The Application of HPMC in Dry Mortar

HPMC are widely used in dry mix mortar products. The amount of cellulose ether, such as HPMC in dry mortar, added is very low, but it can significantly improve the performance of mortar and is an important additive that affects the construction performance of mortar. Cellulose ethers are rheology modifiers used to adjust the rheological properties of mortar. Construction grade hpmc have more application.

1. WHAT IS HYDROXY PROPYL METHYL CELLULOSE (HPMC)?

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (also called HPMC or Hypromellose) is a water-soluble, non-ionic cellulose ether polymer. It refers to a cellulose ether family whose hydroxyl groups have been substituted by one or more of the polymeric ring’s three hydroxyl groups.

2. HPMC PROPERTIES

1. HPMC is hydrophilic i.e. they are water-soluble. They are easily dissolved in water.
2. HPMC is biodegradable.
3. It is a biocompatible polymer with various applications in dyes and paints, cosmetics, adhesives, agriculture, and textile production.
4. Non-aqueous solvents can be used in mixing HPMC because it is also soluble in polar organic solvents.
5. After heating, it forms a gel with a gelatin temperature of 75–90℃.
6. It is white or pale white cellulose powder or particles.
7. Its solution is stable at room temperature.

3. WHY HPMC IS APPLIED IN DRY MORTAR

To satisfy a variety of needs, HPMC has a great water retention effect, simple construction, and a wide variety of viscosities. It tremendously improves mortar performance when added as an additive. It also enhances the mortar’s pumping and spraying performance.

Several studies and laboratory experiments have it shown that HPMC created a colloidal film in water including a foundation for a 3D network, which changed water’s retention capacity that aids the easy blending of the cement and sand particles; the HPMC colloid adsorbed and played a bridging role because of the effect of the thin film’s spatial network structure. A grid-like distribution was formed from fine particles, and a unique structure that looks exactly like a fibrous tree was also formed by the hydration materials. A significant link between the plastic viscosity and the cement mortar’s water retaining strength was established.

4. FUNCTIONS OF MELACOLL™ HPMC IN DRY MORTAR

MelaColl™ Construction HPMC has outstanding efficiency in water retention and is commonly used in different mortars, including tile adhesives, wall putty/skim coat, masonry mortar, high performance cement, mortar plastering and mortar ground leveling.

HPMC in dry mortar has an effective thickening effect. It can boost the cement’s construction efficiency and durability, change the fluidity of the product, produce the best looking effect, and increase the mortar’s fullness and volume.

HPMC in dry mortar can enhance mortar cohesiveness and functionality, overcome common problems such as ordinary mortar shelling and hollowing, reduce blanking, save materials and reduce cost.

HPMC in dry mortar is also known for a kind of retarding behavior, which can ensure the mortar’s operating time and enhance the mortar’s plasticity and construction impact.

HPMC in dry mortar can add sufficient quantities of air bubbles, which can substantially boost the mortar’s frost resistance and enhance the mortar’s frost resistance and long-lasting ability of the mortar.

To learn more about MelaColl™HPMC, please CONTACT US for more information or a sample!