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

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When considering the purchase of HPMC for tile adhesives, there are crucial elements to be aware of. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), produced through a specialized etherification process of highly purified cotton cellulose under alkaline conditions, is significant in the construction domain, particularly in tile adhesives. These adhesives serve as contemporary materials for adhering decorative surfaces like ceramic tiles, surface tiles, and flooring tiles.

The merits of tile adhesive include considerable adhesion and flexibility. Typically composed of cement, sand, calcium formate, and specific additives in precise ratios, tile adhesive formulation includes multiple additives. Among them, cellulose ethers, which enhance water retention and thickening, experience prominent use. The most prominent cellulose ethers include HPMC and HEMC. In this article, we will explore the essential aspects of purchasing HPMC for tile adhesive: the Top 7 Things You Need to Know! It is important to note that HPMC is a fundamental ingredient in tile adhesive.

1.Understanding Different HPMC Grades

1.1 Diverse Applications: HPMC is classified into various grades based on its application, including construction-grade HPMC, daily chemical-grade HPMC, food-grade HPMC, and pharmaceutical-grade HPMC. The tile adhesive specifically applies construction-grade HPMC. In the following video, we will recommend suitable HPMC grades based on diverse building applications, including wall putty, skim coat, and tile adhesive.

1.2 Importance of Viscosity: Viscosity remains a critical indicator of HPMC. It directly influences the viscosity of tile adhesive. The viscosity of HPMC generally refers to a specific concentration (2%) under controlled conditions (20°C) and shear rates (20 rpm), measured with a specific viscometer. The viscosity rating is vital for evaluating HPMC’s efficacy; higher viscosity indicates better adhesive strength, anti-sagging characteristics, and adhesion to substrates. However, excessive viscosity can adversely affect the fluidity and workability of tile adhesives.

1.3 Classification by Viscosity Levels: HPMC is categorized into low, medium, and high viscosity grades. Keep in mind that results may vary significantly between different viscometer brands. Always test using the same brand and model as your supplier to ensure accurate comparisons.

1.4 Dependence on Solubility: HPMC can also be categorized based on its water solubility into delayed dissolution type (surface-treated) HPMC and non-delayed dissolution type (non-surface treated) HPMC. In construction, HPMC is often tested in neutral water to determine solubility. Products that clump quickly are surface-treated, whereas those that disperse smoothly are non-surface treated.

Non-surface treated HPMC:

• The rapid dissolution of untreated HPMC particles can lead to film formation, hence preventing water from penetrating other particles and resulting in clumping.
• Untreated HPMC shows fast dissolution in neutral, alkaline, and acidic media but struggles with inter-particle dispersion in the solution.
• In practical applications, once physically mixed with other solid particles like cement and sand, the dissolution occurs effectively without clumping. Therefore, non-surface treated HPMC is suitable for gypsum and cement-based tile adhesives.

Surface treated HPMC:

• Surface-treated HPMC particles can disperse individually in neutral water but will not become viscous instantly. After soaking, dissolution occurs as the surface treatment degrades, preventing clumping.
• Surface-treated products disperse in aqueous solutions, dissolving quickly in alkaline states while dissolving more slowly in neutral and acidic conditions.
• In production, these products undergo dissolution primarily in alkaline conditions, aligning with the requirements for cement-based tile adhesives.

2. HPMC Applications in Various Tile Adhesive Scenarios

• Types of Indoor Adhesives: Where to Use

Common spots in home renovations utilizing ceramic tiles include balconies, bathrooms, and kitchens—areas needing good waterproofing. For these environments, high-viscosity and moisture-resistant HPMC are highly recommended. Such adhesives will ensure strong sealing properties, preventing moisture-related damage and reducing maintenance in the long term.

• Outdoor Adhesives: Essential for External Environments

For outdoor constructions such as swimming pools and balconies, tile adhesives must endure heat, cold, water exposure, and wear. Therefore, selecting high-viscosity HPMC is crucial to fulfilling these requirements in outdoor tile adhesives, particularly for pool areas.

3. Understanding HPMC Manufacturing Process

What goes into producing HPMC? The historical landscape of cellulose ether manufacturing started in 1850, with major advancements such as patents in 1865 and successful synthesis in the 1930s. Considerable commercial activity began in the United States, achieving maturity by the 1970s.

The HPMC manufacturing process generally falls into two categories: gas-phase and liquid-phase methods.

In Europe, America, and Japan, the gas-phase method predominates. It utilizes wood pulp, incorporating unique mixers for optimal cellulose ether production. Advanced automation enhances control over temperature and pressure.

The benefits of this method include compact design and reduced reaction times, but the upfront investment is significant and requires a highly skilled workforce.

Liquid-phase Processing

In contrast, Chinese manufacturers lean towards the liquid-phase method. This technique employs refined cotton, rendering a comparatively low-pressure operation, aiding in better product quality control and adaptability to varying product demands.

Pros and Cons

Though advantageous in stability and capacity, the liquid-phase method requires complex purifications and can be labor-intensive compared to its gas-phase counterpart.

4. Key Factors Influencing HPMC Costs

The pricing of HPMC, especially in the realm of ceramic tile adhesives, varies significantly in different markets—about USD in China and upwards of USD in Europe and the USA.

Viscosity is a critical factor in pricing: High viscosity products typically command higher prices, especially if their purity is above 98%. In contrast, medium viscosity options are generally more affordable.

Raw material costs continuously impact price: Recent crude oil price hikes have similarly affected HPMC materials, coupled with fluctuating cotton prices that require vigilant market observation.

Market demand variations significantly influence pricing. For instance, the global pandemic had a pronounced effect on demand, leading to price reductions due to overproduction, while reopening in 2021 saw prices escalate.

In light of competitive pricing and reliability, Honglai aspires to partner as your go-to supplier.

5. Melacoll Comparison with Other Brands

Why should you choose HPMC from the Melacoll range? MIKEM operates as a leader in cellulose ether production, boasting strong partnerships within the industry and a factory in China.

Our abundant raw material availability allows a production capacity of 50,000 tons annually, significantly enhancing cost control. While being manufactured in China, Melacoll products adhere to stringent American ISO quality standards, ensuring the highest quality is maintained across all products.

6. HPMC Versus HEMC: Key Differences

6.1 Manufacturing Process Variances

HPMC is typically derived from refined cotton or wood pulp via a methyl and polyhydroxy propyl ether process. Meanwhile, HEMC replaces propylene oxide with ethylene oxide post-alkalization.

6.2 Distinct Properties

The chemical structure of HPMC provides excellent thermal gel characteristics and resistance to metal interactions, whereas HEMC delivers enhanced thermal stability with a higher gel temperature.

6.3 Group Content Variations

While HPMC’s methoxy content ranges from 16% to 30%, in HEMC, the methoxy content is generally between 22% and 30%, yielding differences in solubility and application characteristics.

6.4 Gel Temperature Contrasts

Ultimately, HPMC gel temperature usually falls between 60°C and 75°C. In contrast, HEMC’s gel temperature is above 80°C, making it the favorable choice for high-temperature settings.

7. Reasons to Purchase HPMC for Tile Adhesive

Understanding the critical role of HPMC in tile bonding is essential for any purchasing decision.

• Enhances water retention, ensuring tiles adhere firmly and resist slipping.
• Allows optimal opening time for error adjustments.
• Facilitates easy mixing and efficient operation, reducing labor costs.
• Improves the flexibility and plasticity of tile adhesives.

For further insights into HPMC Used In Tile Adhesive, don't hesitate to reach out!