Hydroxyethyl Cellulose * Mortar Admixture

Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a water-soluble cellulose ether that plays many important roles in mortar admixtures:

1. Water retention

Hydroxyethyl cellulose can significantly improve the water retention of mortar. In mortar, water retention is very critical. It can form a three-dimensional network structure inside the mortar, which can wrap water in it, prevent water from being absorbed or evaporated too quickly by the base material, and thus improve the strength and durability of the mortar.

2. Thickening

HEC is a highly efficient thickener. When added to the admixture in the mortar, it can increase the viscosity of the mortar. This thickening effect helps to improve the construction performance of the mortar and make the mortar smoother during the construction process such as coating and pumping.

For example, in the plastering mortar, the appropriate consistency can make it easier for construction workers to evenly apply the mortar on surfaces such as walls, and can prevent the mortar from flowing on vertical or inclined surfaces. It can make the mortar better adhere to the base and improve the construction quality.

3. Enhanced adhesion

Hydroxyethyl cellulose can improve the adhesion between the mortar and the base material. This is because it can improve the rheological properties of the mortar, so that the mortar can better fill the pores of the base material, thereby enhancing the physical adsorption and mechanical bite between the two.

Taking tile bonding mortar as an example, after adding hydroxyethyl cellulose, the mortar can better bond with the back of the tile and the wall, effectively preventing the hollowing and falling of the tile, and improving the firmness of the tile paving.

4. Improved stability

It helps to improve the stability of the mortar. It can prevent the mortar from stratification and segregation during storage and construction.

For example, in premixed mortar, due to the need for transportation and storage, the presence of hydroxyethyl cellulose can ensure that the components of the mortar are evenly distributed, and can maintain good performance during use, ensuring the consistency of the construction effect.