MARMOFLEX-ECO

MARMOFLEX-ECO is a high-performance, eco-friendly, cement-based polymer-modified adhesive engineered for installing small to medium-sized ceramic, porcelain, vitrified, and natural stone tiles across diverse interior and exterior applications. Formulated to meet rigorous global construction standards, MARMOFLEX-ECO complies with European Standard EN 12004 Class C1T, Indian Standard IS 15477:2019 Type 2T, and American Standard ANSI A118.4. Its polymer-modified matrix delivers enhanced tensile adhesion, thixotropic vertical slip resistance (≤ 0.5 mm), an extended open time (≥ 30 minutes), and a generous pot life of 4 to 5 hours at 25°C.

Engineered for thin-bed to medium-bed applications up to 12 mm thickness, MARMOFLEX-ECO provides smooth spreadability and easy trowelling on cementitious substrates such as concrete slabs, screeds, and plastered walls. Its water-resistant, low-VOC formulation is ideal for moisture-prone wet utilities like residential bathrooms and commercial kitchens, as well as high-traffic flooring exposed to regular pedestrian wear. Available in both Grey and White, the White variant prevents dark shadowing and staining behind translucent marble, onyx, and light-colored porcelain tiles.

Key Highlights

• Polymer-Modified Performance: Enhanced cementitious formulation delivers strong adhesion, durable flexibility, and extended service life under mechanical and thermal stresses.
• Certified Global Compliance: Complies with EN 12004 Class C1T, IS 15477:2019 Type 2T, and ANSI A118.4 standards.
• Vertical Slip Resistance (T): Provides thixotropic non-sag performance (≤ 0.5 mm slip), preventing tile slippage during wall installation and allowing precision top-down tiling.
• Extended Open Time & Long Pot Life: Features an open time ≥ 30 minutes and a 4–5 hour workable pot life at 25°C, ensuring flexible installation cycles on large site expanses.
• Bed Thickness up to 12 mm: Designed for controlled thin-layer to medium-bed application up to 12 mm trowel thickness, accommodating minor substrate level irregularities.
• Balanced Adhesion Strengths: Achieves tensile adhesion ≥ 1.0 N/mm² (both dry and wet conditions) and shear adhesion ≥ 1.25 N/mm² (dry) and ≥ 1.0 N/mm² under heat aging and wet immersion.
• Eco-Friendly & Low VOC: Formulated with environmentally responsible binders and low volatile organic compounds, supporting green building standards.
• Ideal for Wet Utilities: Resists prolonged exposure to humidity and moisture in bathrooms, shower recesses, and kitchens.
• Dual Color Availability (Grey & White): Available in White to eliminate gray shadow bleed-through on translucent marbles and light ceramics.

Technical Specifications

Parameter / Property	Specification / Value
Product Name	MARMOFLEX-ECO
Product Classification	C1T (EN 12004), Type 2T (IS 15477:2019), and ANSI A118.4
Component Base	Cement-based, polymer-modified adhesive
Color Availability	Grey and White
Packaging Sizes	20 Kg and 50 Kg moisture-resistant bags
Mixing Water Demand	Approx. 4.5 – 5.0 Litres of clean water (≤ 200 ppm TDS) per 20 Kg bag
Open Time	≥ 30 minutes
Adjustability Time	Up to 30 minutes
Pot Life	4 – 5 hours at 25°C
Application Temperature Range	+5°C to +35°C (Ambient and substrate temperature)
Vertical Slip Resistance	≤ 0.5 mm (Thixotropic 'T' compliant)
Application Bed Thickness	Up to 12 mm
Full Mechanical Cure Time	7 days
Tensile Adhesion Strength	• Dry Condition: ≥ 1.0 N/mm²• Wet Condition: ≥ 1.0 N/mm²
Shear Adhesion Strength	• Dry Condition: ≥ 1.25 N/mm²• Heat Ageing: ≥ 1.0 N/mm²• Wet Condition: ≥ 1.0 N/mm²
Theoretical Coverage Rate	1.3 kg/m² per mm thickness (approx. 4 – 6 kg/m² depending on tile format & trowel notch)
Environmental Profile	Low VOC, eco-friendly formulation
Shelf Life	12 months in original, unopened packaging stored under dry conditions (< 25°C)

Application & Handling

Substrate Suitability & Preparation Compatible Substrates: Concrete slabs, cement-sand screeds, cement plasters, renders, and masonry surfaces. Substrates must be structurally sound, clean, and free from dust, grease, oils, curing compounds, efflorescence, paint, or loose friable materials. Uneven surfaces and holes must be leveled and repaired prior to tile installation. Pre-dampen absorbent cementitious surfaces with clean water to a Saturated Surface Dry (SSD) condition before applying MARMOFLEX-ECO, ensuring no standing puddles remain. Substrate Restriction: Not suitable for direct application over non-cementitious substrates (such as wood, gypsum board, or metal) without appropriate specialized priming.

Mixing Instructions Measure approximately 4.5 to 5.0 litres of clean potable water (water TDS ≤ 200 ppm) into a clean mixing vessel for each 20 Kg bag of MARMOFLEX-ECO. Gradually add the dry powder into the water while stirring continuously. Mix thoroughly using a low-speed mechanical mixer (300–400 RPM) until a smooth, lump-free, homogeneous creamy paste is achieved. Slaking Period: Allow the mixture to rest (slake) for 5 minutes to permit complete polymer hydration. Re-stir briefly before application. Do NOT add excess water, cement, sand, lime, or unauthorized additives after slaking.

Application Method & Tile Bedding Spread the mixed adhesive evenly onto the substrate using the flat side of a trowel to establish a solid contact bond, then comb immediately with an appropriately sized notched trowel. One-Direction Combing: Comb the adhesive in one direction only to ensure uniform bed thickness and channel air out during tile placement. Spread only as much adhesive as can be tiled within the open time of ≥ 30 minutes. Press tiles firmly into the adhesive bed with a slight twisting motion to collapse ridges and achieve full, solid contact. Back-Buttering: For large-format tiles or heavy stone, back-buttering the tile reverse is recommended to ensure 100% full adhesion. Adjust tile alignment within the 30-minute adjustability window.

Grouting & Curing Schedule Protect the installation from foot traffic and water exposure for at least 24 hours. Grouting of joints can proceed after 24 hours of curing using MARMOFLEX-GROUT or MARMOPOXY GROUT, ensuring proper joint width for movement accommodation. Allow 7 full days of curing for the adhesive to develop peak mechanical adhesion and bond strength.

Do’s

• Ensure the substrate is structurally sound, clean, dry, and properly cured before installation.
• Mix strictly as per the recommended water ratio using clean potable water (≤ 200 ppm TDS).
• Allow the 5-minute slake time to fully activate polymer binders.
• Comb the adhesive in one direction only for uniform bedding and air release.
• Fix stones and tiles within the open time of the adhesive to achieve optimal bonding.
• Back-butter large-format tiles and heavy natural stones to guarantee full contact.
• Clean tools and excess adhesive immediately with clean water before the material hardens.
• Allow adequate curing (minimum 24 hours) before grouting or permitting foot traffic.

Don’ts

• Do NOT apply directly over non-cementitious substrates (wood, metal, plastic).
• Do NOT use on uneven or weak substrates without leveling and repairing the surface first.
• Do NOT mix with excess water beyond recommended proportions.
• Do NOT add cement, sand, lime, or unauthorized additives to the adhesive.
• Do NOT apply on wet, damp, or uncured surfaces with standing puddles.
• Do NOT apply adhesive beyond its open time; discard material that has begun to skin over or dry.
• Do NOT allow foot traffic or grouting before the recommended 24-hour curing time.
• Do NOT store opened bags for extended periods; use opened material immediately.

Storage & Safety

Storage: Store in a cool, dry place (under 25°C) off the ground on wooden pallets, away from moisture and humidity. Keep packaging sealed when not in use.

Handling: Wear protective gloves, safety goggles, and an approved dust mask during mixing and application. Ensure good cross-ventilation in enclosed spaces.

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 seek medical advice.
• Inhalation: Move person to fresh air immediately. Seek medical attention if respiratory issues develop.
• Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting. Rinse mouth with clean water and seek immediate medical assistance.
• Disposal: Dispose of packaging and cementitious residues according to local environmental regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MARMOFLEX-ECO?
MARMOFLEX-ECO is a high-performance, cement-based, polymer-modified adhesive designed for installing small to medium-sized ceramic, porcelain, vitrified, and natural stone tiles.

What standards and classifications does MARMOFLEX-ECO meet?
It complies with European Standard EN 12004 Class C1T, Indian Standard IS 15477:2019 Type 2T, and American Standard ANSI A118.4.

What does the "C1T" designation indicate under EN 12004?
"C1" denotes a standard cementitious adhesive with tensile adhesion ≥ 0.5 N/mm² (MARMOFLEX-ECO achieves ≥ 1.0 N/mm²), and "T" denotes reduced vertical slip (≤ 0.5 mm) for slip-resistant wall installations.

What does the "Type 2T" classification mean under IS 15477:2019?
Type 2 signifies high adhesion strength for fixing vitrified and low-porosity tiles on cementitious floors and walls, while "T" signifies non-sag slip resistance on vertical surfaces.

How does MARMOFLEX-ECO differ from MARMOFLEX-ECO PLUS?
MARMOFLEX-ECO is classified as EN 12004 C1T (standard adhesive with non-slip), whereas MARMOFLEX-ECO PLUS is classified as C2TE (improved adhesive with extended open time and higher polymer content).

What is the maximum application bed thickness for MARMOFLEX-ECO?
It can be applied up to a thickness of 12 mm, allowing applicators to bed tiles securely while compensating for minor substrate irregularities.

What is the water demand for a 20 Kg bag?
Mix one 20 Kg bag with approximately 4.5 to 5.0 litres of clean potable water (≤ 200 ppm TDS).

Why must mixing water have a TDS ≤ 200 ppm?
Water with high TDS contains excessive dissolved salts and sulfates that can disrupt polymer hydration, reduce crystalline adhesion, and trigger efflorescence staining on tile joints.

What are the open time and adjustability time of MARMOFLEX-ECO?
It provides an open time ≥ 30 minutes and an adjustability window of up to 30 minutes, allowing ample time for precision leveling and alignment.

What is the pot life of MARMOFLEX-ECO?
At 25°C, MARMOFLEX-ECO provides an extended workable pot life of 4 to 5 hours, reducing material waste on job sites.

Why is a 5-minute slaking period mandatory after mixing?
Slaking allows the dry redispersible polymers and cellulose additives to dissolve and hydrate completely, maximizing adhesive tackiness, slip resistance, and workability.

Why must the adhesive be combed in one direction only?
Combing ridges in a single parallel direction allows air to escape freely when the tile is pressed and collapsed, preventing trapped air pockets and hollow sounds.

Is MARMOFLEX-ECO suitable for wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens?
Yes. Its polymer-modified matrix maintains a wet tensile adhesion strength ≥ 1.0 N/mm² and wet shear adhesion ≥ 1.0 N/mm², making it ideal for moisture-prone areas.

Why is MARMOFLEX-ECO available in White?
The White formulation prevents dark shadowing and gray discoloration behind translucent white marbles (such as Statuario, Thassos, Carrara), glass mosaics, and light ceramics.

What tensile and shear adhesion strengths does it achieve?
It achieves tensile adhesion ≥ 1.0 N/mm² (both dry and wet conditions), dry shear adhesion ≥ 1.25 N/mm², and ≥ 1.0 N/mm² under heat aging and wet immersion.

What is the theoretical coverage rate?
Coverage is approximately 1.3 kg/m² per mm of bed thickness, which typically yields 4 to 6 kg/m² depending on tile format, substrate flatness, and trowel notch size.

When can tiled floors be opened to light foot traffic?
Allow at least 24 hours of curing before permitting light foot traffic. Full mechanical cure is achieved after 7 days.

When can joints be grouted?
Joint grouting can be carried out 24 hours after tile installation using MARMOFLEX-GROUT or MARMOPOXY GROUT.

What packaging options are available?
MARMOFLEX-ECO is available in 20 Kg and 50 Kg moisture-resistant bags.