Application of Cellulose Ether in Building Materials

In the formulations of building materials, the dosage of cellulose ether is only 0.1% to 1%. But it plays an irreplaceable role. Various applications of cellulose ether in building materials will be introduced as follows.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website KDOCEL.

1. Latex and Latex Building Materials

Such cellulose derivatives as MC, CMC, HEC and HPMC can be used in the emulsion and latex paints. Their main function is thickening, to make the paint achieve the desired storage and viscosity for construction, without severe delamination during storage or dripping and sagging phenomena during use. Due to the strong water absorption capability of these cellulose derivatives, when added to the emulsion, they can immediately absorb a large amount of water, make the volume of themselves substantially expand, significantly increase the viscosity of the latex and thus achieve thickening purposes. However, the addition of such polymers can reduce the water resistance of coating films, so the dosage should be minimized as possible under the premise of reaching the required viscosity of the emulsion and latex paints, that is, try to use cellulose ethers with large molecular weight and high viscosity as possible.

2. Thermal Insulation Surface Mortar for Exterior Walls

Improvement of living standards requires that modern buildings should have good insulation properties. The government has also put forward the corresponding requirements for energy-saving buildings. This promotes the subject of wall insulation to be urgently on the agenda. Now what is the most used exterior insulation technology is sticking a layer of foam polystyrene board on the exterior wall surface first and then coating with a layer of surface mortar on outside it. But the surface of polystyrene board is different from ordinary plaster surface, and not easy to bond together with the mortar, However, the addition of water-soluble cellulose ethers in the mortar can not only increase the binding force between the mortar and the polystyrene board, but also can improve the workability and water-holding capacity of the mortar and make it not easy to crack.

3. Cement Mortar for Self-Leveling Floor

Self leveling is a very advanced floor construction technique. Since the whole ground is naturally leveled with slight interference of construction personnel, flatness and construction speed are greatly enhanced compared with the previous manual smoothing processes. The rise of self-leveling floor in China should be credited to the foreign building materials business and chemical company. The application of cellulose ether in dry mix mortar for self-leveling floor has mainly used its excellent water-holding properties. Since self leveling requires the well stirred mortar automatically leveling on the ground, the use of water materials is relatively large. Without the addition of cellulose ether, the ground surface after pouring will bleed water very severely, lead to low strength of the ground surface after drying and large shrinkage, and thus will be apt to dusting and cracks. The domestic industry is generally optimistic about this technique. With the continuous success of development of the mortar for self-leveling floor, the demand for the HPMC product will also increase dramatically.

Cellulose ethers represent a class of versatile polymers derived from cellulose, a naturally occurring compound found in plant cell walls. These ethers are widely used in various industries due to their unique properties, including water solubility, thickening ability, film-forming capacity, and adhesion enhancement. In the construction sector, cellulose ethers play a vital role as additives in numerous applications, contributing to improved workability, durability, and sustainability of building materials.

1.Understanding Cellulose Ethers:

Cellulose ethers are synthesized through chemical modification of cellulose, primarily by etherification reactions.

These ethers exhibit a wide range of viscosities, solubilities, and gelation properties, making them adaptable to various construction requirements.

2.Main Uses of Cellulose Ethers in Construction:

a. Cement-Based Materials:

Cellulose ethers are widely utilized as additives in cement-based materials such as mortars, grouts, and renders.

They act as water retention agents, preventing rapid water loss during curing and improving hydration of cement particles, thereby enhancing strength development and workability.

Additionally, cellulose ethers improve adhesion to substrates, reduce sagging, and enhance the cohesion of cementitious mixtures, resulting in better crack resistance and durability of finished structures.

b. Tile Adhesives and Grouts:

In tile adhesive formulations, cellulose ethers serve as thickeners and rheology modifiers, imparting proper consistency and preventing sagging of tile mortars during application.

They enhance adhesion between tiles and substrates, reduce water absorption, and improve the flexibility and deformability of tile adhesives, minimizing the risk of tile detachment and cracking.

For more information, please visit cellulose ethers for building materials manufacturer.

Furthermore, cellulose ethers are incorporated into tile grout formulations to improve workability, water retention, and resistance to shrinkage and cracking, ensuring long-term integrity and aesthetic appeal of tiled surfaces.

c. Gypsum Products:

Cellulose ethers find extensive applications in gypsum-based materials such as plasters, joint compounds, and gypsum boards.

As additives in gypsum plasters and joint compounds, they function as water retainers and binders, enhancing the spreadability, adhesion, and sanding properties of these products.

Moreover, cellulose ethers improve the workability and extrudability of gypsum boards, contributing to smoother surface finishes, reduced dusting, and enhanced dimensional stability.

d. Exterior Insulation and Finish Systems (EIFS):

In EIFS formulations, cellulose ethers are incorporated into basecoats and adhesive mortars to improve workability, adhesion, and crack resistance.

They facilitate the application and curing of EIFS materials, ensuring uniform thickness and proper bonding between insulation boards and substrates.

Additionally, cellulose ethers enhance the flexibility and weather resistance of EIFS coatings, prolonging the service life of exterior building envelopes and reducing maintenance requirements.

e. Self-Leveling Compounds:

Cellulose ethers play a crucial role in self-leveling compounds used for floor leveling and repair applications.

By controlling the flow and viscosity of self-leveling mixes, they enable easy pouring, spreading, and leveling of floors, eliminating surface irregularities and achieving smooth, flat substrates.

Furthermore, cellulose ethers improve the adhesion, cohesiveness, and crack bridging properties of self-leveling compounds, resulting in durable and aesthetically pleasing floor finishes.

3.Sustainability Benefits of Cellulose Ethers:

Cellulose ethers are derived from renewable resources, making them environmentally friendly alternatives to synthetic polymers.

Their biodegradability and low toxicity contribute to reduced environmental impact and improved indoor air quality in construction applications.

Furthermore, cellulose ethers help optimize material usage, enhance energy efficiency, and promote the development of sustainable construction practices.

Cellulose ethers play a critical role in modern construction practices, offering a wide range of benefits in terms of workability, durability, and sustainability. From cement-based materials and tile adhesives to gypsum products and EIFS, these versatile additives contribute to improved performance and longevity of building materials and structures. As the construction industry continues to prioritize sustainability and innovation, cellulose ethers are poised to remain indispensable components in the development of advanced construction solutions.

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit redispersible polymer powder rdp.