MARMOLATEX-ECO

MARMOLATEX-ECO is a premium synthetic latex resin admixture specifically engineered to enhance the bond strength, elasticity, and overall mechanical performance of C1 and C2-type cementitious tile and stone adhesives. Formulated as a milky white liquid with ~15% active polymer solids, MARMOLATEX-ECO replaces mixing water in cementitious adhesives. When blended 100% in place of water with C1TE cementitious adhesive (such as Marmoflex), it upgrades the adhesive system to achieve C2TES1 performance classification under EN 12004 / ISO 13007—delivering improved tensile adhesion, slip resistance (T), extended open time (E), and deformable flexibility (Class S1). This makes it the ideal admixture for high-stress applications, large-format tile and stone installations, external facades, heated screeds, and areas subject to structural vibration or thermal expansion.

Key Highlights

• Deformability Upgrade (Class S1): Transforms standard cementitious adhesives into S1 deformable systems, absorbing thermal expansion, deflection, and substrate structural movement.
• Superior Bond Adhesion: Significantly enhances mechanical and chemical adhesion between the adhesive bed, dense vitrified/porcelain tiles, natural stones, and difficult substrates.
• Extended Open Time: Provides extended open time allowing comfortable comb-and-set cycles across large commercial and outdoor areas.
• Long Pot Life (4 to 6 Hours): Exceptional working pot life ensures uninterrupted workflow with minimal batch wastage across site shifts.
• Enhanced Durability & Impact Resistance: Boosts overall flexural and compressive strength, preventing hollow debonding and tile pop-ups under heavy traffic.
• Versatile Application: Compatible with C1 and C2 adhesive mortars for fixing ceramic tiles, vitrified tiles, porcelain slabs, marble, and granite in interior and exterior settings.

Technical Specifications

Parameter / Property	Specification / Value
Product Name	MARMOLATEX-ECO
Product Classification	High-performance latex resin admixture for cementitious tile adhesives
System Upgrade Level	Upgrades C1TE adhesives to C2TES1 performance level (EN 12004 / ISO 13007)
Physical Appearance	Milky white liquid
Specific Gravity / Density	~1.05 g/cm³
pH Value	7.0 – 9.0 (Neutral to mildly alkaline)
Solid Content	~15% active polymer solids
Deformability	Class S1 (when mixed 100% as liquid gauging component)
Mixing Ratio	100% replacement of mixing water with Marmolatex-Eco
Open Time	Extended (complies with 'E' classification under EN 12004)
Pot Life	4 – 6 hours at 25°C (depending on ambient temperature)
Application Temperature Range	+5°C to +35°C
Standard Packaging	5 Litre containers
Shelf Life	6 months in original, unopened packaging
Storage Conditions	Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture, direct sunlight, and extreme heat

Application & Handling

1. Substrate Suitability & Preparation Compatible Substrates: Cured concrete slabs, cement screeds, render, brickwork, blockwork, cement backer boards, and existing sound tiled floors. Ensure all substrates are structurally sound, clean, dry, and free from dust, oil, grease, laitance, curing compounds, paint, or loose friable particles. Uneven surfaces and voids should be leveled and patched prior to adhesive application.

2. Mixing Instructions (C2TES1 Performance) Shake the MARMOLATEX-ECO container well before use. Pour MARMOLATEX-ECO liquid into a clean mixing bucket as 100% replacement for the gauging water. Gradually add the dry cementitious adhesive powder (e.g., C1TE Marmoflex) into the liquid while mixing continuously. Mix thoroughly using a low-speed mechanical stirrer (300–400 RPM) for 3 to 5 minutes until a completely homogeneous, smooth, lump-free paste is achieved. Allow the mixed adhesive to rest (slake) for 3 to 5 minutes to permit full polymer hydration, then re-stir briefly before application. Do NOT add additional water, cement, sand, or other chemical additives to the mix.

3. Application Method Apply the modified adhesive to the substrate using the flat side of a trowel to establish a solid contact bond, then comb with a suitable notched trowel (notch size matched to tile format). Work in manageable sections within the adhesive's extended open time. Press tiles firmly into the wet adhesive bed with a slight twisting motion to achieve 100% solid adhesive coverage beneath the tile. For large-format tiles, exterior facades, or heavy stone slabs, apply the buttering-floating method (back-buttering the tile in addition to troweling the substrate).

4. Curing & Grouting Schedule Protect freshly installed tiling from foot traffic, water, rain, and direct sun for at least 24 hours. Grouting of joints can proceed after 24 hours using MARMOFLEX-GROUT or MARMOPOXY GROUT. Allow adequate curing time before subjecting the installation to heavy commercial or vehicular traffic.

Do’s

• Ensure the substrate is clean, structurally sound, and contaminant-free before application.
• Use MARMOLATEX-ECO as a 100% water replacement to achieve full C2TES1 performance.
• Mix using a low-speed mechanical stirrer to avoid entrapping excessive air.
• Apply using an appropriate notched trowel to guarantee uniform adhesive bed thickness.
• Ensure complete coverage and full contact between tile back and substrate.
• Allow adequate curing time before permitting foot traffic or starting grouting.

Don’ts

• Do NOT apply on dirty, dusty, greasy, or contaminated surfaces.
• Do NOT dilute MARMOLATEX-ECO with water or mix with other chemical additives.
• Do NOT apply adhesive beyond its open time once it begins to skin over.
• Do NOT expose freshly tiled areas to heavy traffic or water immersion before proper curing.
• Do NOT apply in temperatures below +5°C or exceeding +35°C.
• Do NOT store the product in direct sunlight or extreme heat.

Storage & Safety

Storage: Store sealed in original containers in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Protect from freezing conditions.

Handling: Wear protective gloves, safety eyewear, and suitable work clothing when handling the product. Ensure adequate ventilation in enclosed workspaces.

First aid:

• Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with clean water and mild soap. If irritation persists, seek medical advice.
• Eye Contact: Rinse eyes immediately with copious clean water for at least 15 minutes and consult a doctor.
• Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention if breathing difficulty develops.
• Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with clean water and seek immediate medical attention.
• Disposal: Dispose of product residues and packaging according to local environmental regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MARMOLATEX-ECO?
MARMOLATEX-ECO is a premium synthetic latex resin admixture designed to significantly enhance the flexibility, bond strength, and overall mechanical performance of cementitious tile adhesives.

How does MARMOLATEX-ECO upgrade adhesive performance?
When mixed 100% in place of water with a standard C1TE adhesive (such as Marmoflex), it upgrades the adhesive system to meet C2TES1 classification under EN 12004 / ISO 13007.

What does the "S1" classification mean?
Class S1 denotes "deformable adhesive" under EN 12004, meaning the cured adhesive bed can flex and accommodate substrate deflections and thermal movements between 2.5 mm and 5 mm without debonding.

What does "C2TES1" stand for?
C2 = Improved cementitious adhesive (tensile adhesion ≥ 1.0 N/mm²); T = Thixotropic / reduced vertical slip; E = Extended open time; S1 = Deformable flexibility.

What is the mixing ratio for MARMOLATEX-ECO?
To achieve C2TES1 performance, use MARMOLATEX-ECO neat at 100% replacement for mixing water when preparing the adhesive powder.

Can MARMOLATEX-ECO be diluted with water?
For maximum C2TES1 performance and S1 deformability, use it 100% undiluted. Adding water reduces the polymer concentration and lowers the deformability class.

What is the solid content of MARMOLATEX-ECO?
It contains approximately 15% active polymer solids, optimized for smooth mixing and balanced flexibility.

What is the working pot life of the mixed adhesive?
The mixed adhesive has an open pot life of 4 to 6 hours at 25°C, providing exceptional working flexibility on job sites.

Can MARMOLATEX-ECO be used for large-format tiles and porcelain slabs?
Yes. Upgrading adhesives with MARMOLATEX-ECO provides the high bond strength and deformability essential for large-format porcelain slabs and vitrified tiles.

Is MARMOLATEX-ECO suitable for exterior installations?
Yes. Its S1 deformability and water resistance make it ideal for exterior facades, balconies, terraces, and areas exposed to severe weather and thermal fluctuations.

Can it be used on underfloor heating systems?
Yes. The S1 flexibility accommodates the continuous thermal expansion and contraction cycles of heated screeds without debonding.

Why is back-buttering recommended when using this system?
Back-buttering ensures 100% solid adhesive bedding contact, eliminating air pockets that could cause tile cracking under point loads or exterior thermal stress.

How long should I wait before grouting tile joints?
Allow the installed tiles to cure for at least 24 hours before commencing joint grouting.

What is the density and pH of MARMOLATEX-ECO?
It has a liquid density of ~1.05 g/cm³ and a neutral to mildly alkaline pH of 7.0 to 9.0.

What is the application temperature range?
It should be applied in ambient and substrate temperatures between +5°C and +35°C.

Can MARMOLATEX-ECO be used as a standalone waterproofing liquid?
While it improves water resistance, it is designed primarily as an adhesive admixture. For brush-applied waterproofing slurries, use MARMOLATEX-SBR47 or Marmoflex Aquaguard.

What packaging size is available?
MARMOLATEX-ECO is packaged in 5 Litre containers.

What is the shelf life of MARMOLATEX-ECO?
It has a shelf life of 6 months from manufacture in original, unopened packaging stored in cool, dry conditions.

What tools are needed for mixing and application?
Use a clean mixing bucket, low-speed mechanical stirrer, and an appropriately notched trowel suited to the tile format.