IS 15477:2019 is the Bureau of Indian Standards specification that governs the composition, testing, and performance of ceramic tile adhesives sold in India. Whether you are a manufacturer seeking to certify a new product or a construction professional specifying materials, understanding this standard is essential.
The Four Adhesive Types
IS 15477 classifies tile adhesives into four types based on performance level and intended application:
- Type 1 — Normal-setting: Minimum tensile adhesion of 0.5 N/mm² after standard curing. Suitable for most interior floor and wall applications using low-porosity tiles.
- Type 2 — Improved adhesion: Minimum tensile adhesion of 1.0 N/mm² with enhanced requirements for slip resistance. Recommended for wall tiles in wet areas.
- Type 3 — Rapid-setting: Achieves the same strength levels as Type 1 or 2 within a specified early-age curing period. Essential for projects with time constraints.
- Type 4 — Deformable / Flexible: Contains polymer additives that provide transverse deformation >2.5 mm. Required for exterior facades, heated floors, and large-format tiles.
Mandatory Test Parameters
All tile adhesives classified under IS 15477 must be tested against the following parameters:
- Tensile adhesion strength (after standard curing, water immersion, heat aging, and freeze-thaw)
- Slip (for wall applications)
- Open time (minimum 20 minutes)
- Corrected adhesion (for deformable products)
What Testing Involves
At Zybuild Quality Hub, we test adhesives against all applicable IS 15477 parameters using calibrated Universal Testing Machines. Each test uses standardized substrate tiles and climate-controlled curing conditions as specified in the standard. Our reports reference the exact clause and test method for each parameter, making them directly usable for product certification or customer documentation.