Application of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in building decoration materials

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a non-cationic cellulose ether produced from natural polymer methylcellulose through a series of organic chemical processes. Hydroxypropylcarboxymethylcellulose (HPMC) is an odorless white powder that dissolves in cold water to produce a completely transparent, thick aqueous solution. It has properties such as thickening, adhesion, dispersion, emulsion, demulsification, floating, adsorption, gelling, surface activity, moisturizing, and colloidal solution maintenance. Recent studies show that HPMC also improves thermal insulation and energy efficiency in construction applications.

Application in building decoration materials:

1. Masonry mortar and plastering mortar

High water solubility enables adequate solidification of concrete. It significantly improves bonding compressive strength, tensile strength, and shear strength. This enhances the actual effect and work efficiency of construction projects.

2. Water-resistant putty

The key functions of cellulose ether in putty powder are water locking, adhesion, and lubrication, preventing gaps or sealing due to excessive water shortage. It improves the adhesion of putty powder and reduces sagging at the construction site, making projects successful and labor-saving.

3. Interface agent

Mainly used as a tackifier, it can increase tensile strength and shear strength, improve surface coating, and boost adhesion and fusion strength.

4. External wall insulation mortar

Cellulose ether plays an important role in bonding and increasing strength in this material, making the cement mortar easier to apply and improving work efficiency. It has resistance to hanging, high water-locking properties, increasing working time for cement mortar, improving shrinkage and crack resistance, process performance, and bonding strength.

5. Tile adhesive

High water solubility means there's no need to soak or wet floor tiles and boards in advance, significantly improving bonding strength. The mortar allows for long construction times, meticulous and even application, and ease of construction with good anti-skid properties.

6. Filling agent and ditch filling agent

The addition of cellulose ether gives it excellent edge adhesion, low shrinkage, and high wear resistance, protecting boards from mechanical damage and preventing leakage from adversely affecting construction.

7. Self-leveling material

The stable viscosity of cellulose ether ensures good fluidity and self-leveling properties of cement. The water locking rate is controlled, allowing it to dry quickly and reduce cracking and shrinkage.

What is the application scope of hydroxypropylcarboxymethylcellulose (HPMC)?

HPMC is widely used in building decoration materials, architectural coatings, resin materials, porcelain, medicine, food, textiles, agriculture and animal husbandry, skin care products, and cigarettes. According to the main use, HPMC can be divided into construction grade, food grade stainless steel, and medical grade. Currently, Chinese products are mostly of construction grade. In the construction grade, the use of interior wall putty powder is very large, about 90% is used for interior wall putty powder, and the rest is used to mix mortar and glue.