The advanges of HPMC in dry mix mortar

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)is a water-soluble cellulose ether widely used in dry mix mortar. 

In construction formulations, HPMC is used as a thickener, suspending agent, and water retention agent.

For formulators and buyers, the key is not simply choosing a high viscosity HPMC, but selecting a grade

that matches the mortar application and required formulation performance.

What Does HPMC Do in Dry Mix Mortar?

HPMC can contribute to three main formulation functions:

1) Thickening — helps control the consistency of the fresh mortar.

2) Suspension — supports the stability of the formulation.

3) Water retention — helps retain water within the mortar system.

The actual effect depends on the HPMC grade, dosage, base formulation, mixing process, and other raw materials.

Therefore, HPMC should be evaluated as part of the complete dry mix mortar formulation rather than as a standalone additive.

How to Choose HPMC for Dry Mix Mortar

A practical selection process is:

Mortar application → Required viscosity → Suitable HPMC grade → Formulation testing

JINTEDIFU provides HPMC grades covering both high- and low-viscosity ranges.

Tile Adhesive and EIFS Mortar

For applications such as tile adhesive and EIFS mortar, JINTEDIFU lists JINT™ 200000 and

JINT™ 150000 as high-viscosity HPMC grades.

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

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

These grades can be evaluated when the formulation requires a high-viscosity HPMC for the listed applications.

Wall Putty and EIFS Mortar

For wall putty and EIFS mortar, JINT™ 100000is another high-viscosity option, with a 2%

solution viscosity of 80,000–120,000 mPa·s. Its listed applications also include joint filler.

Masonry Mortar and Spraying Plaster

For masonry mortar and spraying plaster, JINT™ 75000 is listed as a high-viscosity HPMC grade, 

with a 2% solution viscosity of 60,000–90,000 mPa·s. It is also listed for wall putty.

Self-Leveling Compounds

Self-leveling compounds require a different viscosity range. JINT™ 400 is a low-viscosity HPMC grade

 with a 2% solution viscosity of 320–480 mPa·s, and its listed application is self-leveling compounds.

Practical HPMC Testing

When comparing HPMC grades, keep the base formulation, dosage, water level, mixing procedure, and testing 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

A higher-viscosity grade is not automatically the best choice. If it produces excessive thickening or does

not provide the desired application behavior, a different viscosity grade should be evaluated.

Conclusion

HPMC is an important functional additive for dry mix mortar, providing thickening, suspension, and water retention functions.

The most practical way to select a grade is to start with the mortar application and required viscosity, then

 compare suitable grades in the actual formulation.

JINTEDIFU offers high-viscosity HPMC grades for applications including tile adhesive, wall putty, EIFS mortar,

masonry mortar, spraying plaster, and joint filler, as well as a low-viscosity grade for self-leveling compounds.

Name: Molly.Wang

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

Mobile:+86 156 5045 0156（Whatsapp）