BENAQUA® 6000

A multifunctional rheological additive boosting open time and workability for cementitious tile adhesives

Be natural. Be simple. Be efficient.

BENAQUA® 6000 is a hectorite clay‑based rheological additive, engineered to help cementitious tile adhesive (CTA) manufacturers overcome the growing challenges of large‑format tile installation, tightening sustainability requirements, and the need for simpler, more cost‑effective formulations.

Meeting the Demands of Modern Tile Installation

The rapid adoption of large-format tiles and stricter green building standards are pushing adhesive manufacturers to deliver extended open time, superior sag control, and smoother workability without compromising simplicity or cost. Yet traditional formulations often rely on complex cellulose-based blends that need to be customised per each formulation, increasing complexity and variability.

Conventional cellulose‑based additives often force formulators to compromise between open time, slip resistance, and workability. BENAQUA® 6000 breaks these trade‑offs by delivering extended open time (>30 minutes), excellent sag control (<0.5 mm slip), and a unique “buttery” consistency – all while maintaining high adhesion strength (>1.0 N/mm²). This enables installers to work with large, heavy tiles more efficiently and reduces rework on the jobsite.

Based on natural hectorite clay technology, BENAQUA® 6000 contains >97% active content and is 100% natural‑based. It provides high viscosity at low to medium shear, ensuring superior sag resistance and open time performance. The additive is fully compliant with ISO 13007 / EN 12004 (C2TE classification) and ANSI A118 standards.

Unlike many organic thickeners that are sensitive to dosage variations and can cause formulation instability, BENAQUA® 6000 offers broad compatibility with all common dry‑mix ingredients. It allows more flexibility for the formulator to choose a more effective combination of raw materials, helping to maintain consistent performance. 

Expanding Possibilities in Cementitious Tile Adhesives

BENAQUA® 6000 enables adhesive manufacturers to develop next‑generation CTAs that meet the evolving needs of professional installers – longer working time, effortless troweling, and reliable vertical slip resistance. By combining performance with formulation simplicity and sustainability, this innovative solution supports the production of high‑quality, compliant CTAs without compromising cost efficiency or application reliability.

We’re adding:

  • Extended open time: Achieves >30 minutes, giving installers more flexibility when placing large-format tiles.​
  • High adhesion strength: Maintains >1.0 N/mm², achieving C2 classification.​
  • Excellent sag control: Meets ISO 13007 slip resistance requirements (<0.5 mm sag) for vertical applications.​
  • 100% active and natural-based powder: Derived from hectorite clay, >97% active content – a clean, sustainable choice.​
  • Superior workability: Provides a smooth, "buttery" consistency that improves troweling, tile placement, and alignment during installation.​
  • Formulation cost savings: Allows more flexibility for the formulator to choose a more effective combination of raw materials, helping to maintain consistent performance. 

Learn more about the Elementis BENAQUA® 6000 via our brochure.