HPMC
Water Retainer
Premium HPMC Water Retainer
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is the ultimate chemical additive for dry mix mortars. It acts as a powerful water retainer, thickener, and rheology modifier, ensuring complete cement hydration and extended open time.
HPMC Cellulose Ether Overview
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a highly purified, non-ionic cellulose ether specifically developed for the construction industry. Its primary and most critical function is water retention.
When added to cement or gypsum-based dry mix mortars, HPMC securely locks in water within the mix. This prevents the moisture from being prematurely absorbed by porous substrates (like concrete walls or bricks) or lost to rapid evaporation. By keeping the water inside the mortar, HPMC ensures that the cement undergoes full chemical hydration, resulting in maximum structural strength without shrinking or cracking.
Furthermore, HPMC acts as an excellent thickening agent. It drastically improves the workability, cohesiveness, and anti-slip (sag resistance) properties of heavy materials, making it indispensable for modern tile adhesives, skim coats, and exterior plasters.
- Extreme water retention ensures perfect cement curing
- Significantly extends the open time and adjustability time
- Prevents micro-cracking, hollowing, and mortar shrinkage
- Imparts high slip resistance for heavy vertical tile application
- Creates a creamy consistency for effortless troweling
- Highly compatible with RDP and other construction chemicals
Chemical & Physical Properties
99.0%+
40,000 - 200,000 mPa.s
< 5.0%
5.0 - 8.0
Core Industrial Applications
Tile Adhesives
Provides the necessary water retention for long open times, allowing tile adjustability while preventing heavy tiles from slipping down the wall.
Wall Putty (Skim Coat)
Ensures the putty doesn't dry out too fast on dry walls. Delivers a highly workable, creamy texture for perfectly smooth, crack-free finishes.
Cement & Masonry Mortars
Prevents premature moisture loss to porous bricks, ensuring the mortar sets with optimal structural strength and strong adhesion.
Gypsum Plasters
Because gypsum sets quickly and requires a lot of water, HPMC controls the setting time and locks in moisture for a strong, cohesive plaster bond.
Technical Specifications
| Properties | Specification / Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) |
| Appearance | White or off-white free-flowing powder |
| Methoxy Content (WT%) | 19.0 - 24.0 % |
| Hydroxypropoxy Content (WT%) | 4.0 - 12.0 % |
| Solubility | Rapidly soluble in cold water; forms a clear, viscous solution |