BR112020015689A2 - METHOD TO PRODUCE A PRE-FORMED BETUMINOUS WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE - Google Patents

Abstract

the invention is directed to a method for producing a preformed waterproofing membrane, comprising a step of simultaneous spraying of an aqueous coagulant composition and an aqueous emulsion of polymer modified bitumen on a surface of a backing sheet. the invention is also directed to a preformed waterproofing membrane comprising a waterproofing layer and a backing sheet, and to a method for waterproofing a substrate surface using the preformed waterproofing membranes.

Description

METHOD TO PRODUCE A PRE-FORMED BETUMINOUS WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to preformed waterproofing membranes based on bitumen, which can be used for waterproofing underground and above-ground constructions, particularly for waterproofing roof structures.

Fundamentals of the invention

[0002] In the field of construction, polymeric and bituminous sheets, which are often called membranes or panels, are commonly used to seal underground and above-ground constructions against water penetration. Preformed waterproofing membranes used for waterproofing roof structures are typically supplied as single-layer roofing membranes composed of a single waterproofing layer (barrier) or as multi-layer roofing membranes composed of several waterproofing layers (barrier) of the same or different materials. The preformed waterproofing membranes used for waterproofing underground structures are typically single-layer systems.

[0003] The materials commonly used for preformed waterproofing membranes include thermoplastics such as plasticized polyvinyl chloride (PVC-p), thermoplastic olefins (TPE-O, TPO), elastomers such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), as well as bitumen / asphalt compositions. Preformed waterproofing membranes are usually delivered to the construction site in rolls, transferred to the installation site, unrolled and adhered to the substrate to be waterproofed using mechanical mechanisms, and / or adhesive, and / or thermal bonding means. The substrate to which the membrane is adhered can be composed of a variety of materials, depending on the installation site. The roof substrate can be, for example, a concrete, metal or wood platform, or it can include an insulating plate or recovery plate and / or an existing membrane.

[0004] Bituminous materials are also commonly used in waterproofing applications, as they provide good resistance to environmental factors combined with relatively low costs compared to thermoplastic polymeric materials. Bitumen compositions used for the production of waterproofing membranes are typically modified with synthetic polymers to increase UV resistance, robustness and flexibility at low temperatures. Such modified bitumen compositions are commonly known as polymer modified bitumen (PMB). Typical polymers mixed with bitumen for the production of waterproofing membranes include atactic polypropylenes (APP), amorphous poly-alpha-olefins (APAO), styrene block copolymers, particularly SBS and SEBS, as well as elastomers, particularly EPDM. In the production of bitumen membranes, synthetic polymers must be mixed with bitumen in the molten state. This increases the production costs of the bitumen membranes, since the preferred polymers normally have high melting temperatures, such as above 180 ºC.

[0005] Liquid clot-forming compositions of bitumen emulsions and polymer dispersions, particularly rubber trusses, have also been used for waterproofing on-site underground and above-ground structures. Such compositions are applied in liquid form on the surface of a substrate to be waterproofed with a brush, roller or trowel followed by curing (coagulating) the composition by drying with air at room temperature or by applying heat. Liquid clot-forming compositions can also be cured chemically using a coagulation agent, which is capable of breaking the emulsion, resulting in coagulation of the bitumen and polymer parts and separation of water. In these applications, the curdling agent and the polymer-modified bitumen composition are applied simultaneously to the surface of a substrate, for example, by spraying. The coagulation agent and the composition can be brought into contact and mixed on the substrate surface or during the spraying stage. The water separated from the demulsified composition is eventually removed, for example, by drying. The waterproofing layers and coatings obtained by applying liquid compositions to a surface to be waterproofed are also known as "waterproofing membranes applied as a liquid (LAM)". These are fundamentally different from the preformed waterproofing membranes discussed above, since the waterproofing layer is formed on the spot, that is, on the surface to be waterproofed, while the preformed waterproofing membranes were formed before being applied in the surface to be waterproofed.

[0006] The disadvantages of the latest generation bitumen preformed waterproofing membranes include, for example, the relatively high production costs resulting from the high amount of thermal energy required for the preparation of polymer-bitumen mixtures. Polymer-modified bitumen water-based emulsions can be produced without melting the polymers, but liquid-applied waterproofing coatings typically have poor mechanical performance compared to polymer-modified bitumen-based waterproofing membranes. In addition, water-based bitumen emulsions must be applied to the surface of a substrate to be waterproofed on the construction site, which means that the waterproofing coating formed is immediately exposed to environmental conditions. In addition, due to the high water content, the applicability of these types of waterproofing coatings applied as liquids is restricted to temperatures significantly above 0 ºC.

[0007] There is, therefore, a need for a new pre-formed bitumen waterproofing membrane, which can be produced at lower costs than the pre-formed bitumen waterproofing membranes of the latest generation.

Summary of the invention

[0008] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method that can be used for the production of preformed bitumen waterproofing membranes at lower costs compared to the latest generation production methods.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a bitumen-based preformed waterproofing membrane with good mechanical properties, particularly high tensile and tear resistance.

[0010] The object of the present invention is a method for the production of a pre-formed waterproofing membrane, as defined in the claim

1.

[0011] Surprisingly it was found that aqueous emulsions of modified bitumen with a specific composition of synthetic polymer can be used to produce preformed bitumen-based waterproofing membranes with excellent waterproofing and mechanical properties.

[0012] One of the advantages of the production method of the present invention is that preformed bitumen-based waterproofing membranes can be produced at significantly lower costs compared to the latest generation production methods based on the use of modified bitumen with polymer.

[0013] Another advantage is that, since aqueous bitumen emulsions are used for the production of preformed waterproofing membranes instead of waterproofing coatings formed on site, the limitations inherent in water-based systems related to application temperatures no longer apply.

[0014] Other aspects of the present invention are presented in other independent claims. Preferred aspects of the invention are presented in the dependent claims.

Detailed description of the invention

[0015] The object of the present invention is a method for the production of a preformed waterproofing membrane, comprising the simultaneous spraying of a first aqueous coagulant composition and first polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion onto a first sheet surface. support material to coagulate the first aqueous emulsion and form a solid layer of the sprayed material on the first surface of the support sheet.

[0016] Substance names that begin with "poly" refer to substances that formally comprise two or more of the functional groups per molecule occurring in their names. For example, a polyol refers to a compound that has at least two hydroxyl groups. A polyether refers to a compound that has at least two ether groups.

[0017] The term "polymer" means a collective of chemically uniform macromolecules, produced by a polyreaction (polymerization, polyaddition, polycondensation) in which the macromolecules differ in relation to their degree of polymerization, molecular weight and length of the chain. The term also encompasses derivatives of said group of macromolecules resulting from polyreactions, that is, compounds that are obtained through reactions, such as, for example, additions or substitutions, of functional groups in specified macromolecules and that can be chemically uniform or chemically non-uniform.

[0018] The term "(meth) acrylic" means methacrylic or acrylic. Therefore, the term "(meth) acrylate" means acrylates and methacrylates.

[0019] The term "molecular weight" refers to the molar mass (in grams per mol) of a molecule or part of a molecule, also called a "fraction". The term "average molecular weight" refers to the numerical average molecular weight (Mn) of an oligomeric or polymeric mixture of molecules or fractions. The molecular weight can be determined by gel permeation chromatography.

[0020] The term "bitumen" means mixtures of heavy hydrocarbons, with a solid consistency at room temperature, which are normally obtained as a vacuum residue from refinery processes, which can be distillation processes (primary distillation or vacuum) and conversion (thermal cracking and viscosity fractionation) of suitable crude oils. Additionally, the term “bitumen” also designates natural and synthetic bitumen, as well as bituminous materials obtained from the extraction of tar and bituminous sands.

[0021] The term "emulsion" means stable mixtures of two immiscible liquids, in which one is dispersed as fine droplets in the other. Usually, an emulsifier, such as soap, is needed to obtain a stable emulsion in which the liquid phases do not separate.

[0022] The "amount or content of at least one component X" in a composition, for example "the amount of at least one polyol" refers to the sum of the individual amounts of all polyols contained in the composition. For example, if the composition comprises 20% by weight of at least one polyol, the sum of the amounts of all polyols contained in the composition is equal to 20% by weight.

[0023] The term "room temperature" means a temperature of 23 ºC.

[0024] The method for producing a pre-waterproofing membrane

formed comprises a first step of simultaneous spraying of a first aqueous coagulant composition and a first aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion onto a first surface of a backing sheet. During the spraying stage, the coagulant composition is brought into contact with and mixed with the polymer-modified bitumen emulsion, which results in coagulation (breaking) of the emulsion and formation of a solid layer of the sprayed material on the surface of the backing sheet. . After mixing the coagulant composition with the aqueous emulsion, the polymer and bitumen components, which were originally present as particles dispersed in a continuous aqueous phase, begin to aggregate and the aqueous phase is simultaneously separated from the emulsion. It has been found that the preformed membranes produced using the method of the present invention have an almost homogeneous structure with no weak points consisting essentially of bitumen or areas of retained water.

[0025] The term "pre-formed waterproofing membrane" refers, in the present disclosure, to solid sheet-shaped articles, which were formed before being applied to the surface of a substrate to be waterproofed. In particular, the term "preformed waterproofing membrane" refers to articles in the form of a sheet, which were not formed on the spot, that is, they were not formed on the surface of the substrate to be waterproofed. Such preformed waterproofing membranes are manufactured in a location typically outside the construction site, brought to the site, for example, in the form of a roller and placed on the surface of a substrate to be waterproofed. In particular, the term "preformed waterproofing membrane" does not cover layers of coatings, sealants and the like that are formed on the spot, applying a liquid composition to the surface of a substrate to be waterproofed and allowing the composition to harden and / or cure. The term "liquid" is understood as a material that flows at normal room temperature and has a pour point below 20 ºC.

[0026] Preferably, the first aqueous coagulant composition and the first polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion are sprayed simultaneously on the first surface of the backing sheet in such a way that the solid layer of the sprayed material formed on the first surface of the backing sheet has a thickness of at least 0.1 mm, preferably at least 0.25 mm, more preferably at least 0.355 mm and most preferably at least 0.5 mm. According to one or more modalities, the solid layer of the pulverized material formed on the first surface of the support sheet has a thickness in the range of 0.15 - 15 mm, preferably 0.25 - 10 mm, more preferably 0.35 - 5 mm.

[0027] According to one or more modalities, the method for producing a pre-formed waterproofing membrane comprises a second step of subjecting the wet waterproofing membrane that contains the support sheet obtained in the first step to a drying step to remove at least part of the water separated from the first polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion. The drying step is preferably carried out by passing the wet waterproofing membrane through a pair of calender rolls and / or heating in an oven, heating by air flow or heating with infrared (IR) radiation.

[0028] According to one or more modalities, the method for producing a pre-formed waterproofing membrane comprises a third step of subjecting the dry waterproofing membrane obtained in the second step to one or more post-treatment steps, preferably selected from the group consisting of wrapping the dry membrane in a roll, preferably with an inert dividing layer, such as a release liner, cutting the dry waterproofing membrane to the desired lengths and applying one or more additional layers of material to at least one of the outer surfaces of the dry waterproofing membrane. Preferably, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd steps of the method for the production of a pre-formed waterproofing membrane are carried out in their established numerical order.

[0029] The support sheet is preferably a sheet-shaped element with the first and second surfaces, that is, upper and lower surfaces, defined by peripheral edges and defining a thickness of the element between them. The term "sheet-shaped element" refers, in this document, to elements with length and width at least 25 times, preferably at least 50 times, more preferably at least 100 times greater than the thickness of the element.

[0030] The type of the backing sheet is not particularly restricted. For example, reinforcement layers commonly used to improve the dimensional stability of waterproofing and covering membranes can be used as a backing sheet. Preferably, the backing sheet comprises at least one layer of fiber material,

[0031] The term "fiber material" in this disclosure means materials composed of fibers. The fibers suitable for use in the backing sheet may comprise or consist of organic, inorganic or synthetic materials or any combination thereof. Suitable organic fibers include, for example, cellulose fibers, cotton fibers and protein fibers. Suitable synthetic organic fibers include, for example, fibers composed of polyester, homopolymers and copolymers of ethylene and / or propylene, viscose, nylon and polyamides. Fibrous materials composed of inorganic fibers are also suitable, particularly those composed of mineral fibers, such as glass fibers, aramid fibers, wollastonite fibers and carbon fibers. Inorganic fibers can also be used, whose surface has been treated, for example, with silanes. The fiber material may comprise short fibers, long fibers, spun fibers (threads) or filaments. In addition, the fibers can be aligned or pulled fibers. It may also be advantageous to use a combination of different types of fibers, both in terms of geometry and composition.

[0032] Preferably, at least one layer of fiber material has a mass per unit weight of not more than 500 g / m ?, more preferably not more than 350 g / m ?, even more preferably not more than 250 g / m ?, even more preferably not more than 150 g / m ?, more preferably not more than 100 g / m ?. According to one or more embodiments, at least one layer of fiber material has a mass per unit weight in the range of 5 - 350 g / m ?, preferably 15-250 g / m ?, more preferably 25 - 150 g / m? m ", even more preferably 25 - 100 g / m", more preferably 25 - 75 g / m ".

[0033] The fiber material of at least one layer of fiber material is preferably selected from the group consisting of non-woven fabrics, woven fabrics and non-woven fabrics.

[0034] The term "non-woven fabric" in this disclosure designates materials composed of fibers, which are bonded together by means of chemical, mechanical or thermal bonding, and which are neither woven nor knitted. Non-woven fabrics can be produced, for example, using a carding or needling process, in which the fibers are mechanically interwoven to obtain the non-woven fabric. In chemical bonding, chemical binders, such as adhesive materials, are used to hold the fibers together in a non-woven fabric.

[0035] The term "non-woven fabric" means, in the present disclosure, non-woven products similar to webs composed of threads, which are on top of each other and are chemically linked together. Typical materials for non-woven fabrics include metals, fiberglass and plastics, particularly polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0036] According to one or more modalities, the backing sheet comprises at least one layer of non-woven fabric composed of inorganic fibers, preferably with a mass per unit weight in the range of 5- 300 g / m ?, preferably 15 -200 g / m ", more preferably 25-150 g / m", even more preferably 25-125 g / m ", more preferably 25-100 g / m". It is understood that the term "composed of inorganic fibers" means, in the context of the present invention, that the fiber base of the non-woven fabric layer is composed of inorganic fibers, in which the fabric layer itself may contain additional components, such as chemical binders that hold the fibers together in the non-woven fabric layer. Preferably, the inorganic fibers are selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, aramid fibers, wollastonite fibers and carbon fibers, more preferably glass fibers.

[0037] According to one or more modalities, the backing sheet comprises at least one layer of non-woven fabric composed of synthetic organic fibers, preferably with a mass per unit weight in the range of 5-250 g / m ?, preferably 15-150 g / m ", more preferably 25- 125 g / m", even more preferably 25-100 g / m ", more preferably 25- 75 g / m". It is understood that the term "composed of synthetic organic fibers" means, in the context of the present invention, that the fiber base of the nonwoven fabric layer is composed of synthetic organic fibers, in which the fabric layer itself may contain additional components, like the chemical binders that hold the fibers together in the non-woven fabric layer. Preferably, synthetic organic fibers are selected from the group consisting of polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyethylene fibers, nylon fibers and polyamide fibers.

[0038] According to one or more modalities, the backing sheet comprises at least one non-woven fabric composed of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) multifilament yarns or glass fibers.

[0039] According to one or more modalities, the backing sheet comprises at least one layer of non-woven fabric composed of synthetic inorganic or organic fibers and at least one non-woven fabric composed of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, terephthalate multiflament yarns polyethylene (PET) or glass fibers.

[0040] According to one or more additional modalities, the backing sheet is a layer of non-woven fabric composed of inorganic fibers, in which the non-woven fabric preferably has a mass per unit weight in the range of 5-300 g / m ?, preferably 15-200 g / m ?, more preferably 25-150 g / m ?, even more preferably 25-125 g / m ?, more preferably 25- 100 g / m ?, wherein the inorganic fibers are preferably selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, aramid fibers, wollastonite fibers and carbon fibers, more preferably glass fibers.

[0041] According to one or more modalities, the backing sheet is a layer of non-woven fabric composed of synthetic organic fibers, in which the non-woven fabric preferably has a mass per unit weight in the range of 5-250 g / m ?, preferably 15-150 g / m ?, more preferably 25-125 g / m ?, even more preferably 25-100 g / m ?, more preferably 25-75 g / m ?, wherein the synthetic organic fibers are preferably selected from the group consisting of polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyethylene fibers, nylon fibers and polyamide fibers.

[0042] The temperature of the first aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion and / or the first aqueous coagulant composition during the spraying stage is not particularly restricted. It may be preferable that the temperature of the first polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion and / or the first aqueous coagulant composition during the spraying step is not more than 80 "ºC, more preferably not more than 60" ºC, more preferably not more at 40 ºC.

[0043] The weight ratio between the amount of the first aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion and the amount of the first aqueous coagulant composition sprayed simultaneously on the first surface of the backing sheet is not particularly restricted. Preferably, the weight ratio of the amount of the first polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion to the amount of the first aqueous coagulant composition is in the range of 20: 1 to 2: 1, preferably 15: 1 to 3: 1, more preferably from 15: 1 to 5: 1, more preferably from 10: 1 to 5: 1.

[0044] According to one or more modalities, the first aqueous coagulant composition comprises at least one coagulation agent selected from the group consisting of alkali and alkaline earth metal salts, organic acids, inorganic acids, metal sulphates and polyamines . The term "aqueous solution" refers, in the present disclosure, to a composition in which water is the main means of dissolution or solvent. Preferably, "aqueous composition" refers to a composition in which water is the only dissolution medium or solvent. It may be preferable for the clotting agent to be selected from the group consisting of calcium chloride and citric acid.

[0045] The solids content of the first aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion is not particularly restricted. However, when increasing the solids content above a certain limit, the emulsion viscosity increased to a level that complicates the spraying step. Since water separated from the emulsion as a result of coagulation must be removed, for example, by drying, a relatively high solids content is usually preferred. The term "solids content" refers to the portion of the composition that, when heated to a temperature of 105 ° C for one hour at atmospheric pressure one, does not volatilize. It may be preferable that the first polymer-modified aqueous bitumen emulsion has a solids content of at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, based on the total weight of the first polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion. In particular, it may be preferable that the first polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion has a solids content of 30-80% by weight, more preferably 40-70% by weight, more preferably 45-65% by weight, based on weight total of the first aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion.

[0046] The polymer can be present in the first aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion, for example, in the form of a dispersion and / or a polymer emulsion. The amount of polymer in the first polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion is not particularly restricted. It has been found that increasing the amount of the polymeric component results in preformed waterproofing membranes with improved mechanical properties, particularly improved tensile and tear resistance, as well as improved UV resistance. However, increasing the amount of polymer also increases the production costs of the preformed waterproofing membrane.

[0047] It may be preferable that the weight ratio of the amount of bitumen to the amount of polymer in the first aqueous emulsion of polymer-modified bitumen is in the range of 1: 1 to 20: 1, more preferably from 2: 1 to 15: 1, even more preferably from 2: 1 to 10: 1, more preferably from 3: 1 to 5: 1. In addition, it may be preferable that the first polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion comprise 1-35% by weight, more preferably 1.5-30% by weight, even more preferably 2.5-25.0% by weight, plus preferably 5.0-20% by weight of the polymer, based on the total weight of the first aqueous emulsion. It is understood that "amount of polymer" in the context of an aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion means the total weight of all polymer components present in the aqueous emulsion that are not part of the bitumen component.

[0048] The first aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion is preferably obtained by mixing an aqueous bitumen emulsion with at least one aqueous polymer dispersion. Mixing can be performed using any conventional mixing technique known to a person skilled in the art, preferably using high shear mixing equipment.

[0049] The term "dispersion" designates, in this document, a physical state of matter that includes at least two distinct phases, in which a first phase is distributed in a second phase, with the second phase being a continuous medium. In particular, the dispersion comprises a solid phase which is dispersed as solid particles in a continuous liquid phase. The term "aqueous polymer dispersion" refers to a dispersion containing a first phase of polymer particles distributed in a second aqueous phase that is predominantly water and may contain minor amounts of water-soluble or water-miscible liquids, such as alkyl alcohols lower ketones or glycols.

[0050] Suitable aqueous bitumen emulsions are made of bitumen with a penetration value of 5-400 dmm (tenths of a millimeter), preferably 10-200 dmm. The penetration value of can be measured at a temperature of 25 ºC, measured according to AASHTO T 49 and ASTM D 5.

[0051] It may be preferable that the aqueous bitumen emulsion has a solids content of 25-75% by weight, more preferably 35-75% by weight, more preferably 40-70% by weight, based on the total weight of the emulsion aqueous bitumen and / or a bitumen softening point in the range of 45-90 ºC, more preferably 50-85 ºC, more preferably 50-80 “ºC. Suitable bitumen emulsions can be prepared by simultaneously passing melted bitumen solution and an aqueous solution of emulsifying agent heated to a temperature in the range of 40-80 “C through an emulsifying apparatus, such as a colloid mill or a drum homogenizer. Emulsifying agents suitable for bitumen are known to those skilled in the art. These include, for example, soaps, resin soaps and organic emulsifiers.

[0052] The type of at least one aqueous polymer dispersion is not particularly restricted, as long as it provides rapid coagulation with the bitumen emulsion when mixed with the aqueous coagulant composition, as well as good mechanical properties of the particularly cured layer elongation at break.

Suitable aqueous polymer dispersions include, for example, aqueous dispersions of acrylic polymers, polyurethanes, polyurethane-urea polymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, halogenated styrene-butadiene copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, ethylene copolymers vinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl acetate. Additional suitable aqueous polymer dispersions include aqueous rubber dispersions, for example, aqueous dispersions of styrene-butadiene rubber, natural rubber, styrene isoprene rubber, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polychloroprenes, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene ,

ethylene and propylene rubber and acrylonitrile butadiene copolymers.

[0054] The term "acrylic polymer" refers, in the present disclosure, to homopolymers, copolymers and higher interpolymers of an acrylic monomer with one or more additional acrylic monomers and / or with one or more other ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The term "acrylic monomer" refers herein to (meth) acrylates, (meth) acrylic acid and its derivatives, for example, (meth) acrylic acid amides or (meth) acrylic acid nitriles. Preferred acrylic polymers contain at least 30% by weight, more preferably at least 40% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight of acrylic monomers. The term "acrylic dispersion" refers herein to dispersions of acrylic polymers.

[0055] According to one or more modalities, at least one aqueous polymer dispersion is selected from the group consisting of aqueous polyurethane dispersions, acrylic dispersions, polyurethane-acrylic dispersions, styrene-butadiene copolymer dispersions, rubber dispersions of styrene-butadiene and isoprene styrene rubber dispersions.

[0056] Acrylic polymers suitable for aqueous dispersion consist mostly of alcohol (meth) acrylates containing from 1 to 24 carbon atoms. Preferred acrylic polymers contain, as polymerized units, at least 25% by weight, more preferably at least 35% by weight, more preferably at least 50% by weight of these acrylic monomers. Suitable ethylenically unsaturated monomers that can be used as comonomers with acrylic monomers include, for example, vinyl esters and allyl esters of carboxylic acids containing from 1 to 20 carbon atoms, vinyl ether ethers containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms, aromatic vinyl compounds, particularly styrene, vinyl halides, non-aromatic hydrocarbons containing from 2 to 8 carbon atoms and at least one olefinic double bond, mono- or di-carboxylic acids a and B-unsaturated containing 3 to 6 atoms carbon and its derivatives (especially amides, esters and salts).

[0057] Examples of particularly suitable acrylic polymers include poly (meth) acrylates, copolymers of (meth) acrylates and styrene, copolymers of (meth) acrylates and vinyl esters of tertiary carboxylic acids, copolymers and terpolymers of (meth) acrylates, vinyl esters of tertiary carboxylic acids and vinyl acetate and copolymers of vinyl acetate and (meth) acrylates.

[0058] According to one or more modalities, at least one aqueous polymer dispersion is selected from the group consisting of polyurethane-acrylic dispersion, styrene-butadiene copolymer dispersion and (meth) acrylate-styrene copolymer dispersion.

[0059] Polyurethane-acrylic dispersions can be prepared using physical or chemical methods. In the first case, aqueous dispersions of polyurethane and acrylic (emulsions) are prepared independently first and then the two dispersions are mixed by mechanical mixing. In the latter case, the polyurethane dispersion can be prepared first and then the acrylic monomers can be polymerized in the polyurethane dispersion. Usually, core-shell emulsion polymerization is used. In core-shell emulsion polymerization, polyurethane particles are used as seed particles and the acrylates are polymerized within the polyurethane particles due to the high hydrophobicity of the acrylates. Other types of morphologies other than the core-shell, such as embedded sphere morphologies, can also be obtained using different techniques.

[0060] Polyurethane-acrylic dispersions obtained by chemical methods are also known as hybrid polyurethane-acrylic dispersions. Methods for producing hybrid polyurethane-acrylic dispersions are known to those skilled in the art and disclosed, for example, in US 7,534,830 B2.

[0061] According to one or more preferred embodiments, at least one aqueous polymer dispersion is a hybrid aqueous polyurethane-acrylic dispersion.

[0062] Suitable hybrid polyurethane-acrylic dispersions are commercially available, for example, under the brand name Hybridur6 from Air Products and Chemicals Inc., under the brand name APUG from Alberdingk Boley, under the brand name Joncryl & HYB from BASF , such as Joncryl & HYB 6336 and JoncryI & HYB 6340, and under the trade name Acriten & O by Sygla Columbiana, such as Acriten & PU 230.

[0063] According to one or more modalities, the method for producing a pre-formed waterproofing membrane further comprises the simultaneous spraying of a second aqueous coagulant composition and a second aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion on a second surface of a support sheet for coagulating the second aqueous emulsion and forming a solid layer of the sprayed material on the second surface of the support sheet. The second surface of the support sheet is the surface opposite the first surface of the support sheet.

[0064] It may also be preferable that the temperature of the second aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion and / or the second aqueous coagulant composition during the spraying step is not more than 80 "ºC, more preferably not more than 60" * C, more preferably not more than 40 “Cc.

[0065] The first and second aqueous coagulant compositions sprayed on the first and second surfaces of the backing sheet, respectively, may have the same or different composition. According to one or more embodiments, the first and second aqueous coagulant compositions have identical compositions. In addition, the first polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion and the second polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion sprayed on the first and second surfaces of the backing sheet, respectively, may have the same or different composition. According to one or more embodiments, the first and the second polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsions have identical compositions.

[0066] According to one or more modalities, the method for producing a pre-formed waterproofing membrane comprises the steps of: i) Placing the first aqueous coagulant composition in a first spray unit, ii) Placing the first aqueous emulsion of polymer modified bitumen in a second spray unit, ili) Spray the first aqueous coagulant composition and the first polymer modified bitumen aqueous emulsion, using said spray units to provide at least two streams with crossed spray paths, so that the first aqueous coagulant composition and the first aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion come into contact and are mixed together outside said spraying units and before or at the time of contacting the first surface of the backing sheet .

[0067] It may be preferable that the first aqueous coagulant composition and the first polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion come into contact and are mixed together outside said spraying units and before coming into contact with the surface of the foil. Support. According to one or more modalities, the distance between the spraying units and the point at which the two flows cross, that is, the first aqueous coagulant composition and the first polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion come into contact, is at least 10 cm, preferably at least 25 cm, more preferably at least 30 cm.

[0068] The first and second spray units may contain one or more nozzles through which the first aqueous coagulant composition and the first polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion are sprayed. The flows are preferably generated using liquid pressure (without air). Liquid flows can be pressurized using gear pumps, centrifugal pumps or other means well known in the art. Other spraying techniques, such as gas atomization, are also possible.

[0069] According to one or more modalities, the method comprises an additional step of: iv) Subjecting the wet membrane obtained in step iii) to a drying step to remove at least part of the water separated from the first modified bitumen aqueous emulsion with polymer.

[0070] According to one or more modalities, step iv) comprises subjecting the wet membrane obtained in step iii) to a compression step to press the water separated from the aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion out. Compression can be carried out, for example, by passing the wet membrane through a pair of calender rolls. According to one or more modalities, step iv) comprises submitting the wet membrane obtained in step iii) and / or the membrane obtained in the compression step until the final drying step. The final drying step can be carried out, for example, by heating in an oven, heating by airflow or heating with infrared (IR) radiation.

[0071] The method for producing a preformed waterproofing membrane is preferably conducted as a continuous process using a calender roll machine.

[0072] According to one or more modalities, the method comprises additional steps of: i) Placing the second aqueous coagulant composition in a third spray unit, ii) Placing the second aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion in a fourth unit spray, il) Spray the second aqueous coagulant composition and the second polymer modified bitumen aqueous emulsion, using said spray units to provide at least two flows with crossed spray paths, so that the second aqueous coagulant composition and the second aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion come into contact and are mixed together outside said spraying units and before or at the time of contacting the second surface of the backing sheet.

[0073] It may be preferable that the second aqueous coagulant composition and the second aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion come into contact and are mixed together outside said spraying units and before coming into contact with the second sheet surface support. According to one or more modalities, the distance between the spraying units and the point at which the two flows cross, that is, the second aqueous coagulant composition and the second polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion come into contact, is at least 10 cm, preferably at least 25 cm, more preferably at least 30 cm.

[0074] The third and fourth spray units may contain one or more nozzles through which the second aqueous coagulant composition and the second polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion are sprayed. The flows are preferably generated using liquid pressure (without air). Liquid flows can be pressurized using gear pumps, centrifugal pumps or other means well known in the art. Other spraying techniques, such as gas atomization, are also possible.

[0075] Steps i'- iii) of the method can be performed after the completion of steps i) - ili) or simultaneously with steps i) - iii). It may be preferable for steps i'-iir) of the method to be performed after completing steps i) - iii), particularly after completing steps i) - iv) of the method.

[0076] In the case of steps i'- ii!) Of the method are performed after the completion of steps i) - ili), more preferably after the completion of steps i) - iv) of the method, the same spraying units can be used in steps i'- ii) as well as in steps i) - iii), that is, the third and fourth spray units correspond to the first and second spray units.

[0077] According to one or more modalities, the method comprises an additional step of: iv ") Subjecting the wet membrane obtained in step ii) to a drying step to remove at least part of the water separated from the second aqueous bitumen emulsion modified with polymer.

[0078] According to one or more modalities, step iv ') comprises subjecting the wet membrane obtained in step ii!) To a compression step to press the water separated from the polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion out. Compression can be carried out, for example, by passing the wet membrane through a pair of calender rolls. According to one or more embodiments, step iv ') comprises subjecting the wet membrane obtained in step ii) and / or the membrane obtained in the compression step to a final drying step. The final drying step can be carried out, for example, by heating in an oven, heating by airflow or heating with infrared (IR) radiation.

[0079] The dry waterproofing membrane obtained from step iv) or iv ") can also be subjected to one or more post-treatment and / or finishing steps, for example, cutting, winding, winding and packaging steps.

[0080] In addition, the dry waterproofing membrane obtained in step iv) or iv ') can be subjected to additional processing steps, in which one or more additional layers of material are applied to at least one of the outer surfaces of the membrane. waterproofing. Suitable additional layers include, for example, layers of mineral particles based on particles, particularly composed of or comprising sand, talc, gravel or slate; single layer and multilayer polymeric films, particularly polymeric films composed of or comprising polyethylene, particularly cross-laminated HDPE, polypropylene, PVC, polyethylene terephthalate (PET); single layer metal films, particularly aluminum films; multilayered composite films comprising one or more polymeric films and one or more metallic films; layers of adhesive compositions, particularly pressure sensitive adhesive layer (PSA) or hot melt adhesive (HM), including pressure sensitive hot melt adhesives (HM-PSA); and layers of fiber material, particularly layers of non-woven fabric.

[0081] One or more additional layers can be applied to the surface of the dry waterproofing membrane using any conventional techniques. The details of the application step depend on the type of the additional layer (s) applied. For example, the adhesive layers can be applied directly to the surface of the dry waterproofing membrane by means of extrusion steps or flat die calendering or using adhesive transfer films. It may be preferable to cover the adhesive layer, if any, with a release liner, particularly if the applied adhesive is a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). Suitable materials for the release liner include Kraft paper, polyethylene coated paper, silicone coated paper, as well as polymeric films, for example, polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester films optionally coated with polymeric release agents, for example, selected to from silicone, silicone urea, urethanes, waxes and long chain alkyl acrylate release agents.

[0082] Additional polymeric, metallic and metal-polymer composite films can be attached to the surface of the dry waterproofing membrane obtained in steps iv) or iv ') using conventional lamination or adhesive bonding techniques.

[0083] Another object of the present invention is a pre-formed waterproofing membrane comprising a waterproofing layer comprising a polymer-modified bitumen composition and a backing sheet, which is at least partially incorporated,

preferably fully incorporated into the waterproofing layer. By the term "fully incorporated", it is understood that the backing sheet is substantially fully covered by the waterproofing layer matrix.

[0084] The waterproofing layer is preferably a sheet-shaped element with the first and second surfaces, that is, upper and lower surfaces, defined by peripheral edges and defining a thickness of the element between them. The term "sheet-shaped element" refers in this document to elements with length and width at least 25 times, preferably at least 50 times, more preferably at least 100 times greater than the thickness of the element.

[0085] The polymer-modified bitumen composition comprises bitumen and at least one polymer. Preferably, the waterproofing layer is composed of a continuous layer of the polymer-modified bitumen composition. The term "continuous layer" in this document means layers that consist of a single area of the respective material. On the other hand, a "discontinuous layer" is considered to consist of more than one area of the respective material, these areas are not connected together to form a single continuous layer of the material.

[0086] Preferably, the backing sheet comprises at least one layer of fiber material. The fiber material of at least one layer of fiber material is preferably selected from the group consisting of non-woven fabrics, woven fabrics and non-woven fabrics.

[0087] According to one or more modalities, the backing sheet comprises at least one layer of non-woven fabric composed of inorganic fibers, preferably with a mass per unit weight in the range of 5- 300 g / m ?, preferably 15 -200 g / m ", more preferably 25-150 g / m", even more preferably 25-125 g / m ", more preferably 25-100 g / m". Preferably, the inorganic fibers are selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, aramid fibers, wollastonite fibers and carbon fibers, more preferably glass fibers.

[0088] According to one or more modalities, the backing sheet comprises at least one layer of non-woven fabric composed of synthetic organic fibers, preferably with a mass per unit weight in the range of 5-250 g / m ?, preferably 15-150 g / m ", more preferably 25- 125 g / m", even more preferably 25-100 g / m ", more preferably 25- 75 g". Preferably, synthetic organic fibers are selected from the group consisting of polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyethylene fibers, nylon fibers and polyamide fibers.

[0089] According to one or more modalities, the backing sheet comprises at least one non-woven fabric composed of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or glass fibers.

[0090] According to one or more modalities, the backing sheet comprises at least one layer of non-woven fabric composed of synthetic inorganic or organic fibers and at least one non-woven fabric composed of polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, terephthalate multiflament yarns polyethylene (PET) or glass fibers.

[0091] According to one or more additional modalities, the backing sheet is a layer of non-woven fabric composed of inorganic fibers, in which the non-woven fabric preferably has a mass per unit weight in the range of 5-300 g / m ?, preferably 15-200 g / m ?, more preferably 25-150 g / m ?, even more preferably 25-125 g / m ?, more preferably 25- 100 g / m ?, wherein the inorganic fibers are preferably selected from the group consisting of glass fibers, aramid fibers, wollastonite fibers and carbon fibers, more preferably glass fibers.

[0092] According to one or more modalities, the backing sheet is a layer of non-woven fabric composed of synthetic organic fibers, in which the non-woven fabric preferably has a mass per unit weight in the range of 5-250 g / m ?, preferably 15-150 g / m ?, more preferably 25-125 g / m ?, even more preferably 25-100 g / m ?, more preferably 25-75 g / m ?, wherein the synthetic organic fibers are preferably selected from the group consisting of polyester fibers, polypropylene fibers, polyethylene fibers, nylon fibers and polyamide fibers.

[0093] At least one polymer contained in the polymer-modified bitumen composition is preferably selected from the group consisting of acrylic polymers, polyurethane polymers, polyurethane-urea polymers,

styrene-butadiene copolymers, styrene-butadiene halogenated copolymers, styrene-butadiene halogenated copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, styrene-butadiene rubber, natural rubber, isoprene styrene rubber, polyisoprene, polybutylene, polybutylene, rubber, polyochloroprene halogenated butyl, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, ethylene propylene rubber and acrylonitrile butadiene copolymers.

[0094] According to one or more modalities, at least one polymer included in the polymer-modified bitumen composition is selected from the group consisting of acrylic polymers, polyurethane polymers, hybrid polyurethane-acrylic polymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, styrene-butadiene rubber and styrene-isoprene rubber, preferably from the group consisting of hybrid polyurethane-acrylic polymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers and (meth) acrylate-styrene copolymers. According to one or more additional embodiments, at least one polymer is a hybrid polyurethane-acrylic polymer.

[0095] It may be preferable that the weight ratio of the amount of bitumen to the amount of at least one polymer in the polymer modified bitumen composition is in the range of 1: 1 to 20: 1, more preferably 2: 1 to 15 : 1, even more preferably from 2: 1 to 10: 1, more preferably from 3: 1 to 5: 1. In addition, it may be preferable that the polymer-modified bitumen composition comprises 5-70% by weight, more preferably 10-50% by weight, even more preferably 15-40% by weight, more preferably 20-35% by weight of at least one polymer, based on the total weight of the polymer modified bitumen composition.

[0096] According to one or more embodiments, the polymer-modified bitumen composition is a cured composition of an aqueous polymer-bitumen emulsion, i.e., the waterproofing layer comprises a cured composition of an aqueous modified-bitumen emulsion with polymer. The term "cured composition" refers in the context of an aqueous emulsion of polymer-modified bitumen to a demulsified composition from which the water has been separated, resulting in at least partial coagulation of the polymer and bitumen parts, preferably resulting in substantially complete coagulation of the polymer and bitumen parts. The term "substantially complete coagulation" means that at least 90% by weight, preferably at least 95% by weight, more preferably at least 97.5% by weight of the total weight of the polymer and bitumen parts of the aqueous emulsion of bitumen modified with polymer was coagulated.

[0097] It may be preferable that the weight ratio of the amount of bitumen to the amount of polymer in the aqueous emulsion of polymer modified bitumen is in the range of 1: 1 to 20: 1, more preferably from 2: 1 to 15: 1 , even more preferably from 2: 1 to 10: 1, more preferably from 3: 1 to 5: 1. In addition, it may be preferable for the polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion to comprise 1-35% by weight, more preferably 1.5-30% by weight, even more preferably 2.5-25.0% by weight, more preferably 5.0-20% by weight of the polymer, based on the total weight of the polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion.

[0098] According to one or more modalities, the aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion is obtained by mixing an aqueous bitumen emulsion with at least one aqueous polymer dispersion. Mixing can be performed using any conventional mixing technique known to a person skilled in the art, preferably using high shear mixing equipment.

[0099] Suitable aqueous bitumen emulsions include those discussed above, related to the method for producing a waterproofing membrane.

[0100] At least one aqueous polymer dispersion is preferably selected from the group consisting of aqueous dispersions of acrylic polymers, polyurethanes, polyurethane-urea polymers, styrene-butadiene copolymers, halogenated styrene-butadiene copolymers, halogenated styrene copolymers butadiene, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, styrene-butadiene rubber, natural rubber, isoprene styrene rubber, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polychloroprenes, butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorinated polyethylene, chlorosulfonated polyethylene and copolyethylene ethylene and copolymer of acrylonitrile butadiene.

[0101] According to one or more embodiments, at least one aqueous polymer dispersion is selected from the group consisting of acrylic dispersions, polyurethane dispersions, polyurethane-acrylic dispersions, dispersions of styrene-butadiene copolymers, rubber dispersions of styrene-butadiene and dispersions of styrene isoprene rubber, preferably from the group consisting of polyurethane-acrylic dispersions, dispersions of styrene-butadiene copolymers and dispersions of (meth) acrylate-styrene copolymers.

[0102] According to one or more preferred embodiments, at least one polymer dispersion is a polyurethane-acrylic dispersion, preferably a hybrid polyurethane-acrylic dispersion.

[0103] According to one or more embodiments, the preformed waterproofing membrane is obtained using the method for producing a preformed waterproofing membrane of the present invention.

[0104] The thickness of the waterproofing layer is not particularly restricted. It may be preferable that the waterproofing layer has a thickness, determined using the measurement method defined in DIN EN 1849-1, in the range of 0.5-15.0 mm, preferably 0.5-10.0 mm, even more preferably 1.0-7.5 mm, more preferably 1.5 - 5.0 mm.

[0105] It may be preferable for the preformed waterproofing membrane to have an elongation at break, measured using the method defined in ISO 527-2 at a temperature of 23 ºC using a transverse speed of 100 mm / min, at least 10%, more preferably at least 35%, more preferably at least 50% and / or a tensile strength at break, measured using the method defined in ISO 527-2 at a temperature of 23 ºC using a transverse speed of 100 mm / min, at least 0.1 N / mm ?, more preferably at least 0.5 N / mm ?, more preferably at least 1.5 N / mm ?.

[0106] It may be advantageous that the preformed waterproofing membrane further comprises at least one additional layer of material. Suitable additional layers include, for example, layers of mineral particles based on particles, particularly composed of or comprising sand, talc, gravel or slate; single-layer and multilayer polymer films, particularly polymer films composed of or comprising polyethylene, particularly cross-laminated HDPE, polypropylene, PVC, polyethylene terephthalate (PET); single layer metal films, particularly aluminum films; multilayered composite films comprising one or more polymeric films and one or more metallic films; layers of adhesive compositions, particularly pressure sensitive adhesive layer (PSA) or hot melt adhesive (HM), including pressure sensitive hot melt adhesives (HM-PSA); and layers of fiber material, particularly layers of non-woven fabric.

[0107] The additional layers can be fully incorporated into the waterproofing layer or they can be directly or indirectly connected to at least part of the external surfaces of the waterproofing membrane, that is, upper and / or lower surfaces of the waterproofing layer. The term "directly connected" is understood to mean, in the context of the present invention, that no additional layer or substance is present between the layers and that the opposite surfaces of the two layers are directly connected to or adhere to one another. In the transition area between the two layers, the materials that form the layers mixed together can also be present.

[0108] The preformed waterproofing membrane may comprise, for example, a protective film or a release liner, which is directly or indirectly connected to at least part of the upper and / or lower surface of the waterproofing layer. The protective film can be used to protect the surface of the waterproofing layer from moisture, scale and other environmental factors. In addition, if the preformed waterproofing membrane is supplied in the form of rollers, the release liner makes it easier to unroll without sticking to the adjacent surfaces of the membrane.

[0109] The protective film can be selected from the group consisting of layers of mineral particles based on particles, particularly composed of or comprising sand, talc, gravel or slate; single-layer and multilayer polymeric films; single layer metal films, particularly aluminum films; and multilayer composite films comprising one or more polymeric films and one or more metallic films. Suitable release coatings include, for example, polymer-coated paper films, such as Kraft paper, polyethylene-coated paper and silicone-coated paper, as well as polymeric films coated with a polymeric release agent, for example, silicone, urea silicone, urethane, wax, and / or alkyl acrylate chain releasing agent.

[0110] According to one or more embodiments, the preformed waterproofing membrane comprises a protective film or release liner that covers at least part of, preferably substantially all, the upper surface of the waterproofing layer and / or a film protective or release liner covering at least part of, preferably substantially all, the bottom surface of the waterproofing layer. The term "substantially the entire surface" means that at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, more preferably at least 97.5% of the corresponding surface is covered with the respective protective film or release coating.

[0111] According to one or more modalities, the pre-formed waterproofing membrane comprises a first protective film, particularly a polymeric film, preferably a polyethylene, particularly cross-laminated HDPE, polypropylene or polyester film, or a metallic film , preferably an aluminum film, this first protective film covers substantially the entire upper surface of the waterproofing layer and / or a second protective film, particularly a polymeric film, preferably a polyethylene film, cross-laminated HDPE, polypropylene or polyester, or a metallic film, preferably an aluminum film, this second protective film covers substantially the entire bottom surface of the waterproofing layer.

[0112] In addition, the preformed waterproofing membrane can be a single layer waterproofing membrane comprising a single waterproofing layer or a multilayer waterproofing membrane comprising two or more waterproofing layers with the same or different compositions.

[0113] According to one or more modalities, the pre-formed waterproofing membrane further comprises a second waterproofing layer, in which the waterproofing layer and the second waterproofing layer are connected directly or indirectly, preferably directly connected by hair. least part of their opposite surfaces.

[0114] According to one or more modalities, the second waterproofing layer comprises a second polymer-modified bitumen composition. According to one or more embodiments, the second polymer-modified bitumen composition is a cured composition of a second polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion, i.e., the second waterproofing layer comprises a cured composition of a second aqueous bitumen emulsion. modified with polymer.

[0115] The second aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion may be of the same or different composition from the polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion. According to one or more embodiments, the second polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion is identical in composition to the polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion.

[0116] According to one or more additional modalities, the second waterproofing layer is a thermoplastic waterproofing layer, preferably comprising at least 70% by weight, preferably at least 80% by weight, of at least one thermoplastic polymer selected from the group that consists of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer, ethylene-acrylic ester copolymers, ethylene-a-olefin copolymers, ethylene-propylene copolymers, propylene-ethylene copolymers, propylene-a-olefin copolymers, polypropylene (PP ), polyethylene (PE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polyamides (PA), chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE), ethylene-propylene-diene rubber (EPDM) and polyisobutylene ( GDP).

[0117] The pre-formed waterproofing membrane is usually supplied in the form of a roll, which is delivered to the construction site and unrolled from the rollers to provide sheets with a width of 1-5 m and a length of several times the width. However, the pre-formed waterproofing membrane can also be used in the form of strips typically 1-20 cm wide, for example, in order to seal the joints between two adjacent waterproofing membranes. In addition, the pre-formed waterproofing membrane can also be supplied in the form of flat bodies, which are used to repair damaged locations in existing waterproofing or roofing systems.

[0118] Another object of the present invention is a method for waterproofing a surface of a substrate comprising the steps of: i) Application of preformed waterproofing membranes on the surface of the substrate to be waterproofed, ii) Overlapping the adjacent edges of said membranes , ii) Bonding the opposite surfaces of the adjacent edges in the overlapping areas by heat welding or using an adhesive.

[0119] The substrate to be waterproofed can be part of a structure, particularly part of an above ground or underground structure, for example, a building, garage, tunnel, landfill, water retention, lake or dike. The substrate material can be, for example, concrete, metal or wood.

[0120] According to one or more modalities, the opposite surfaces of the adjacent edges of said preformed membranes are connected to each other by hot welding. In this embodiment, the adjacent edges of the preformed waterproofing membranes in the overlapping areas are heated slightly above the melting temperature of the waterproofing layer and the overlapping areas are spliced under sufficient pressure to provide acceptable seam strength without the use of adhesive.

[0121] The heating of the adjacent edges of the preformed waterproofing membranes can be done manually, for example, by an open flame torch or using an automatic welding device, such as a hot air welding joint device, for example , the Leister BITUMATO B2 hot air welder. The temperature at which the adjacent edges of the membranes are heated depends on the modality of the preformed waterproofing membrane.

Examples

[0122] The following compounds and products shown in Table 1 were used in the examples: Table 1 of polyurethane-acrylic solids content of approximately 60% by weight Preparation of preformed waterproofing membranes

[0123] The waterproofing membranes according to reference examples Ref-1 and Ref-2 were produced without a backing layer, while the exemplary waterproofing membrane according to example Ex-1 contained a layer of polypropylene fabric ( SikaFelt 30 g / m? From Sika Columbia).

[0124] An aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion was obtained by mixing the aqueous bitumen emulsion with the aqueous polymer dispersion using a blade impeller mixer using a mixer speed of 800 rpm.

[0125] The waterproofing membranes were produced in a continuous process using a calender roller machine equipped with a conveyor belt section and a pair of calender rolls. In the production process, component A (polymer-modified bitumen) and component B (catalyst), comprising the constituents shown in Table 2, were simultaneously sprayed onto a conveyor belt section surface. Spraying was carried out using two separate spray units, equipped with nozzles, which generated cross flows of components A and B, so that the flows were mixed before coming into contact with the surface of the calender roller machine. In all examples, component A was placed in a first spray unit using a progressive pump at a mass flow of 10 kg / µm and component B was placed in a second spray unit using a gear pump with a flow mass of 1 kg / min. In Ex-1, the flows of components A and B were mixed at a distance of 50 cm from the nozzles, in Ex-2, at a distance of 40 cm from the nozzles, and in Ex-3, at a distance of 50 cm from the nozzles. nozzles. The pulverized material was then passed between two calender rolls to remove water and obtain a membrane with a smooth surface structure. In Ex-3, components A and B were sprayed simultaneously on the surface of a reinforcement layer, which was placed on the calender roller machine from a feed roller.

[0126] The wet membranes produced were dried in a drying section with air flow at a temperature of 30 “* C and a relative humidity of 55%. The dry membranes were stored in the form of rolls. The compositions of components A and B and the properties of the membranes produced are shown in Table 2. Mechanical properties

[0127] Tensile strength at break and elongation at break were measured using the methods defined in ISO 527-2, at a temperature of 23 “C, using a transverse speed of 100 mm / min. The values presented in Table 2 were obtained with specimens, which were cut from the waterproofing membranes produced in the longitudinal direction (machine direction). Table 2 [rempesel compositions | RSA | mere Has gum Properties of the membrane | oo P7éC0cuDda * DNIT seo IRA | om | the as [ereameria worm a | so aa | only

Claims (18)

Claims 1. Method for the production of a preformed waterproofing membrane, characterized by the fact that it comprises the simultaneous spraying of a first aqueous coagulant composition and first polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion to a first surface of a backing sheet for coagulating the first aqueous emulsion and forming a solid layer of the sprayed material on the first surface of the backing sheet. 2. Method for producing a pre-formed waterproofing membrane according to claim 1, characterized in that the backing sheet comprises at least one layer of fiber material. 3. Method for producing a pre-formed waterproofing membrane according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the temperature of the first aqueous emulsion of polymer-modified bitumen during the spraying stage is not more than 80 ºC, more preferably not more than 60 ºC, more preferably not more than 40 “C. 4. Method for producing a pre-formed waterproofing membrane according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first aqueous coagulant composition comprises at least one coagulation agent selected from the group consisting of alkali metal salts and alkaline earth, organic acids, inorganic acids, metal sulphates and polyamines and / or where the first aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion has a solids content of 30-80% by weight, preferably 40-70% by weight , based on the total weight of the aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion. 5. Method for producing a pre-formed waterproofing membrane according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the weight ratio of the amount of bitumen to the amount of polymer in the first aqueous emulsion of polymer-modified bitumen is in the range of 1: 1 to 20: 1, preferably from 2: 1 to 15: 1. 6. Method for producing a pre-formed waterproofing membrane according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion is obtained by mixing an aqueous bitumen emulsion with at least one aqueous dispersion of polymer, preferably with at least one aqueous polymer dispersion selected from the group consisting of polyurethane dispersions, acrylic dispersions, polyurethane-acrylic dispersions, styrene-butadiene copolymer dispersions, styrene-butadiene rubber dispersions and rubber dispersions of rubber styrene isoprene. Method for producing a preformed waterproofing membrane according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one polymer dispersion is a hybrid polyurethane-acrylic dispersion. 8. Method for producing a pre-formed waterproofing membrane according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method further comprises simultaneously spraying a second aqueous coagulant composition and a second aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion. a second surface of the backing sheet for coagulating the second aqueous emulsion and forming a solid layer of the sprayed material on the second surface of the backing sheet, where the second surface of the backing sheet is the surface opposite the first surface support sheet. 9. Method for producing a pre-formed waterproofing membrane according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it comprises the steps of: i) Placing the first aqueous coagulant composition in a first spray unit, ii) Placing the first aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion in a second spray unit, iii) Spray the first aqueous coagulant composition and the first polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion, using said spray units to provide at least two streams with paths cross-spraying so that the first aqueous coagulant composition and the first polymer-modified bitumen aqueous emulsion come into contact and are mixed together outside said spraying units and before or at the time of contacting the first surface of the backing sheet, and iv) Optionally submit the wet waterproofing membrane obtained in step ili) to a drying step to remove at least part of the water separated from the first aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion. 10. Pre-formed waterproofing membrane comprising a waterproofing layer characterized by the fact that it comprises a polymer-modified bitumen composition and a backing sheet, which is at least partially incorporated into the waterproofing layer. 11. Preformed waterproofing membrane according to claim 10, characterized in that the backing sheet comprises at least one layer of fiber material. 12. Preformed waterproofing membrane according to claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the backing sheet comprises at least one layer of non-woven fabric composed of synthetic organic fibers, with the layer of non-woven fabric having preferably a mass per unit weight in the range of 5-250 g / m2, preferably 15-150 g / m2. 13. Preformed waterproofing membrane according to any of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the polymer-modified bitumen composition is a cured composition of an aqueous polymer-modified bitumen emulsion. 14. Pre-formed waterproofing membrane according to claim 13, characterized in that the weight ratio of the amount of bitumen to the amount of polymer in the first aqueous emulsion of polymer modified bitumen is in the range of 1: 1 to 20: 1, preferably from 2: 1 to 15: 1. 15. Pre-formed waterproofing membrane according to claims 13 or 14, characterized in that the aqueous emulsion of bitumen modified with polymer is obtained by mixing an aqueous emulsion of bitumen with at least one aqueous dispersion of polymer, preferably with at least one aqueous polymer dispersion selected from the group consisting of polyurethane dispersions, acrylic dispersions, polyurethane-acrylic dispersions, styrene-butadiene copolymer dispersions, styrene-butadiene rubber dispersions and isoprene styrene rubber dispersions. 16. Preformed waterproofing membrane according to claim 15, characterized in that at least one aqueous polymer dispersion is a hybrid polyurethane-acrylic aqueous dispersion. 17. Preformed waterproofing membrane characterized by the fact that it is obtained using the method as defined in any of claims 1 to 9. 18. Method for waterproofing a substrate surface characterized by the fact that it comprises the steps of: a) Application of preformed waterproofing membranes, according to any of claims 10 to 17, on the surface of the substrate to be waterproofed, b) Overlapping the adjacent edges of said membranes, and c) Connecting the opposite surfaces of the adjacent edges in the areas overlapping each other by hot welding or using an adhesive, preferably by hot welding. resume METHOD TO PRODUCE A PREFORMED BETUMINOUS WATERPROOFING MEMBRANE The invention is directed to a method for producing a preformed waterproofing membrane, comprising a step of simultaneous spraying of an aqueous coagulant composition and an aqueous emulsion of polymer modified bitumen in a surface of a support sheet. The invention is also directed to a preformed waterproofing membrane comprising a waterproofing layer and a backing sheet, and to a method for waterproofing a substrate surface using the preformed waterproofing membranes.