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

Melacoll 2021-05-07 08:30

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When you're in the market for HPMC for tile adhesive, there are some vital aspects you must consider. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), a product derived from the etherification of highly pure cotton cellulose under alkaline conditions, has become a key functional admixture in the construction industry. It is primarily known for its water retention and thickening properties, widely utilized in modern tile adhesive—an advanced material used for affixing ceramic, surface, and floor tiles.

Tile adhesive benefits from HPMC due to its high adhesion strength and excellent flexibility. Typically, the formulation of tile adhesive includes cement, sand, calcium formate, and various additives. Among these additives, cellulose ethers like HPMC and HEMC play a critical role in water retention and thickening.

1. Comprehensive Understanding of HPMC Grades

1.1 By Application Field: HPMC is classified into construction-grade, daily chemical-grade, food-grade, and pharmaceutical-grade. The tile adhesive utilizes the construction-grade variant. In our recommended grades, suitable HPMCs are specified for different applications like wall putty, skim coat, and self-leveling compounds.

1.2 By Viscosity: Viscosity is a pivotal indicator of HPMC. It measures the performance of HPMC solutions, typically referring to a 2% HPMC solution at a given temperature (20°C) and rotation rate (e.g., 20rpm). Higher viscosity leads to better adhesion, anti-sagging, and anti-dispersion properties but may affect the fluidity and workability of the tile adhesive.

1.3 Viscosity Classifications: HPMC is categorized into low, medium, and high viscosity. Different viscometers may yield varied results, so it’s essential to use a consistent brand and model when testing samples.

1.4 By Solubility: HPMC dissolves in water, classified into surface-treated (delayed dissolution) and non-surface-treated categories. Surface treatment impacts how the product dissolves, especially in neutral water.

Non-Surface Treated HPMC:

• Dissolves quickly, forming a film that causes clumping.
• Disperses well in neutral, alkaline, and acidic states but may clump in liquid form.
• Suitable for cement-based and gypsum-based adhesives but not for paste emulsion-based adhesives.

Surface-Treated HPMC:

• Disperses in neutral water without immediate viscosity, dissolving over time without clumping.
• Can dissolve quickly in alkaline conditions and slowly in neutral and acidic states.
• Ideal for cement-based and gypsum-based tile adhesives; takes time to dissolve in paste emulsion adhesives.

2. HPMC Solutions for Different Tile Adhesive Applications

• Indoor Applications: Kitchens and Bathrooms

For areas like kitchens and bathrooms prone to mold and bacteria, high-viscosity, water-resistant HPMC is recommended. It enhances sealing properties, extending the life of the decor and reducing maintenance.

• Outdoor Applications: Swimming Pools, Exterior Walls, and Balconies

Outdoor tile adhesives require high-viscosity HPMC to withstand environmental factors like water, heat, cold, and abrasion. Strong adhesives ensure durability against these elements.

3. Understanding the HPMC Production Process

What is HPMC made from? Cellulose ether production dates back to 1905, with industrial production of HPMC starting in 1948. The production process matured between 1960 and 1970.

Production Methods: Gas-Phase and Liquid-Phase

Developed countries primarily use the gas-phase method, using wood pulp and advanced technology for reaction and control. The gas-phase process is advantageous for its compact design and efficiency, though it requires significant investment and skilled operators.

Gas-Phase Process Advantages:

• Compact equipment, high output per batch.
• Lower reaction temperature and shorter reaction time.
• Accurate reaction control without complex solvent recovery systems.
• Lower labor costs.

Gas-Phase Process Disadvantages:

• High investment in equipment and automation.
• Requires high operator skill levels.
• Susceptible to significant operational disruptions.

Chinese manufacturers mainly adopt the liquid-phase process, using refined cotton and binary mixed organic solvents. It involves a more hands-on approach, with manual packaging and batch processing.

Liquid-Phase Process Advantages:

• Low internal equipment pressure, reducing risks.
• Thoroughly swells and alkalizes cellulose, yielding uniform product quality.

Liquid-Phase Process Disadvantages:

• Smaller reactors limit production capacity.
• Complex operations requiring more equipment and labor.
• Manual packaging increases labor costs.
• Requires solvent recovery systems.

MIKEM uses advanced technology and flexible production lines, enhancing HPMC production with international quality standards.

4. Factors Influencing HPMC Pricing

HPMC pricing is influenced by its viscosity, purity, raw material costs, and market demand. Typically, HPMC from Chinese manufacturers is priced around USD3000, while European and American counterparts exceed USD4500. Fluctuations in raw material costs and market demand also significantly impact pricing trends.

5. Melacoll vs. Other Brands

Why choose Melacoll HPMC? MIKEM, a professional cellulose ether manufacturer, maintains a significant advantage in cost control and product quality thanks to its extensive partnerships and production base in China. Melacoll products adhere to American ISO quality standards, ensuring high performance and reliability.

6. HPMC vs. HEMC

6.1 Production Process Differences

HPMC is made from refined cotton or wood pulp, involving propylene oxide and methyl chloride. HEMC production uses ethylene oxide instead of propylene oxide, resulting in different substituents on the cellulose backbone.

6.2 Physicochemical Properties

HPMC features thermal gel properties, high mold resistance, and good emulsification, thickening, and adhesion qualities. HEMC has similar properties but better high-temperature stability due to more hydrophilic groups in its structure.

6.3 Cellulose Ether Group Content

HPMC typically contains 16%-30% methoxy and 4%-32% hydroxypropyl. HEMC has 22%-30% methoxy and 2%-14% hydroxy ethoxy.

Explore more about Ding’ao and discover more details related to HPMC for tile adhesives.

6.4 Gelation Temperature

The gel temperature of HPMC varies from 60°C to 75°C, while HEMC ranges from 75°C to 90°C. Higher gel temperatures offer better stability in high-temperature environments.

6.5 Application in Tile Adhesive

Both HEMC and HPMC function as dispersants, water retainers, thickeners, and binders in tile adhesives. HEMC’s higher gel temperature gives it an edge in hot climates, offering better water retention and anti-sag performance.

7. Four Key Reasons to Choose HPMC for Tile Adhesives

• Enhances water retention, ensuring proper hydration and bonding strength.
• Provides good open time and operable time for easier tile adjustment.
• Facilitates easy mixing and improved construction efficiency.
• Offers better plasticity and flexibility in tile adhesives.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is an invaluable ingredient for tile adhesives, offering numerous benefits that enhance the performance and durability of the adhesive. For more information on HPMC for tile adhesives, feel free to reach out and secure an expert consultation!