Application of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in mortar

1. Water retention

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose for construction prevents moisture from penetrating into the wall. An appropriate amount of water stays in the mortar, so that the cement has a longer time to hydrate. The water retention is proportional to the viscosity of the cellulose ether solution in the mortar. The higher the viscosity, the better the water retention. Once the water molecules increase, the water retention decreases. Because for the same amount of construction-specific hydroxypropyl methylcellulose solution, an increase in the amount of water means a decrease in viscosity. The improvement of water retention will lead to the extension of the curing time of the mortar being constructed.

2. Improve constructability

The application of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose HPMC can improve the construction of mortar, make the mortar product have better spreading performance, reduce the adhesion to tools, make the construction easier, and reduce the physical exertion of workers.

3. Bubble content

High air bubble content results in better mortar yield and workability, reducing crack formation. It also lowers the intensity value, resulting in a “liquefaction” phenomenon. Air bubble content usually depends on stirring time. Products are widely used to improve the performance of hydraulic building materials, such as cement and gypsum. In cement-based mortars, it improves water retention, increases correction and open times, and reduces sagging.

4. Anti-sagging

A good sag-resistant mortar means that when applied in thick layers there is no danger of sag or downward flow. Sag resistance can be improved by construction-specific hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Especially the newly developed hydroxypropyl methylcellulose for construction can provide better anti-sagging properties of mortar.

5. Wetting ability

Appropriate cellulose ether products can improve the viscosity of the mortar while ensuring the surface activity and wet adhesion of the mortar, which makes the mortar have better performance in wetting the substrate, even if it is applied to EPS or XPS, etc. There will be no curling and non-wetting phenomenon on the special base surface.