Cellulose ether (HPMC) | Water-retaining agent & thickener

Cellulose ether includes many cellulose products. There are many cellulose products that can be used as water-retaining agents and thickeners. This article mainly introduces the cellulose ether hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC).

When it comes to water-retaining, people may think of the effects of preventing water evaporation and loss, but the water-retaining effect of cellulose ether (HPMC) can prevent the substrate from absorbing too much water too quickly, which is unexpected. The water-retaining effect of HPMC in the use of building materials is to prevent water absorption too quickly and water evaporation, and ensure that there is sufficient water when cement mortar is used.

The water-retaining property of cellulose ether (HPMC) is proportional to the molecular weight (HPMC viscosity).
The higher the molecular weight of cellulose ether (HPMC), the higher the water-retaining property will be, and the viscosity of cement mortar will also increase, which is also the thickening effect of HPMC. Therefore, HPMC can also be used as a thickener.

As an important product among cellulose ethers, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) plays an important role in coatings, latex paints, and cement grouting materials. In fact, HPMC plays the role of protecting colloids and overcomes the flocculation of solid particles. The cement slurry with HPMC has a higher viscosity, the slurry is not easy to stratify, and the total time required for the mixing process and construction operation is less, which helps to improve the workability of the mortar.