Knowde Enhanced TDS
Identification & Functionality
- Product Type
- Technologies
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Applications & Uses
- Markets
- Application Area
- Application Method
- Directions
Basic Use
FLOORMIX 900 is used as a bond coat for setting non-absorptive and semi-vitreous ceramic tile for service in residential and commercial use. It is used in a mortar bed from 3/32" to 3/16" (2.4 to 5 mm) after the tiles have been properly embedded. It has excellent water and impact resistance. It is water cleanable, non-flammable, good for exterior work and requires no presoaking of tiles. FLOORMIX 900 mortar is not affected by prolonged contact with water, but does not form a waterproof barrier. FLOORMIX 900 provides a permanent installation with higher bond strength and lower material and labor costs than conventional Portland cement mortar.
Areas of Use
Suitable backings, when properly prepared, include plumb and true masonry, concrete, gypsum board (dry interior walls only), cementitious backer units, cured Portland cement mortar beds, brick, unglazed ceramic tile and marble.
Limitations
S FLOORMIX 900 must not be applied directly over wood, asphalt sheeting, vinyl covered wall board, Masonite®, cement asbestos board, metal, glass, plastic, luan (or larch) plywood, or gypsum mortar beds. Apply in a temperature range of 40°F to 90°F (4°C to 32°C). Do not allow mortar to freeze for the first 72 hours. Some green or red marbles may warp when installed with setting materials containing water, causing loss of bond and/or damage to the finish. These marbles must be set with COLORSET EPOXY 931. Do not use to set resin backed stone.
- Installation
Preparatory Work
All surfaces on which tiles are to be set must be dry, structurally sound, and not subject to temperatures below 40°F (4°C) or above 100°F (38°C). Detailed installation procedures may be found in the TCA Handbook and ANSI A108.5. Surfaces must be dry and free of all grease, oil, dirt, dust, curing compounds, sealers, coatings, efflorescence, old adhesive residues, gypsum based underlayments and any other foreign matter.
Cementitious Substrates
Cleaning may be accomplished via mechanical sanding, scraping or chipping. Surfaces may be cleaned with muriatic acid (use proper precautions) if thoroughly flushed and neutralized. Smooth, steel troweled concrete floors must be roughened to ensure a good bond. It is advisable to dampen dry porous concrete before installing ceramic tile with FloorMix 900 mortar. Do not leave puddles or standing water on surfaces.
Non-cementitious Substrates
Surfaces such as wood and old plaster or painted surfaces that provide bonding problems should be covered with a cleavage membrane topped with a 3/8" to 3/4"(9.5 to 19 mm) reinforced mortar bed for walls and a 11⁄4" (32 mm) reinforced mortar bed for floors. After a minimum of 20 hours, the dry-set mortar may be applied to the mortar bed.
Expansion Joints
Expansion joints shall be installed in accordance with local building codes. See EJ171 in TCA Handbook for detailed specifications. Expansion joints, control joints and cold joints shall never be bridged with setting.
Ceramic Tile Substrates
It is absolutely essential that the existing tile be well bonded. The surface must be prepared in accordance with the requirements for cementitious surfaces. It is also necessary to abrade the surface to assure proper bonding. Mortar shall be mixed with CUREMIX 937 or CURECRYLIC PREMIUM 939 in lieu of water.
- Application
Spread mortar with flat side of trowel to key into substrate; then, apply additional mortar to a depth sufficient to be notch with a suitable trowel that will leave only enough mortar to give 100% contact with back of tile and a subsequent mortar bed of 3/32" to 3/16" (2.4 to 5 mm). With high lug tiles, “back buttering” may be required to ensure 100% coverage to back of tiles. During the setting of tile, it is advisable to occasionally remove a tile to be sure mortar has not skinned over and sufficient transfer is being made. It is also required that tiles be embedded to obtain good transfer of mortar to tile and for proper alignment. Do not adjust tiles in mortar after they have been set past 10 - 15 minutes. NOTE: As a practical test, it is recommended that 3 or more separate 12 inch square (.3 m2) areas of tile be bonded to the properly prepared surface with the actual tile and bonding material that will be used on the finished installation. These should be allowed to cure for 3 to 7 days and then removed with a hammer and chisel. At this point, one can determine if adequate bond has been obtained or if a problem exists.
Mixing
FLOORMIX 900 dry powder should be added to clean, potable water, CUREMIX 937 or CURECRYLIC PREMIUM 939 at the rate of approximately 11⁄2 gallons (5.7 L) per 50 lb. (22.7 kg) bag. Mix thoroughly until smooth and let mortar slake for 15 minutes, then remix. If a mechanical mixer is used, it must be done at a low RPM (300 or less) so as not to entrap air into the mortar. Do not add water, latex, or additional powder after slaking period. The proper mortar consistency is such that when applied with a notch trowel to the substrate, the ridges formed in the mortar will not flow or slump. Do not use mortar after initial set in bucket. During use, remix mortar occasionally.
Applicable Standards
DS Conforms to requirements for dry-set mortars found in ANSI A118.1, ANSI A108.5 and C.T.I. 64-1. When mixed with CUREMIX® 937 or CURECRYLIC PREMIUM 939, conforms to requirements for ANSI A118.4. Color — White or Gray. Texture — Powder, consisting of Portland cement, graded sand, organic and inorganic chemicals.
Curing and Grouting
A minimum cure is obtained in 12 - 24 hours, depending on ambient temperatures. Grouting can be done before the mortar takes its final set if caution is used not to break the plastic mortar bond to the tile. Normal grouting should be done 48 hours later.
Cleaning
CLEANING Water is all that is needed to remove uncured mortar.
- Coverage
SQUARE FEET (M2) PER 50 LB. (22.7 KG) BAG CPM-Flex Pro 920
1/4" x 1/4" x 1/4"
(6 x 6x 6 mm)
Square-Notch Trowel1/4 x 3/8" x 1/4
(6 x 9.5 x 6 mm)
Square-Notch Trowel1/2" x 1/2" x 1/2"
(13 x 13 x 13 mm)
Square-Notch Trowel75 (7.0) 65 (6.0)
39 (3.6)
Properties
- Typical Properties
| Value | Units | Test Method / Conditions | |
| Open Time (At 70°F) | 6.0 | Minutes | — |
| Adjustability (At 70°F) | 10 - 15 | Minutes | — |
| Bucket Life (At 70°F) | 5.0 | Hours | — |
| Compressive Strength | 2600.0 | psi | ASTM C-109 |
| Shear Bond (Vitreous, Paver Tile, 7 Days) | min. 300 | psi | ANSI A118.1 |
| Shear Bond (Vitreous, Paver Tile, 28 Days) | min. 400 | psi | ANSI A118.2 |
| Shear Bond (Non - Vitreous, Paver Tile, 7 Days) | min. 150 | psi | ANSI A118.3 |
| Shear Bond (Non - Vitreous, Paver Tile, 28 Days) | min. 250 | psi | ANSI A118.4 |
Safety & Health
- Caution
Contains Portland cement and free silica. May be irritating to eyes and nose. Prolonged exposure to dust may cause delayed lung disease (silicosis), and there is limited evidence that crystalline silica may cause cancer in humans. Eliminate exposure to dust. Follow OSHA standards for crystalline silica. Remove to fresh air if exposed. Avoid contact with skin and eyes. Wash thoroughly with water after handling. In case of eye contact, flush immediately and repeatedly with water. If irritation persists, consult a physician immediately. Do not take internally. NIOSH approved mask for silica dust, eye protection, and gloves are recommended when handling this product. *KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Packaging & Availability
- Packaging
50 lb. (22.7 kg) multi-wall bags.
Storage & Handling
- Shelf Life
One year if kept dry in sealed containers.