What do C1TE, C2TE, C2TES1 stand for in tile adhesive?

In the construction industry, tile adhesive performance directly determines the durability and reliability of tiling systems. To standardize quality, the International Organization for Standardization established ISO 13007, which classifies tile adhesives based on bond strength, durability, and workability. From basic C1 normal cementitious adhesives to advanced C2TE improved slip-resistant, water-resistant and extended open time formulations, different tile adhesive grades require matching additive technologies.

Understanding classifications such as C1TE, C2TE, and C2TES1 helps you select the right adhesive—and the right formulation—for your project.

ISO 13007 Classification: Ensuring Quality and Performance in Tile Adhesives

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is responsible for maintaining quality and consistency in various industries. In the case of tile adhesive, ISO has created specific standards for manufacturers and users to follow. These standards, known as ISO 13007 - 2010, ensure that tile adhesives meet important criteria like strength, durability, and suitability for different applications.

ISO 13007 is crucial in maintaining quality in the tile adhesive industry, giving manufacturers a framework to ensure the reliability and effectiveness of their products.

Understanding the ISO Classifications of Types Of Tile Adhesives

In accordance with this standard, tile adhesives are determined by a combination of three factors: the adhesive’s chemistry (cementitious, dispersion, reactive resin), its level of performance (normal or improved), and any other optional features (rapid setting, reduced slip, etc).

C – Cementitious tile adhesive: These tile adhesives are made from a combination of cement, sand, and other additives. They're commonly used for bonding materials like tiles, stones, and ceramics. These tile adhesives come in different classes based on how well they stick and how flexible they are. They undergo tests to check their tensile adhesion strength in different curing conditions. Depending on the results, they can be classified as Class 1 (C1) for normal adhesive or Class 2 (C2) for improved adhesive.

The table below shows the properties against each test condition for C1 and C2 cementitious adhesives:

D – Dispersion tile adhesive: These adhesives are made by dispersing polymers in a liquid. They're great for bonding materials like wood, paper, and fabric.

The table below shows that dispersion adhesives can also be divided into different categories D1 and D2 based on the results of the bond strength tests:

 R - Reaction-resin tile adhesive: These adhesives are created through a chemical reaction between two or more components. They're often used for bonding materials like plastics, metals, and composites.

The following table shows that the reactive resin binders are classified into different categories R1 and R2 based on performance and properties:

In addition to the basic characteristics we discussed earlier, there are a few other optional classes that can give you more information about tile adhesives as follows:

These can be then further expanded into the following (only with “C” series):

Finding the Suitable Cellulose Ether and RDP to boost your tile adhesive project

As an innovator in construction chemicals, JINJI CHEMICAL’s cellulose ether series (HPMC, MHEC, HEC) and redispersible polymer powder(RDP) precisely address the performance requirements of different tile adhesive grades under ISO 13007:

1. Upgraded Bond Strength: By optimizing the water retention of cellulose ethers and the polymer network structure of RDP, the tensile bond strength of tile adhesives can be enhanced from C1’s ≥0.5N/mm² to C2’s ≥1.0N/mm², meeting your needs of high-load scenarios.

2. Optimized Workability:

(1) Slip Resistance (T): The thixotropic regulation of cellulose ether controls slip within ≤0.5mm, enabling C1T/C2T slip-resistant performance;

(2) Extended Open Time (E): Extends open time to over 30 minutes, satisfying the long adjustment needs of C1E/C2E grades.

3. Enhanced Durability and Flexibility: The acrylate copolymer in RDP improves the crack resistance of adhesive mortars. Combined with the stability of cellulose ethers, the tile adhesives exhibit both deformability (S1/S2 grades) and water/heat aging resistance, easily meeting high-elasticity standards like C2S1/C2S2.

Conclusion: Empowering Quality with Technology

Choosing JINJI CHEMICAL’s cellulose ethers and RDP means choosing solutions aligned with international standards. We not only provide high-quality raw materials certified by ASTM, ISO, and other authorities but also offer customized formulation services through our professional laboratories and production bases—from basic C1 to complex C2TES2 tile adhesive, precise control of additive ratios ensures full compliance with performance indicators.

Whether for residential renovations, commercial flooring, or outdoor curtain walls, our products are your ideal partner for enhancing project reliability and construction efficiency.

Let every bond stand the test of time. JINJI CHEMICAL joins hands with you to build new heights in construction. Contact us now for free cellulose ether and redispersible polymer powder sample!