What is HPMC for tile?

When searching for information about HPMC for tile adhesive, you will find that Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a vital ingredient in the tile adhesive industry. Known for its water retention and thickening properties, HPMC is widely utilized due to its significant advantages such as high adhesion and flexibility.

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HPMC is a derivative created from the etherification of high-purity cotton cellulose under alkaline conditions. It serves as a crucial functional additive in various construction materials, particularly tile adhesives, which are used for attaching decorative surfaces like ceramic, wall, and floor tiles.

Tile adhesives are formulated with specific proportions of cement, sand, calcium formate, and additives, among which cellulose ethers play a key role in enhancing water retention and viscosity. The most commonly used cellulose ethers in these formulations are HPMC and HEMC. In this guide, we will explore the top seven essential considerations when purchasing HPMC for tile adhesive.

1. The Ultimate Guide on HPMC Grade

1.1 HPMC is categorized based on its application, including construction-grade, daily chemical-grade, food-grade, and pharmaceutical-grade. For tile adhesive, we specifically utilize construction-grade HPMC. In the video below, you will find suitable HPMC grades for various building applications such as wall putty, skim coat, tile adhesive, and more.

1.2 Viscosity is a crucial indicator of HPMC's performance. The viscosity of HPMC enhances the thickening capacity of tile adhesive, which is evaluated based on the viscosity of a 2% HPMC solution at a specified temperature (20°C) and shear rate (20rpm). A higher viscosity typically suggests a better adhesive quality, enhancing adhesion to substrates. Conversely, extremely high viscosity may hinder the fluidity and workability of the adhesive.

1.3 HPMC can be classified into low, medium, and high viscosity grades. Care must be taken during viscosity measurement, as different viscometers may yield varying results.

1.4 Depending on solubility, HPMC is categorized into delayed dissolution type (surface-treated) and non-delayed dissolution type (non-surface treated). In construction, HPMC is often introduced into neutral water to evaluate if it has undergone surface treatment. Surface-treated HPMC typically disperses quickly in neutral water, whereas non-surface-treated HPMC tends to clump.

Non-surface treatment HPMC:

• The untreated surface product dissolves rapidly, creating a film that inhibits water absorption by other particles, leading to clumping.
• Untreated HPMC dissolves quickly under various conditions but cannot disperse in liquid, which can lead to aggregation issues.
• In practical applications, once physically dispersed with solid particles, non-surface-treated HPMC can effectively work for cement-based and gypsum-grade tile adhesives.

Surface treatment HPMC:

• Particles of surface-treated HPMC can disperse in neutral water without immediate viscosity but will dissolve fully after a soaking period once the surface treatment's chemical structure is compromised.
• This type of HPMC can dissolve quickly in alkaline conditions and at varying rates in neutral and acidic states.
• In construction, this HPMC type works effectively when mixed with solid materials in alkaline conditions, ensuring it evenly disperses when water is introduced.

2. HPMC Solutions for Different Application Scenarios of Tile Adhesive

• Indoor tile adhesive, commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms, benefits from high viscosity and waterproof features to prevent moisture-related issues.

In home decoration, ceramic tiles applied to areas like balconies and bathrooms not only enhance aesthetics but also provide moisture resistance. The use of high-viscosity, waterproof HPMC is recommended for superior adhesion and longevity, reducing maintenance needs.

• Outdoor tile adhesive, required for swimming pools, exterior walls, and balconies, must demonstrate resistance to water, heat, cold, and abrasion. This is crucial due to habitual exposure to harsh weather conditions.

For outdoor applications, selecting high-viscosity HPMC ensures the tile adhesives can endure demanding environments and prolonged exposure to the elements.

3. HPMC Production Process

HPMC is produced through etherification of alkali-swollen cellulose. The industrial production process began in the United States during the late 20th century, with advancements in technology leading to better control over production variables.

The production process of HPMC can be divided into gas-phase and liquid-phase methods.

Developed nations typically employ gas-phase technology using wood pulp as a raw material. The process uses a horizontal reactor with precise control over temperature and pressure, ensuring efficient mixing and high-quality outputs.

Gas-phase method advantages:

• Compact equipment design with high batch output.
• Lower reaction temperatures and shorter reaction times than liquid-phase methods.
• More accurate reaction control and minimal need for complex solvent recovery systems.
• Reduced labor costs and intensity.

However, the gas-phase method:

• Requires significant investment in technology and equipment.
• Complicated operational requirements lead to a higher skill necessity for workers.
• Failures can cause severe accidents and production halts.

Conversely, most HPMC production in China utilizes a liquid-phase method where refined cotton is processed in vertical reactors. While this method offers lower pressure and simpler equipment, it necessitates extensive resources for purification and packaging.

Liquid-phase method advantages:

• Lower internal pressure requirements reduce risks.
• Uniform alkalization leads to better product quality control.
• Flexibility in adjusting production volume and varieties.

Liquid-phase method disadvantages:

• Smaller reactors limit production capacity.
• Complex refining operations require substantial equipment.
• Higher labor costs and intense manual operations.

4. Factors Affecting HPMC Price

Pricing is a major concern when purchasing HPMC. Current market trends indicate Chinese manufacturers' prices hover around USD, while Western counterparts often exceed USD. Variations in price largely stem from the viscosity of the HPMC—higher viscosity generally commands a higher cost.

The purity of HPMC also influences price, with higher purity products (98%-99%) being more expensive than those with lower purity (<96%). Market conditions of raw materials greatly affect pricing; fluctuations in crude oil and cotton prices impact HPMC manufacturing costs.

Additionally, market demand dramatically influences prices. The pandemic reduced global demand due to factory shutdowns, causing prices to dip. As demand resurges, prices have seen an upswing.

5. Melacoll VS Other Brands

Choosing HPMC by Melacoll ensures high-quality standards due to stringent American ISO production processes. Leveraging China's raw material abundance, Melacoll achieves impressive production volumes while maintaining competitive pricing.

6. HPMC vs HEMC

6.1 Different production processes

HPMC and HEMC differ primarily in raw materials and their respective production methods. HPMC uses refined cotton or wood pulp, while HEMC substitutes ethylene oxide during its production. This results in differing properties and applications for each cellulose ether.

6.2 Different physical and chemical properties

HPMC consists of methoxy and hydroxypropyl groups, granting thermal gel properties. In contrast, HEMC includes more hydrophilic groups, which contribute to greater thermal stability at high temperatures, making it suitable for specific environments.

6.3 Different cellulose ether group content

Methoxy and hydroxypropyl content varies between HPMC (16%-30%, 4%-32% respectively) and HEMC (22%-30%, 2%-14% respectively), affecting their performance attributes.

6.4 Different gelation temperature

Gel temperature serves as a critical indicator; HPMC generally melts between 60°C and 75°C while HEMC's gel temperature exceeds 80°C, reflecting its stability for high-temperature applications.

6.5 Different applications in tile adhesive

HPMC and HEMC serve roles as dispersants and thickeners in tile adhesive formulations. Depending on construction conditions, each ether offers unique advantages, such as HEMC's higher thermal stability under hot working conditions.

7. 4 Reasons Why You Need to Buy HPMC for Tile Adhesive

Understanding HPMC's role in tile bonding is essential:

• Enhances water retention, improving bonding strength and anti-slip properties.
• Offers favorable opening and operable times for installation flexibility.
• Presents excellent mixing capabilities, streamlining the construction process.
• Increases the plasticity and flexibility in adhesive formulations.

Product Description

HPMC CAS-65-3 is a high-quality cellulose ether that is widely used in the construction industry, especially in tile adhesive applications. HPMC for tile adhesive acts as a thickener, water retention agent, and binder, which enhances the performance and workability of tile adhesive products. Tile adhesives contain cement, sand and other additives. Hydroxypropyl cellulose ether HPMC serves as a water-repellent thickening agent for tile adhesion.

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose HPMC

COMMON NAME: HYDROXYPROPYL METHYL CELLULOSE

ABBREVIATION: HPMC

CAS NO.: -65-3

STANDARDS COMPLIANT: ENTERPRISE STANDARD

CHEMICAL FORMULA: R=CH2CH(CH3)OH

HPMC for tile adhesive features:

* Improves thermal stability and reduces cement hydration delay.

* Exhibits excellent slip resistance and improves the rheology of plaster applications.

* Provides good consistency, crack resistance, shrinkage resistance, and overall machinability.

* HPMC tile adhesive enhances water retention, reducing moisture loss from tiles and substrates, ensuring sufficient water for cement hydration.

* Adequate water retention boosts bond strength, improving the adhesive's slip resistance.

HPMC for tile adhesive properties:

* Particle size: 98.5% passes through 100 mesh; 100% passes through 80 mesh.

* Charring temperature: 280-300°C.

* Bulk density: 0.25-0.70 g/cm3 (usually around 0.5 g/cm3).

* Real specific gravity: 1.26-1.31.

* Browning temperature: 190-200°C.

* Surface tension: (2% water solution) 42-56 dyn/cm.

* Properties: Soluble in water and some organic solvents like ethanol and propyl alcohol; possesses surface-active properties and gelation temperatures that vary by grade.

As a professional HPMC tile adhesive supplier, HaoShuo offers a range of high-quality HPMC powders at competitive prices, including:

Construction Grade HPMC

Daily Chemical Grade HPMC

Gypsum Special Grade HPMC

With advanced German production technology and a capacity of 200 tons daily, we ensure top-notch quality. For high-quality HPMC tile adhesive inquiries, please feel free to contact us!

Construction grade Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)

Performance in building materials:

In building materials, the quantity of HPMC powder required is low (0.1%-1%), yet it plays an essential role in enhancing water retention, fluidity, and lubricity while making the product easier to use and improving overall work efficiency.

Tile adhesive application guide:

1. Adjust the open time of tile adhesive: HPMC forms a thin film on the tile adhesive's surface to minimize moisture evaporation, increasing the open time.

2. Enhance tensile strength: Good water retention ensures adequate water remains available for cement hydration.

3. Improve workability: Selecting the correct HPMC optimizes mortar application, increasing builder efficiency and ease of use.

4. Boost anti-slip properties: Enhanced binding strength in wet mortar improves overall adhesion.

Packaging and storage

Packaging and storage: 25 kg/bag.

Note: Packaged in polypropylene woven bags, net weight 25kg. Store in a ventilated and dry area to avoid moisture, and protect from rain and sunlight during transport.

Quantity/20GP: 12 tons with pallets, 14 tons without pallets.

Quantity/40HQ: 24 tons with pallets, 28 tons without pallets.

You may also want to know

Advantages of tile adhesive

* Improve water blind spots.

* Increase adhesion between tile adhesive and ceramics.

* Enhance flexibility and deformability of the caulk.

* Ensure better plasticity and flexibility, enabling ease of construction and higher efficiency.

* Offer excellent opening and adjustable worker hours, aiding in repositioning tiles.

* Minimize shrinkage and cracking, providing durable, long-lasting tile adhesion.

Are there any other benefits to adding HPMC?

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose features thickening, adhesion, dispersion, emulsification, film formation, suspension, adsorption, gelation, protective colloidal properties, surface activity, and moisturizing functions, making it ideal for use in wall putty, tile adhesives, dry mix mortars, and other construction applications.

For more information, please visit Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose For Tile Adhesive.