KimaCell® HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) is a functional polymer additive widely used in building materials. It is mainly used as a thickener, water retaining agent, adhesive, lubricant and film-forming agent. It plays a key role in the construction industry, especially in cement-based and gypsum-based materials, significantly improving the performance of building products.
1. Improve water retention
Water retention is one of the most important functions of HPMC in construction applications. KimaCell® HPMC has a strong ability to absorb water and effectively retain moisture in the mixed material. This is particularly critical in products such as cement mortars, plaster products and tile adhesives.
When cement or gypsum products are mixed with water, the moisture is easily absorbed by the substrate or dry conditions in the air, leading to early dehydration and affecting the normal progress of the hydration reaction. HPMC can extend the hydration time of cement through water retention, ensuring that the material will not dry out prematurely during the construction process, ultimately improving strength and bonding performance. For cement mortars and gypsum-based products, good water retention also avoids cracking and chalking problems.
2. Improve workability
In construction, the workability of materials directly affects construction efficiency. KimaCell® HPMC improves the flow and spreadability of materials such as mortars, plasters and tile adhesives through thickening and lubricating effects, making them easier to apply and apply during construction. For example, adding HPMC to tile adhesive can make it easier to scrape, reduce stringing during operation, and increase smoothness.
In addition, HPMC will not significantly increase the surface tension while adjusting the consistency of the material, allowing the construction material to maintain good spreadability, reduce sagging, and improve construction quality.
3. Enhance adhesion
Adhesion is one of the key factors that determine the performance of building materials. KimaCell® HPMC increases the viscosity and lubricity of the mortar or adhesive, allowing it to better contact the substrate and form a strong bonding layer. In products such as tile adhesives and interface agents, the introduction of HPMC can effectively enhance the adhesion of the products to different substrates.
For products such as tile glue and putty powder, good adhesion means that the material will not easily fall off or peel after construction is completed, thus extending the service life of the building. This not only reduces rework rates but also improves the overall quality of the building.
4. Improve crack resistance
Cracks are a common problem in construction projects and are often caused by early water loss or uneven drying rates in the material. KimaCell® HPMC is able to prevent premature water loss during the hardening process through its water retention effect, thus significantly reducing shrinkage cracks caused by water loss. Adding HPMC to mortar, gypsum products and putty powder can effectively inhibit surface cracking of the material and improve the durability and aesthetics of the building.
5. Increase construction time
Extended construction hours (opening hours) are a big need in building construction, especially when working on large areas. KimaCell® HPMC extends the working time of mortar and plaster products through its unique water retention and thickening properties, giving workers more time to make adjustments and corrections. This is particularly important to ensure construction quality and reduce waste.
For example, during the tile laying process, extended open times allow workers to more easily adjust the placement of tiles without premature drying of the material, resulting in weak bonds or the need for rework.
6. Improve anti-sag performance
In building construction, the anti-sag properties of materials are particularly critical to ensure the construction quality of walls and ceilings. KimaCell® HPMC significantly reduces the sagging of mortars, putties and tile adhesives on vertical surfaces through its thickening and increasing material viscosity properties.
This feature is especially suitable for scenes that require vertical construction such as plastering and tile laying. The mortar or tile adhesive added with HPMC can maintain high adhesion and hanging ability, preventing the material from flowing or sliding down during the construction process, thus ensuring the smoothness and aesthetics of the construction surface.
7. Enhance freeze-thaw resistance
When building materials are exposed to the outdoor environment, they often face freeze-thaw cycles caused by temperature changes. Freeze-thaw cycles can cause micro-cracks to propagate within the material, affecting the overall structural stability of the building. Through its excellent water retention and film-forming properties, KimaCell® HPMC can form a protective film on the surface of the material, reducing the free movement of water molecules inside the material, thereby enhancing its freeze-thaw resistance and extending the service life of building materials.
8. Improve chemical corrosion resistance
Building materials may be exposed to a variety of chemicals during use, such as acids, alkalis, salts, etc. These chemicals may corrode the materials and affect their service life. KimaCell® HPMC increases the material’s resistance to these chemicals due to its unique chemical inertness. Especially in waterproof materials and construction adhesives, the introduction of HPMC can effectively enhance the material’s chemical corrosion resistance, thereby maintaining stable performance in harsh chemical environments.
KimaCell® HPMC effectively improves the performance of building products in building materials by improving water retention, enhancing adhesion, improving workability and crack resistance. The introduction of this multifunctional polymer additive not only improves the construction convenience and service life of building materials, but also helps improve the overall quality and aesthetics of the building. In the field of modern construction, KimaCell® HPMC has become an indispensable and important additive, and its wide application in building materials has further promoted the development of construction technology.