Top 7 Things You Need to Know to Buy HPMC for Tile ...

Top 7 Things You Need to Know to Buy HPMC for Tile Adhesive

Melacoll 2021-05-07 08:30

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If you're looking to buy HPMC for tile adhesive, it's crucial to know the basics. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a versatile chemical used in tile adhesive formulations to improve water retention, consistency, and adhesive strength. In construction, especially for tiling, HPMC is indispensable for ensuring the durability and performance of adhesives.

These things you must know when you want to buy HPMC for tile adhesive. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is made by special etherification of highly pure cotton cellulose under alkaline conditions. In recent years, HPMC, as a functional admixture, mainly plays a role in water retention and thickening in the construction industry and is widely used in tile adhesive. Tile adhesive is a new modern decoration material used for pasting decorative materials such as ceramic tiles, surface tiles, and floor tiles.

It has the advantages of high adhesion, good flexibility, and so on. Tile adhesive is made up of cement, sand, calcium formate, and additives in a particular proportion. Tile adhesive formulation contains a variety of additives. Generally, cellulose ethers that provide water retention and thickening effects are added to tile adhesive. The most used are HPMC and HEMC. Below are the top things to know about buying HPMC for tile adhesive.

1. Understanding HPMC Grades

1.1 According to the application field

HPMC is divided into construction-grade HPMC, daily chemical-grade HPMC, food-grade HPMC, and pharmaceutical-grade HPMC. The tile adhesive uses HPMC and belongs to the building material grade.

1.2 According to viscosity

Viscosity is an essential indicator of HPMC. HPMC increases the viscosity of tile adhesive. The viscosity of HPMC generally refers to a particular concentration (2%) of HPMC solution, at a specified temperature (20°C) and shear rate (or rotation rate, such as 20rpm), the viscosity value measured with a specified measuring instrument. The higher the viscosity of the HPMC solution, the better the adhesion to the substrate.

1.3 Different viscosity grades

HPMC can be divided into low, medium, and high viscosity grades. It should be noted that the results measured by different viscometers are quite different. Therefore, when testing samples, you must use a viscometer of the same brand and model as the supplier.

1.4 HPMC solubility in water

HPMC can be divided into delayed dissolution type HPMC (surface treatment type) and non-delay dissolution type HPMC (non-surface treatment type). The construction industry often uses it in neutral water to determine whether HPMC has undergone surface treatment.

Non-surface treatment HPMC:

• Particles dissolve quickly and form a film quickly, causing water to no longer enter other particles, causing agglomeration.
• A single particle dissolves quickly in neutral, alkaline, and acidic states but cannot be dispersed between particles.
• Can be used for cement-based and gypsum-grade tile adhesive but not for paste emulsion-based tile adhesive.

Surface treatment HPMC:

• Disperses without agglomeration in neutral water, will not immediately become viscous.
• In alkaline state, it dissolves quickly; in neutral and acidic states, it dissolves slowly.
• Used in cement tile adhesive and gypsum-based adhesive; not for paste emulsion adhesive due to prolonged dissolution.

2. HPMC Solutions for Different Application Scenarios of Tile Adhesive

• Indoor tile adhesive: kitchens and bathrooms

For home decoration, ceramic tiles in kitchens and bathrooms are common due to their waterproof effect. High-viscosity and waterproof HPMC will make the sealant and tile adhesive have good sealing properties, preventing moisture problems and extending the decoration's life.

• Outdoor tile adhesive: swimming pools, exterior walls, outdoor balconies, etc.

For outdoor spaces like swimming pools and balconies, HPMC needs to ensure water resistance, heat resistance, cold resistance, and abrasion resistance due to exposure to sun, rain, and mud. High-viscosity HPMC helps meet these needs.

3. HPMC Production Process

What is HPMC made from? Cellulose ether was first reported in 1905, and industrial production matured between 1960 and 1970.

Production process categories: gas-phase method and liquid-phase method.

Gas-phase process advantages:

• Compact equipment, higher single-batch output.
• Lower reaction temperature and time.
• Accurate reaction control.
• No complicated solvent recovery system required.
• Lower labor cost and intensity.

Gas-phase process disadvantages:

• High investment and technical requirements.
• Requires high-quality operators.
• Significant accident risk if failure occurs.
• Entire line stops if a problem occurs.

Liquid-phase process advantages:

• Lower equipment pressure requirements and risk.
• Better alkali cellulose swelling and penetration.
• Small etherification reactor, easier quality control, and variety change.

Liquid-phase process disadvantages:

• Lower production capacity, requires more reactors for higher output.
• Complicated refining and purifying operations, labor-intensive.
• Higher labor cost due to manual packaging.
• Lower reaction control accuracy than gas-phase method.

MIKEM has introduced an internationally leading flexible production line in China with advanced automatic control systems ensuring product quality and safety.

4. Factors Affecting HPMC Price

The price of HPMC generally fluctuates around USD3000 for Chinese manufacturers and exceeds USD4500 in European and American countries.

Viscosity and price

Higher viscosity equals a higher price. High purity (98%-99%) products are also more expensive.

Raw material price changes

Price changes in raw materials like crude oil and cotton significantly impact HPMC prices.

Market demand and production capacity

Global events like the pandemic and extreme weather can affect production capacity and market demand, influencing HPMC prices.

5. Melacoll VS Other Brands

Why we recommend Melacoll? MIKEM is a professional manufacturer of cellulose ethers. Our cellulose ether production capacity is 50,000 tons per year, and our products meet American ISO quality standards and technology.

6. HPMC VS HEMC

6.1 Different production processes

HPMC uses refined cotton or wood pulp. HEMC replaces propylene oxide with ethylene oxide during substituent group replacements.

6.2 Different physical and chemical properties

HEMC has more hydrophilic groups and better thermal stability compared to HPMC.

6.3 Different cellulose ether group content

HEMC has a hydroxy ethoxy content of 2%-14% whereas HPMC's hydroxypropyl content is 4%-32%.

6.4 Different gelation temperature

HEMC generally has a higher gel temperature (75℃~90℃) compared to HPMC (60℃~75℃).

6.5 Different applications in tile adhesive

HEMC is better suited for high-temperature environments and hydrophilic applications due to its higher gel temperature and water retention rate.

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

• Improves water retention, bonding strength, and anti-slip property.
• Provides good opening and operable time for tile adjustment.
• Enhances mixing efficiency and construction performance.
• Improves plasticity and flexibility of tile adhesive.

What is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose for tile adhesive?

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Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a key ingredient in tile adhesive formulations and plays a vital role in improving the performance and durability of the adhesive. The compound is a synthetic water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose. HPMC is widely used in construction materials, including tile adhesives, because of its unique properties and versatility.

The role of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in tile adhesive:

1. Introduction to Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC):

• Chemical structure: HPMC is a modified cellulose ether with hydroxypropyl and methyl groups attached to the cellulose main chain. The degree of substitution of these groups can vary, affecting the properties of the polymer.
• Solubility: HPMC is soluble in water over a wide temperature range, forming clear, viscous solutions.

2. The function of tile adhesive:

• Water Retention: HPMC improves water retention in tile adhesive formulations, ensuring consistent water content for proper hydration.
• Thickener: HPMC increases the viscosity of the adhesive, improving workability and preventing tile sagging.
• Extended open time: HPMC extends the open time of the adhesive, allowing more time for positioning and adjustment before setting.
• Enhanced bond strength: HPMC promotes uniform hydration of cement particles, increasing bond strength.

3. Effect on adhesion performance:

• Flexibility: HPMC gives the adhesive flexibility, reducing the risk of cracking.
• Adhesive Cohesion: HPMC enhances the cohesion of the adhesive.
• Anti-Sag: HPMC helps prevent tiles from sagging on vertical surfaces.

4. Compatibility and formulation notes:

• Compatibility with other additives: HPMC is compatible with many additives used in tile adhesive formulations.
• Optimum formulation: Choosing the right HPMC grade and dosage is crucial for desired bonding performance, considering tile type, substrate, and environmental conditions.

5. Application and industry standards:

• Tile Types: HPMC is suitable for ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles.
• Industry Standards: HPMC adhesives should comply with industry standards for quality and performance.

6. Environmental and safety considerations:

• Environmental Impact: HPMC is environmentally friendly and derived from renewable resources.
• Safety: HPMC in construction materials meets safety standards when handled properly.

Benefits: Its water retention, thickening, and adhesive properties make HPMC indispensable in modern tile adhesive formulations.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a key ingredient in tile adhesives and offers a range of benefits that improve the overall effectiveness and durability of the adhesive. Its versatility and compatibility with various additives make it the preferred choice in the construction industry for optimal tile installation.

Contact us to discuss your requirements for Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose For Tile Adhesive. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that suit your needs best.

Further Reading:

SLEO Chemical Product Page