Drymix Mortars and International Conference Series

Drymix Mortars and International Conference Series A Brief History of Drymix Mortars Portland cement, developed in the 19th century, revolutionized construction technology. Today, concrete, pavers and building stones, precast components and mortars are the main target markets for the cement industry. When it comes to mortars (many of which are still mixed by hand on construction sites worldwide), dry-mix mortar technology represents a genuine revolution: the chemical industry has transformed liquid additives such as cellulose ethers or polymer dispersions into dry powder form, enabling formulators to produce single-component dry-mix mortars (requiring only the addition of water) with varying performance characteristics. This prevents mixing and dosing errors. Drymix mortars, typically applied in optimized thin layers, also deliver weight savings. Their performance is reliable, and their superior durability minimizes maintenance. The main applications of dry-mix mortars are masonry mortars, cement-based tile adhesives and grouts, plasters and gypsum plasters, floor screeds, self-leveling underlayments, external thermal insulation and finishing systems EIFS, precision joint mortars, concrete restoration and waterproofing membranes. Drymix mortars are economical and a cheaper alternative to hand mixing: they reduce labour requirements due to their high yields and efficiency. Drymix mortar technology offers motivated and self-educating individuals the opportunity to pursue specialized trades such as tile setter, plasterer and decorative finish specialist.

drymix.info, the International Drymix Mortars Community

Drymix mortar technology emerged in Europe in the 1950s and has continued to develop to the present day. To promote this technology on a global scale, I founded drymix.info, the International Drymix Mortars Community, in 2001. Today drymix.info has more than 100 partners, and more than 9,500 subscribers read the drymix.info Newsletter. In 2007, the Middle East Drymix Mortar Association MEDMA (a non-profit association based in Dubai) and the Southeast Asia Drymix Mortar Association SEADMA Ltd. (a non-profit association based in Singapore) were established for regional advocacy, technology promotion and standardization. drymix.info, SEADMA and MEDMA organize events and expert sessions worldwide. We publish annual technical bulletins and Drymix Mortar Yearbooks that cover specific topics in detail, including 3D printing of dry-mix mortars, site automation, chemicals and additive development and market trends.

Drymix Mortars in Turkey

Since 2012, drymix.info has organized Central and Southern Europe Drymix Mortar Conferences to bring together key stakeholder groups, explore, expand and develop the market in Turkey and provide international exchange. The tasks ahead for Turkey and Asia's small building materials industry are clear: to build fast, sustainably, economically and efficiently, particularly in light of seismic activity in Turkey. Demand for high-quality construction is very high. Innovative surfaces and long-lasting and robust building structures make engineers, contractors, applicators and of course the final homeowners or tenants happy. High-performance dry-mix mortars are the key to attractive and modern buildings, allowing designers and architects to be creative while also helping to save energy (for example, electricity for air conditioning units).

7th Central and Southern Europe Drymix Mortar Conference and Industry Showcase cedmmc7, Çırağan Palace (Kempinski Hotel), Istanbul, 15 September 2022

Held biennially in Istanbul since 2012 (missing only 2020 due to Covid), this conference has become an integral part of the Turkish dry mortar industry, bringing together experts for knowledge exchange and discussion. Finally, at this year's physically held event, cedmmc achieved its largest attendance to date, with 131 registered delegates from 65 companies. 55% of delegates were dry-mix mortar manufacturers; raw material suppliers from both the dry-mix mortar and cement industries, researchers, government officials and also architects, consultants, developers and contractors attended cedmmc7. The audience was truly international, with delegates attending from Austria, France, Germany, England, Greece, Italy, Mauritius, Russia, Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the UAE and of course Turkey. Fifteen conferences and presentations were held by Calucem, Caltra, Celanese Elotex, Dow, Haver&Boecker, Imerys, Kalekim, m-tec, Mapei, Material Innovative Gesellschaft (M.I.G.), Omya, Organik Kimya, Polyplast, Varlık Makina and Wacker Chemie, with additional support from Ente and Günkem. Following the event, it has become a tradition for delegates to dine in the Istanbul strait, and this year Calucem, Kalekim and Wacker Chemie were sponsors. With a live DJ, drinks and dinner, delegates watched the sunset over the Golden Horn and the moon rising over the second bridge. cedmmc8 Istanbul will take place in 2024. Ferdinand Leopolder Founder drymix.info