HPMC manufacturer-What Is the Role of HPMC in Tile Adhesive

HPMC manufacturer-What Is the Role of HPMC in Tile Adhesive

Tile adhesives are compounds used to firmly adhere tiles to walls or floors. Tile adhesives are expected to not only hold tiles in place for years, but not fail for decades.The application of SLEOCHEM Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) products can improve all the properties of tile adhesives to meet all the needs in construction. Let us share for you what it can do.

Properties of HPMC
HPMC or hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose is a water-soluble nonionic cellulose ether polymer. The chemical properties can vary depending on the degree of substitution and modification. HPMC products have good thickening, dispersion, emulsification, suspension, adsorption, surface activity and water retention properties and are widely used in tile adhesives.

The main role of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) added to tile adhesives is water retention and thickening. Usually, when evaluating the performance of tile adhesives, we pay attention to their mechanical strength and open time, in addition to their compatibility and slip resistance.

Effect on the opening time
In wet mortar, the water in the mortar evaporates and then the cellulose ether collects on the surface. a film is formed on the surface of the mortar within 5 minutes, which will reduce the subsequent evaporation rate. Therefore, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) can extend the opening time.

Effect on tensile strength
HPMC can also delay the hydration kinetics of the cement. This delay is mainly due to the absorption of HPMC molecules by the various mineral phases in the hydrated cement system. Specifically, HPMC molecules are mainly adsorbed on hydration products, such as CSH and calcium hydroxide. In addition, due to the increased viscosity of the pore solution, HPMC reduces the ion mobility in the pore solution, further delaying the hydration process.

Tile adhesives are one of the most widespread applications for our products. We offer economical, standard and premium grades for tile adhesives, including RDP-VAE. they improve adhesion, increase heat and freeze-thaw resistance, and improve water retention.