Universal dry mixes: types and uses
It is difficult to imagine today construction work without dry mixes. With their help, close up the gap, level the floor, ceiling, walls. They are used to create internal partitions, laying tiles. Products are manufactured in the factory, where all components are carefully selected and dispensed. The consumer receives the finished product, which is sufficient to dilute with water before use.
Composition
Dry mortar is a composition containing a binder base, filler and additives. Violation of technology can lead to insufficient viscosity, lack of frost resistance and water resistance.
Binding basis for the finished mixture is gypsum, cement, lime, anhydrite, polymers. Sand, chalk, mineral crumb, expanded clay, perlite, silica, heat insulating and fibrous components, as well as reinforcing fiber are used as fillers.
To improve the composition of the dry composition, use a variety of additives: plasticizers, accelerators, polymers, stabilizers, thickeners, ash and clay.
Additional components give the composition certain qualities:
- Special inhibitors are introduced into the mixture, which increase the plasticity of the structure without increasing the liquid component, which favorably affects the strength factor;
- so that the mixture does not exfoliate, a cellulose-based thickener is added to it;
- the use of polymers ensures hygroscopicity and resistance to mechanical stress;
- components of mineral salts give the products frost-resistant qualities;
- in cold climates, antifreeze formulations should be used: they increase the porosity of the structure;
- granite chips are added to the mixture to give strength to the material;
- color additives allow you to use the mixture in the decoration;
- due to the additives, the dry mixture is hydrophobic: a decrease in moisture recovery ensures uniform setting of the mortar during tile laying.
The maximum number of modifying additives comes to 15 components in one mixture.
Choosing finished products, you should pay attention to the labeling of goods, which indicates the additives used or the expected results of their use. Each brand has its own specific composition that meets the special strength, frost resistance, plasticity, etc. By reading the inscriptions on the packages, you can easily find the necessary mixture.
Modern technologies, using the possibilities of chemistry, create universal dry mixtures that can be used for outdoor and indoor work, used in different climatic conditions.
The cost of such a composition is higher than usual, but it has more opportunities.
Varieties and spheres of their use
Universal dry mixes differ in composition and purpose, they have their own characteristics and characteristics. Attention should be paid to the marking, the figure in which indicates the strength of the original product.
M100
Products M100 is designed for manual plastering and puttying. The mixture lays an even thin layer, which leads to savings in material. It is easy and pleasant to work with her. The mixture retains its properties for two hours from the time of breeding. Prices for M100 products are quite affordable.
Mixture M100 is an environmentally friendly product, it can be used in the premises of hospitals and children's institutions without fear for people's health.
M150
Products M150 - the most popular of the varieties of universal mixtures. It is used in virtually all construction work using dry formulations. In contrast to the M300 and M400 it is used for laying, plaster, screed. Factory packaging is presented in bags of 50kg, less often produce products of 25 kg per package.
The composition of the universal mixture includes Portland cement, sand, mineral powder, plasticizers and other additives. The finished composition can only be diluted with cold water in the proportion indicated on the package.
M150 products are endowed with many advantages: it is reliable, frost-resistant, has good adhesion to various surfaces, high moisture resistance and vapor permeability. It is used in all climatic conditions.
The disadvantages of М150 are poor resistance to increased loads (no more than 150 kg per 1 cubic cm), so this mixture is not used for work with the foundations of multi-storey buildings.
The name "universal" refers to the diversity of the use of the composition M150.
- Plaster mix is designed for internal and external plastering. Layer thickness can be applied up to 50 mm. After mixing, the work should be started immediately: the mixture is in a ductile state for 2 hours. The plaster acquires full dryness and strength after 4 weeks.
- Using a mixture of M150 for screed level the floor in the premises. Checking the level and exposing the beacons, the floor is poured with a thickness of 1 to 10 cm. Thanks to the cement base, the floor acquires durable qualities that are resistant to temperature changes.
- Masonry mix is used for laying gas silicate blocks and bricks of all kinds. It is possible to work with M150 products inside the building and outside in cold and hot weather, weather conditions do not affect the quality of the masonry. A well-proven dry mix in rooms with high humidity.
M200
Products M200 is a masonry mixture. It consists of Portland cement, river sand and special additives. Designed for laying bricks, concreting flooring, building simple foundations, repairing walls and processing the seams of concrete structures.
M200 can be used for laying garden tiles, as well as for plastering and wall puttying. It comes in 50 kg bags.
It has a long shelf life, so the balance of the mixture after the repair can be saved until the next repair work.
M300
Peskobeton M300 not so long ago appeared on the construction market, but has already gained popularity. Unlike the M150, it is designed for heavy loads. The products are durable and reliable, have a long life, adapt well to weather conditions, moisture resistant, environmentally friendly, does not shrink. M300 consists of Portland cement, which includes gypsum, sand and crushed clinker. Products are packed in bags of 50 kg, less often - 200 kg for industrial scale.
Due to its special strength, the composition is used in all areas of construction work in all climatic conditions. At installation use for installation of the base, a coupler of a floor, alignment of walls and other surfaces. The products have proven themselves as grout cracks during work on emergency facilities. The composition is used when laying garden paths, stairs, curbs. The mixture is used in the manufacture of expanded clay.
By properties, depending on the application, the production of the M300 is divided into several subspecies.
- Coarse-grained is characterized by incredible strength and long service life. With it, you can pour the foundation of tall buildings.
- Medium-grained is used for screeds, self-leveling floors, works with curbs and garden paths. It is used wherever the medium-grained fraction of the mixture is required.
- Fine-grained is also reliable and durable, it is used for plastering.
Choosing a universal dry compound, you should remember: the more famous the brand and the higher the product brand, the more expensive the product and the more reliable its technical properties.
About what are dry building mixes, see the following video.