Ashland introduces additive for tile adhesives

Ashland introduces Culminal^™ GAP, a highly efficient, additive for use in sustainable composite tile adhesives in the cement industry

Ashland has launched its next generation of modified methyl cellulose derivatives for premium cement adhesives. Culminal GAP (Green Aware Performance) is a high-performing cellulose ether used in cementitious-based systems.

Because of its lower carbon footprint¹, the usage of composite cement is growing, however formulations from composites can negatively impact strength development. Culminal GAP uses new methylcellulose chemistry to address this issue by reducing the impact on cement hydration, resulting in better strength development from the high early to final tensile strength phase. By improving the effectiveness of composite cements, our product improves the performance of a sustainable product and increases its utility to the industry.

“We are excited to add Culminal GAP to our toolbox of formulations for the construction industry,” said Chris Brown, Vice President and General Manager, Ashland Coatings. “When Culminal GAP is used in composite cement, cement sets faster, is stronger, has excellent workability and contributes to the use of a product that reduces carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.”

The cement industry is estimated to contribute approximately 8% of global CO₂emissions.²  Using high-performing cellulose ethers enables customers to reduce emissions by giving them the ability to process materials with a lower clinker burning temperature while still addressing the less reactive content. Culminal^™ GAP exemplifies Ashland’s commitment to helping to solve complex challenges and providing a more sustainable future.

¹ Composite cement replaces “clinker,” the key component of CO₂ emissions, with cellulose ethers.

² Rodgers, Lucy, BBC News, “Climate Change The massive CO2 emitter you may not know about.”