer mortar exhibited significant shrinkage during curing, making it impossible to mold specimens for compression and flexural tensile strength tests. The polymer and adhesive mortars showed similar apparent densities, while the conventional mortar prepared in the laboratory, without additives, resulted in higher values. This research aimed to provide technical data to assist in the selection of materials and to foster academic discussions on the use of polymer mortars in civil construction.