Wall putty is a popular construction material used in both residential and commercial buildings. It is a versatile material that is used for smoothing and finishing interior and exterior walls before painting or wallpapering. Wall putty is composed of various raw materials that are mixed together to form a thick paste-like substance. In this article, we will discuss the raw materials of wall putty in detail.
White cement:
White cement is the primary raw material used in wall putty. It is a hydraulic binder that is made from finely ground white clinker and gypsum. White cement has a high degree of whiteness and a low content of iron and manganese oxide. It is preferred in wall putty as it provides a smooth finish to the walls, has good adhesion properties, and is resistant to water.
Marble powder:
Marble powder is a by-product of marble cutting and polishing. It is finely ground and used in wall putty to enhance its strength and durability. Marble powder is a natural mineral that is rich in calcium and has good bonding properties. It helps in reducing the shrinkage of the putty and provides a smooth finish to the walls.
Talcum powder:
Talcum powder is a soft mineral that is used in wall putty to improve its workability and reduce the viscosity of the mixture. It is finely ground and has a high degree of purity. Talcum powder helps in the easy application of the putty and improves its adhesion to the walls.
China clay:
China clay, also known as kaolin, is a natural mineral that is used in wall putty as a filler. It is finely ground and has a high degree of whiteness. China clay is an inexpensive raw material that is used to improve the bulk of the putty and reduce its cost.
Mica powder:
Mica powder is a natural mineral that is used in wall putty to provide a glossy finish to the walls. It is finely ground and has a high degree of reflectivity. Mica powder helps in reducing the porosity of the putty and provides good resistance to water.
Silica sand:
Silica sand is a natural mineral that is used in wall putty as a filler. It is finely ground and has a high degree of purity. Silica sand helps in improving the strength of the putty and reduces its shrinkage. It also helps in improving the adhesion of the putty to the walls.
Water:
Water is an essential component of wall putty. It is used to mix the raw materials together and form a paste-like substance. Water helps in activating the binding properties of the cement and provides the necessary fluidity to the mixture.
Chemical additives:
Chemical additives are used in wall putty to improve its properties and performance. These additives include retarders, accelerators, plasticizers, and waterproofing agents. Retarders are used to slow down the setting time of the putty, while accelerators are used to speed up the setting time. Plasticizers are used to improve the workability and reduce the viscosity of the putty, while waterproofing agents are used to make the putty water-resistant.
Methyl cellulose is a common type of cellulose ether used in wall putty. It is made by the chemical modification of natural cellulose using methanol and alkali. Methyl cellulose is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder that is soluble in water and forms a clear and viscous solution. It has good water retention properties and improves the workability of the putty. Methyl cellulose also provides good adhesion to various substrates and improves the tensile strength of the putty.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is another type of cellulose ether used in wall putty. It is made by the chemical modification of natural cellulose using ethylene oxide and alkali. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder that is soluble in water and forms a clear and viscous solution. It has good water retention properties and improves the workability of the putty. Hydroxyethyl cellulose also provides good adhesion to various substrates and improves the tensile strength of the putty.
Carboxymethyl cellulose is also used in wall putty as a thickener and binder. It is made by the chemical modification of natural cellulose using monochloroacetic acid and alkali. Carboxymethyl cellulose is a white, odorless, and tasteless powder that is soluble in water and forms a clear and viscous solution. It has good water retention properties and improves the workability of the putty. Carboxymethyl cellulose also provides good adhesion to various substrates and improves the tensile strength of the putty.
In conclusion, wall putty is composed of various raw materials that are mixed together to form a paste-like substance. The primary raw material used in wall putty is white cement, while other raw materials include marble powder, talcum powder, china clay, mica powder, silica sand, water, and chemical additives. These raw materials are chosen for their specific properties, such as whiteness, bonding properties, workability, and durability, to provide a smooth and glossy finish to the walls.