Epoxy grouts
EN 13888
From a standards point of view the issue related to epoxy grouts is relatively
simple since the standard specifies only one class (RG), and all epoxy grouting
mortars which meet the minimum requirements are in this class.
Specifications for reactive sealants
Main characteristics
Characteristic Requirement Test method
Resistance to abrasion ≤ 250 mm³ EN 12808-2
Flexural strength after dry storage ≤ 30 N/mm² EN 12808-3
Compressive strength after dry
storage ≤ 45 N/mm² EN 12808-3
Shrinkage ≤ 1.5 mm/m EN 12808-4
Water absorption after 240 mins. ≤ 0.1 g EN 12808-5
Because the values are so high, Euronorm EN 13888 does not have any other
sub-classes. All Mapei epoxy grouts are classified RG because they meet all the
aforementioned requirements.
Epoxy grouts are normally used when particularly hygienic surfaces are required,
or if there are particular strength or chemical resistance requirements.
They are particularly suitable, in industrial environments and in the residential
sector in areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, etc. where total
cleanability of the joints is important.
The use of Mapei epoxy grouts allows floors, walls, worktops, etc. to
comply with the HACCP system and the requirements of EC Regulation
No. 852/2004 regarding the hygiene of foodstuffs.cementitious and epoxy
grouts before they are put on sale to make sure they comply with Mapei quality
standards and that every production batch is the same (Figures 11 and 12). Colour
There are no national or international standards which cover this issue related to
the aspect of the grout, even if it is one of the main characteristics to take into
consideration to meet a client’s requirements.
Mapei grouts (cementitious and epoxy) are available in a wide variety of colours
(more than 50) if we consider the various colour ranges to satisfy even the
most demanding client. And if we also consider the addition of MapeGlitter
coloured metallic glitter, available in 22 different colours, to Kerapoxy Design
(two-component, anti-acid, translucent, decorative epoxy mortar for grouting
glass mosaic, ceramic tiles and stone with a highly attractive finish), the number
of possible colour combinations are even higher.
The durability and uniformity in colour of Mapei grouts is guaranteed by their
special formulation and the use of pigments which remain stable if subjected to
UV rays or other atmospheric phenomena. All our products undergo accelerated
ageing tests using a weatherometer (Figure 9-10), a very useful instrument used
to assess the reaction of products exposed to various weather cycles, such as
sunlight, rain (including acid rain) and temperature variations.
Before being marketed, all Mapei grouts are subjected to rigorous quality
control tests in compliance with the ISO 9001 system, certification awarded to
the company in 1994. A special instrument called spectrophotometer is used
to check the colour of cementitious and epoxy grouts before they are put on
sale to make sure they comply with Mapei quality standards and that every
production batch is the same (Figures 11 and 12).
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Emissions
VOC what are they?
We are all aware about the dangers from environmental pollution, and we all
know the damage that benzene from cars can do to our wellbeing.
There is also another type of pollution around us called “INDOOR POLLUTION”.
In fact, the quality of the air around us is heavily influenced by all the volatile
organic compounds (VOC) emitted from furniture, adhesives and paint. We have
all at sometime perceived a strong odour after applying a product, assembling
a piece of furniture or painting the walls in our home. We have all had to open
the windows in an effort to get rid of a strange smell. Or just cleaning the floors
in our home, we sometimes smell strong odours which may irritate us. All these
odours are due to the volatility of certain compounds contained in the wood
used to make furniture, in varnishes and in detergents: these compounds are
named VOC (Volatile Organic Compunds).
Sometimes it isn’t possible to detect VOC’s, sometimes they may have no
effect on people’s health or sometimes they may be harmful. VOC’s may even
be cancerogeneous, such as benzene given off by cars.
How do VOC influence our day to day life in our homes?
We spend around 90% of our time in closed environments: the home, the work,
the school, the cinema,... .
It is widely known that most volatile organic compounds can be irritating for
our mucous membranes; many of them have a highly concentrated neuro-toxic
action (benzene, toluene, cyclohexane, styrene and chlorines), while others are
thought or known to cause cancer (formaldehyde and benzene).
Certain types of furniture are “famous” for their emission of formaldehyde, while
pine wood releases certain substances which have a pleasant smell, but may
also be irritating.
This is why it is so important to guarantee good quality air in the buildings we
use by modifying our behaviour and using products which emit the lowest
possible amount of volatile organic compounds.
Mapei’s engagement
For more than 10 years, Mapei’s R&D analysis laboratory has been assessing
the eco-sustainability of Mapei products using techniques prescribed by
current standards and instruments which only the best-equipped laboratories
have access to.
There are currently twelve environmental simulation chambers in Mapei’s
R&D laboratories dedicated to evaluating the VOC content of products for the
building industry in compliance with ISO 16000 standards (Indoor Air and EN
16561) (Figure 12).
The product to be tested is placed on a sheet of non-absorbent glass with a
defined surface area, weighed and then immediately transferred into one of the
environmental simulation chambers available in our laboratory (Figures 13 and
14). The ratio between the area of the sample and the volume of the chamber is
very important, in that it simulates the real situation found in an apartment (floor
area/room volume ratio).
The temperature and relative humidity in the chambers is tightly controlled (T=
23°C and R.H. =50%), and they are flushed with purified air. The flow of air
means that the air in the chamber is completely exchanged every two hours.
After 3 and 28 days, a sample of the air in the chamber is taken using special
pumps and cartridges which hold all the VOC.
The cartridges are then developed with GC/MS (gas chromatography/mass
spectrometry) to obtain a type-quantitative analysis of the VOC present in the
air in the chambers.
图13_14 - 测试挥发性有机化合物(VOC)释放量
Figs. 13_14 - Test to measure VOC emissions
图12-马贝研发实验室中设有环境模拟箱
Fig. 12 - Environmental simulation chambers available at the Mapei R&D laboratory
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