Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) is a cellulose ether derived from natural cellulose. HPMC is used in a wide variety of applications including food production, construction, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. As a HPMC manufacturer, we are committed to producing high-quality products that meet our customers’ needs.
In recent years, low-viscosity HPMC has become more and more popular in the construction industry due to its improved application properties and better dispersion properties. Low-viscosity HPMC is commonly used in mortars, plasters and tile adhesives as a thickener, binder and water-retaining agent. In this article, we describe low viscosity HPMC and its benefits for the construction industry.
What is low viscosity HPMC?
Low Viscosity HPMC is a cellulose ether with a lower viscosity compared to traditional HPMC. This makes handling and distribution easier, and also improves the workability of the building material. Low-viscosity HPMC is commonly used in mortar and other construction materials to act as a thickener and improve the material’s cohesion and workability.
What are the benefits of low viscosity HPMC?
Improved Workability: Low viscosity HPMC improves the workability of construction materials by improving the flow and dispersion of the material. This makes application easier and improves the overall quality of the finished product.
Better Adhesion: Low-viscosity HPMC acts as an adhesive to improve the adhesion of building materials to substrates. This makes it an ideal additive for mortars, plasters and tile adhesives.
Improved water retention: Low viscosity HPMC can also increase water retention in building materials, reducing the amount of water needed to achieve desired workability. This saves costs and improves product performance.
Non-toxic and environmentally friendly: low-viscosity HPMC is non-toxic and environmentally friendly, and is a safe choice for building materials. It’s also biodegradable and can be easily recycled.
Wide Range of Applications: Low-viscosity HPMC can be used in a variety of building materials, including mortars, plasters, grouts and tile adhesives. It is also used in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food production.
How is low viscosity HPMC produced?
Low viscosity HPMC is produced using a process similar to traditional HPMC. The process involves converting native cellulose to methylcellulose, then adding hydroxypropyl groups to the methylcellulose to form HPMC. Low viscosity HPMC is produced by controlling the degree of substitution (DS) and molecular weight of HPMC, resulting in a lower viscosity product.
What types of low viscosity HPMC are there?
Low viscosity HPMC is available in a variety of grades, each with its own properties and characteristics. Some common low viscosity HPMC types include:
- LV: low viscosity grade with a viscosity range of 50 – 400 mPa.s. LV HPMC is commonly used in plasters, mortars and tile adhesives.
- LVF: low viscosity fast setting grade with a viscosity range of 50 – 400 mPa.s. LVF HPMC is commonly used in fast setting tile adhesives and grouts.
- LVT: Low viscosity thickening grade with a viscosity range of 400 – 2000 mPa.s. LVT HPMC is commonly used in joint compounds, textile printing and personal care products.
What are the applications of low viscosity HPMC?
Low viscosity HPMC is widely used in the construction industry as a thickener, adhesive and water retaining agent. Some common applications of low viscosity HPMC in construction include:
- Mortars: Low viscosity HPMC is used in mortars to improve workability, adhesion and water retention. It also thickens the mortar, making it easier to apply and reducing the risk of cracking.
- Plastering: Low viscosity HPMC is used in plastering to improve workability and water retention. It also improves the appearance of your renders, making their surfaces smoother.
- Tile Adhesives: Low viscosity HPMC is used in tile adhesives to improve workability, adhesion and water retention. It also ensures that the tile adhesive remains flexible after it has set.
- Grouting: Low viscosity HPMC is used in grouting to improve workability and water retention. It also helps prevent grout from cracking and shrinking.
in conclusion
Low-viscosity HPMC is an important additive in the construction industry, which can improve the workability, adhesion and water retention of building materials. As a HPMC manufacturer, we are committed to producing high-quality products that meet our customers’ needs. We will continue to innovate and improve our products to ensure they remain at the forefront of the construction industry.