The action mechanism of cellulose in wet mortar

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is used as a water-retaining agent in cement mortar and retarder for mortar pumping. In the case where gypsum is used as a binder to improve application and extend working time, the water retention of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose HPMC prevents the slurry from cracking too quickly after drying and improves strength after hardening. Water retention is an important property of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose HPMC, and it is also a concern of many domestic wet mix mortar manufacturers.

Factors that affect the water retention effect of wet-mix mortar include the amount of HPMC added, the viscosity of HPMC, the fineness of the particles and the temperature of the use environment.

The main functions of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose HPMC in wet-mix mortar are mainly in three aspects. One is excellent water-holding capacity, the other is its influence on the consistency and thixotropy of wet-mix mortar, and the third is the interaction with cement. .

The water retention of cellulose ether depends on the water absorption rate of the base layer, the composition of the mortar, the thickness of the mortar layer, the water demand of the mortar, and the setting time. The higher the transparency of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, the better its water retention.