The action mechanism of starch ether in mortar

Starch ether is a type of cellulose ether that is commonly used as an additive in mortar to improve its performance. The main function of starch ether in mortar is to enhance its workability, water retention, and adhesion properties. The action mechanism of starch ether in mortar can be explained as follows:

1. Workability enhancement: Starch ether can improve the workability of the mortar by reducing the viscosity of the mixture. This is achieved by the adsorption of starch ether molecules onto the surface of the cement particles, which reduces their electrostatic charges and increases their mobility. This reduces the friction between the particles, allowing them to move more freely and easily. As a result, the mortar becomes more fluid and easier to work with.
2. Water retention: Starch ether can improve the water retention of the mortar by forming a protective film around the cement particles. This film prevents the water in the mixture from evaporating too quickly, allowing the mortar to remain workable for a longer period of time. This is particularly important in hot and dry conditions, where the evaporation rate of water from the mortar is high.
3. Adhesion: Starch ether can improve the adhesion of the mortar to the substrate by increasing its tackiness. This is achieved by the formation of hydrogen bonds between the starch ether molecules and the substrate surface, which increases the interfacial adhesion strength. This improves the overall bonding strength between the mortar and the substrate, reducing the risk of detachment or failure.

In summary, the action mechanism of starch ether in mortar is based on its ability to enhance the workability, water retention, and adhesion properties of the mixture. Starch ether achieves this by reducing the viscosity of the mixture, forming a protective film around the cement particles, and increasing the tackiness of the mortar. The use of starch ether in mortar can improve the overall performance and durability of the mixture, resulting in a more efficient and effective construction process.