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