博文

How do I choose cellulose ether for dry-mix mortar applications?

图片
  What is Dry-Mix Mortar?   Dry-mix mortar, also known as ready-mix mortar, is a modern building material composed of sand, cement, fly ash, high-performance additives, and other components, pre-mixed for convenience and consistency.   In dry mortar, cellulose ether serves critical functions such as water retention, thickening, and enhancing workability. Good water retention prevents mortar from sanding, dusting, and losing strength due to incomplete cement hydration caused by water loss. The thickening effect greatly enhances the structural strength of wet mortar, as seen in tile adhesives, where cellulose ether significantly improves anti-sag properties and wet adhesion to various substrates, reducing waste and improving application efficiency.   The role of  hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)  varies across products. For example, in tile adhesives, HPMC extends open time and adjustability. In machine-applied spray mortars, it enhances the structural st...

What's the Difference Between Cement Screed and Self Leveling Compound?

图片
  When it comes to flooring projects, selecting the appropriate surface preparation method is crucial for creating a level and durable foundation. Two common methods are screed and self-leveling compound, each with its own unique characteristics and applications. In this blog post, we'll explore the differences between screed and self-leveling compound, providing you with the insights needed to make an informed choice for your flooring project.   What's the Difference Between Cement Screed and Self Leveling Compound?   Self leveling compounds  are used for going over cement screeds which are to uneven or rough to lay various floor coverings on to. Cement is to build up the floor to a thick layer. A self level is thinner with usual a latex mix through it to take any ridges or dips in the floor.     What is Screed?   Screed is a thin layer of cementitious material applied over a concrete or subfloor surface to create a smooth and level base for vari...

How do silicone hydrophobic agents work in mortar?

图片
 Water repellent is a common additive in building materials, especially in mortar. Its main function is to improve the waterproof performance of mortar, improve its durability and stability, so that it can maintain excellent performance in humid environments. So, specifically, how do hydrophobic agents work in mortar?   Silicone Hydrophobic agents  are substances that make materials repellent to water. It can change the surface properties of materials, making the surface less wettable by water. When these materials come into contact with water, the water will form beads on the surface due to surface tension, rather than immediately penetrating into the material. This is what we often call the "pearl shape". What changes will happen when we add a  silicone hydrophobic powder ​ to the mortar?   The water absorption of the mortar will be significantly reduced. This is because the silicone  hydrophobic agent changes the properties of the mortar surface, ma...

What are the different HPMC grades and their applications?

图片
  Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) is a versatile polymer widely employed in construction, pharmaceuticals, food, and personal care industries. With numerous grades offering distinct characteristics and applications, HPMC has become indispensable in various sectors. This article offers a comprehensive overview of different HPMC grades and their diverse applications.   Construction Grade HPMC   Construction grade HPMC ​, also referred to as cellulose ethers, is extensively utilized in the construction sector. This water-soluble polymer serves as a versatile additive that can thicken, emulsify, and stabilize various building materials such as cement, gypsum, and lime. Available in a range of viscosity grades, from 400 to 200,000 millipascal-seconds (mPa·s), each grade of construction HPMC caters to specific application needs within the industry.   Applications of Construction Grade HPMC   Construction grade HPMC finds key applications in various sectors: ...

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose VS Methyl Cellulose

图片
  Cellulose, the primary component of plant cell walls, is the most abundant organic polymer on Earth. Its derivatives find extensive use across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and construction. Among these derivatives, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and methylcellulose (MC) are the most popular. While HPMC and MC are often used interchangeably, they have significant differences that should be taken into account.   What is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose? Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose  (HPMC) is a nonionic, water-soluble cellulose ether derived from the natural polymer cellulose. Its molecular structure closely resembles that of natural cellulose, making it suitable for a wide range of industrial applications. HPMC's unique properties, such as solubility and viscosity, make it ideal for use in building materials, food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.   Features of HPMC: 1. Solubility: One of the most significant advantages of HPMC is its solu...

What are the main characters and applications of HEC?

图片
  HEC  has the properties of thickening, suspension, bonding, emulsification, film stabilization, dispersion, water retention, antimicrobial and colloid protection, and can be widely used in coatings, cosmetics, oil drilling and other industries. Main Characters of HEC ​ Thickening HEC is an ideal thickener for coatings and cosmetics. In practical applications, its thickening property combined with suspension, safety, dispersibility and water retention will produce more ideal results. Pseudoplasticity Pseudoplasticity is the property that the viscosity of a solution decreases as the speed increases. Latex paint containing HEC is easy to apply with a brush or roller and can increase the smoothness of the surface, which can also increase work efficiency; shampoo containing HEC has good fluidity and easy to dilute and disperse. Salt tolerance HEC is very stable in high-concentration salt solutions, and will not decompose into ions. When used in electroplating, it c...

What are the applications and advantages of polypropylene fibers?

图片
  Polypropylene fibers  offer distinctive characteristics that render them an excellent addition for attaining particular benefits in construction projects, particularly when incorporated into concrete.   These fibers typically consist of continuous or discontinuous polypropylene fibers organized within a plastic matrix. Here are several reasons why polypropylene is chosen as a  reinforcing material :   1. Cost-effectiveness: Polypropylene offers good value for money. 2. Versatility: It is compatible with a wide range of processing techniques and applicable in various industries. 3. Low specific weight: Due to its lightweight nature, less material is required to achieve the desired final product. 4. Mechanical properties: Polypropylene can achieve a favorable balance between impact resistance and stiffness. 5. Chemical resistance: It exhibits excellent resistance to common solvents. 6. Dimensional stability: Polypropylene maintains its shape well, even when expo...