What is HPMC for gypsum plaster?

The construction industry has experienced massive growth in incorporating new materials to enhance the output and overall performance of construction products. Among such trendy innovations is the gypsum plaster.

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However, one of the ingredients that serve as the gypsum plaster&#;s bedrock, particularly in stability and thickening property, is cellulose.

In this article, we&#;ll briefly examine the roles of Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose in the production of gypsum plaster.

Before we dive in, let&#;s quickly integrate you with gypsum plaster and the characteristics of HPMC. 

What is Gypsum Plasters?

Widely known as hydrous calcium sulfate among chemists, gypsum itself is a water-soluble naturally occurring mineral. It exists freely in nature as crystals and can be located among layers of limestone and shale.

On the other hand, gypsum plaster is produced by heating gypsum at a very minimal temperature to achieve evaporation. The dehydrated gypsum known as Plaster of Paris (POP) is pulverized and heated at about 150&#;. The dry POP powder hardens when you add water to form gypsum plaster. The concentration can be applied over concrete, brick, or block to further strengthen it. 

Characteristics of Cellulose&#;HPMC&#;

HPMC cellulose exists as white, non-ionic cellulose ether. In its powdery form, it&#;s odorless and tasteless. It&#;s soluble in water and other organic content such as ethanol, propanol, and dichloroethane. However, it is insoluble in acetone, diethyl ether, and anhydrous alcohol.

When in an aqueous solution, HPMC offers high stability, transparency, and surface activity. Heating makes the Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose precipitate for gels due to its thermal gelation properties.

How does cellulose work in gypsum products? 

1. High water retention

Cellulose has a high water-holding capacity. This attribute makes it useful to improve resistance, prevent cracking, and enhance gypsum plaster&#;s overall appearance. It also boosts surface uniformity, lubrication, and adhesion when applied to gypsum plaster in putty and other construction works.

2. Thickening property

HPMC is the right material for you if you want to increase the tensile strength of gypsum plaster and other construction material. It acts as an interface agent. That is, it improves gypsum plaster flexural strength and increases bonding strength.

3. Highly stable

HPMC's outstanding film-forming properties and high resistance to degrading enzymes help stabilize gypsum plaster pH and enhance its salt discharge performance.

Others include dispersibility, constructability, and adhesive strength. Also, HPMC has effects on the setting time, pumpability, and workability of gypsum plaster composition. Overall, it enhances construction efficiency and guides against weathering after exposure of building surfaces to water-soluble salts.

All these make HPMC an integral part of the gypsum plaster every construction worker must-have.

To order your cellulose, Michem Chemicals is your one-stop shop for quality HPMC and other construction products.with us today to book a free session with our experts for your construction material needs.

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Shandong Michem Chemical Co.,Ltd.

Office: No.19,Lishan North Road,Jinan Shandong,China

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HPMC, the full name is Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose, is a non-ionic cellulose ether. It is widely used in building materials, especially in gypsum plaster. HPMC has many excellent properties, making it an ideal additive for building materials such as gypsum plaster.

Basic properties of HPMC

Thickening effect: HPMC has a good thickening effect, which can increase the consistency and viscosity of gypsum plaster and improve its construction performance.

Water retention: HPMC can significantly improve the water retention capacity of gypsum plaster, prevent water from evaporating rapidly during the construction process, and ensure that the gypsum plaster has sufficient moisture during the drying process, helping it to be fully hydrated and avoid drying out.

Lubricating effect: Due to the lubrication effect of HPMC, gypsum plaster is easier to spread and smooth during the construction process, improving construction efficiency.

Adhesion: HPMC can enhance the adhesion between gypsum plaster and substrate, ensuring the adhesion of plaster to substrates such as walls or ceilings.

Stability: HPMC has good stability, can maintain its performance unchanged in different pH environments, and is not easily affected by external conditions such as temperature and humidity.

Application of HPMC in Gypsum Plaster

The addition of HPMC to gypsum plaster formulations can significantly improve its construction performance and final physical properties. Specifically:

Improved construction performance: Gypsum plaster added with HPMC has better fluidity and water retention, making construction smoother, and is especially suitable for plastering and leveling large areas.

Improve surface quality: Due to the lubrication and water-retaining properties of HPMC, the surface of gypsum plaster is smoother and more delicate after drying, reducing the occurrence of bubbles and cracks.

Enhanced adhesion: HPMC improves the adhesion between gypsum plaster and different substrates, ensuring the firmness of the plaster layer and avoiding shedding and cracking.

Extended operable time: Due to the water-retaining properties of HPMC, gypsum plaster has a longer operable time during construction, allowing construction workers more time to make adjustments and trimming, reducing material waste.

Precautions for using HPMC

Although HPMC has many advantages, there are some things you need to pay attention to during use:

Appropriate addition amount: The addition amount of HPMC should be determined according to the specific formulation and application requirements. Generally speaking, too much HPMC will cause the consistency of the gypsum plaster to be too high, which is not conducive to construction; while adding too little, the desired effect may not be achieved.

Uniform dispersion: During the production of gypsum plaster, HPMC needs to be evenly dispersed in the mixture to ensure that it is fully effective. It is recommended to use appropriate mixing equipment and technology to achieve uniform dispersion.

Compatibility with other additives: HPMC should maintain good compatibility with other additives in gypsum plaster to avoid interactions between additives that may affect the performance of the final product. In practical applications, experiments are needed to determine the best formula combination.

Environmental performance of HPMC

As a non-ionic cellulose ether, HPMC has good environmental performance. It is non-toxic, harmless, contains no harmful solvents and is environmentally friendly. In addition, HPMC is biodegradable and will not cause pollution to the environment during use. It is a green and environmentally friendly building material additive.

As an important additive for gypsum plaster, HPMC has been widely used in the construction industry due to its excellent properties such as thickening, water retention, lubrication and enhanced adhesion. Proper use of HPMC can significantly improve the construction performance and final quality of gypsum plaster, providing a better solution for building construction. In future development, with the advancement of technology and deepening of applications, HPMC is expected to demonstrate its unique advantages in more fields.

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