Cellulose Ether & Construction Additives
Four additive families for dry-mix mortar and coatings, covering eight construction applications. HPMC is available now; MHEC, HEC and RDP are in preparation.
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose with delayed solubility — the workhorse water-retention agent for cement and gypsum systems.
- Viscosity
- Multiple grades · see grade table
- Ionicity
- Non-ionic
- CAS
- 9004-65-3
MHEC
Coming soonMethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose for systems where higher thermal gel temperature is required.
- Viscosity
- On request
- Ionicity
- Non-ionic
- CAS
- On request
HEC
Coming soonHydroxyethyl cellulose with instant solubility, mainly for water-based paints and emulsions.
- Viscosity
- On request
- Ionicity
- Non-ionic
- CAS
- On request
RDP
Coming soonRedispersible polymer powder for adhesion and flexibility in dry-mix mortars.
- Type
- VAE / VAc-E
- Ionicity
- Non-ionic
- CAS
- On request
Selection
Not sure which grade?
By application
Start from the end product you manufacture and work back to the grade.
By viscosity
Map the low, medium and high bands to the applications that need them.
By binder system
Cement-based and gypsum-based systems need different dissolution behaviour.
| Band | Viscosity (mPa·s) | Typical applications | Recommended dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low | 300 – 20,000 mPa·s | Self-levelling compounds, gypsum plaster, water-based paint, texture coatings | Available on request |
| Medium | 20,000 – 60,000 mPa·s | Tile adhesive C1/C2, wall putty, masonry and rendering mortar | Available on request |
| High | 60,000 – 250,000 mPa·s | Anti-sag adhesives, thick putty, high-suction substrates, machine-applied plaster | Available on request |
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which cellulose ether should I choose for a dry-mix mortar?
Choose by binder system and site conditions. HPMC is the general-purpose ether: it covers most cement- and gypsum-based dry-mix mortars and lets one material serve a mixed product range. MHEC is specified where the mix must stay workable at high temperature. HEC belongs in water-based coatings rather than in a dry blend. A redispersible polymer powder is not a substitute for any of them — it is added alongside the ether when flexibility and adhesion after curing are the requirement.
How do I decide which viscosity to specify?
Work backwards from the application: thin applications such as self-levelling and skim coat usually want the low band, tile adhesive and putty the medium band, and high-build or waterproof systems the high band. Within the band, choose the lowest viscosity that still passes your anti-sag test.
What is the minimum order quantity?
MOQ is set per grade and per packaging format, and mixed containers are possible for trial orders. Send the grade, the packing you prefer and the destination port, and we confirm MOQ together with the packing list in one reply.
Can different grades share one container?
Yes, grades can normally be combined in one container as long as the total loading stays within the weight limit and each grade keeps its own lot identification. Confirm the split with your quotation, since palletised and loose loading give different usable tonnage.
Not sure which grade? Send your spec — we reply in 12 working hours.
Tell us the application, the target performance and the standard you work to, and we come back with a grade and a starting dosage.