High Performance HPMC for Construction Needs

Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) is widely used in cement-based construction

materials as a thickener, suspending agent, and water retention agent.

For dry-mix mortar manufacturers, selecting HPMC should start with the application and

required viscosity rather than simply choosing the highest-viscosity grade.

What Does HPMC Do in Construction Materials?

HPMC can modify the properties of fresh mortar through its thickening, suspension, and

water-retention functions.

The required balance depends on the application. Tile adhesive, wall putty, EIFS mortar,

masonry mortar, spraying plaster, and self-leveling compounds may require different HPMC viscosity levels.

Therefore, HPMC selection should follow:

Application requirement → Required viscosity → HPMC grade → Formulation testing

How to Choose HPMC for Different Construction Applications

JINTEDIFU offers both high- and low-viscosity HPMC grades for different construction applications.

The grades above are selected according to the applications stated on the respective product pages, 

rather than assuming that a higher viscosity grade is always better.

Understanding HPMC Viscosity

The JINTEDIFU HPMC range covers different viscosity levels:

1) JINT™ 200000: high viscosity; >160,000 mPa·s at 2% solution.

2) JINT™ 150000: high viscosity; 120,000–180,000 mPa·s at 2% solution.

3) JINT™ 100000: high viscosity; 80,000–120,000 mPa·s at 2% solution.

4) JINT™ 75000: high viscosity; 60,000–90,000 mPa·s at 2% solution.

5) JINT™ 400: low viscosity; 320–480 mPa·s at 2% solution.

These viscosity specifications provide a starting point for grade selection, but the best grade should

be confirmed in the final mortar formulation.

Practical HPMC Testing

When comparing HPMC grades, keep the cement, aggregates, water level, additive dosage, mixing 

procedure, and curing conditions consistent.

Depending on the application, compare:

1) Fresh mortar consistency and workability

2) Water retention

3) Suspension or segregation behavior

4) Application performance

5) Relevant final-mortar properties

If a higher-viscosity grade produces excessive thickening or negatively affects application, test a lower

viscosity grade rather than simply increasing or decreasing dosage without control.

Conclusion

Selecting high-performance HPMC for construction materials is mainly a matter of matching application,

viscosity, and formulation requirements.

For tile adhesive, wall putty, EIFS mortar, masonry mortar, joint filler, and spraying plaster, JINTEDIFU 

provides several high-viscosity HPMC grades with different viscosity ranges and recommended applications.

For self leveling compounds, HPMC JINT™ 400 is a low-viscosity grade specifically listed for this application.

The final selection should be confirmed through controlled testing in the customer's actual formulation.

For more information on selecting HPMC for different construction applications, 

see our guide to high-performance HPMC for construction needs.

Name: Molly.Wang

E-Mail:molly.wang@jtdf-rdp.

Mobile:+86 156 5045 0156（Whatsapp）