We often see the phenomenon of alkaline return of ceramic tiles. This phenomenon can often be seen on the wall and in the gaps between ceramic tiles. Today we take ceramic tiles as an example to seeAlkali return in the gaps of ceramic tiles What causes itand what are the solutions!
1. What is ceramic tile alkali return
New cement walls are very alkaline and will decrease after a period of curing. There are a large amount of alkali ions (OHˉ) and active ions such as calcium and magnesium in cement. When tiling, the wall surface cannot be fully maintained and sealed. When exposed to water, it penetrates into the base cement and activates various ions. This allows ions to freely enter and exit and migrate to the surface of the tiles, where they combine with CO2 and water vapor in the air to form white crystals of carbonate that adhere to the paint film, causing alkali return.
After looking at a few pictures, you will know what ceramic tile alkali reversion is.
2. Reasons for ceramic tiles to return to alkali
During the decoration and construction process, ceramic tile grout will be used, and the use of ceramic tile grout can easily cause alkali return.
1. There will be water droplets on the tiles within a short time after caulking, or the caulking is done while the tiles are still wet.
2. Winter construction or low-temperature construction can easily cause alkali return between ceramic tile grouting agents.
3. When dry caulking, too little water is added when stirring the tile grout, and some powders are not fully moistened and dispersed.
4. Pointing can only be done after the tile bonding mortar is solidified, otherwise there will be alkali reversion.
5. During the process of pasting and jointing of ceramic tiles, the joints and roofs were not closed in time, causing rainwater and other moisture to penetrate; or after completion, the connection parts were not inspected after drilling air-conditioning holes, installing rainwater pipes and pendants, etc. Perform waterproof sealing treatment.
6. The high alkali content of the cement varieties in the formula and the large amount of cement added cause alkali return.
3. What to do if alkalinity occurs
1. Pickling: Prepare 5% to 10% oxalic acid solution. The water temperature is required to be 60°C. Then brush the oxalic acid solution onto the wall to fully neutralize the alkalinity of the caulking agent.
2. Wash with water. Wash the wall surface repeatedly from top to bottom with clean water, and then dry the base layer for three days or more. The drying time should be determined according to the environmental conditions at that time.
So, from the above analysis, you can know what causes alkali return in ceramic tile gaps. If we encounter this situation next time, we can also solve it ourselves. Okay, then the above content is the content of the article that the editor shared with you today about what causes alkali return in ceramic tile gaps. I hope it can be helpful to you!
