Cellulose ether is commonly used as an additive in mortar and concrete mixtures to improve their properties. When added to a mortar mixture, cellulose ether can affect both the air content and the hydration of cement.
Cellulose ether is a water-soluble polymer that has high water retention capacity. This means that it can hold onto water molecules and prevent them from evaporating, which helps to keep the mortar mixture workable for a longer period of time. As a result, the air content in the mortar can be improved, as the cellulose ether helps to reduce the amount of air that is lost during mixing and transportation.
In addition, cellulose ether can also affect the hydration of cement in the mortar mixture. Cement hydration is the chemical reaction that occurs between water and cement, which leads to the formation of hardened concrete. Cellulose ether can act as a retarding agent, which slows down the rate of cement hydration. This can be beneficial in certain circumstances, such as when working with hot or dry conditions, where the rapid setting of the mortar could lead to cracks and other defects.
Overall, the addition of cellulose ether to mortar can improve its workability, air content, and cement hydration properties. It is important to note that the specific effects of cellulose ether on mortar will depend on the type and dosage of the additive used, as well as the specific properties of the cement and other components in the mixture.