Tiles are a vital part of any construction as they are used in both the interior and exterior of a building. From outdoor and indoor use like flooring to creating a façade of the house or office, tiles are versatile and bring a stylish touch to the construction wherever they are used. High-quality tiles are not enough, as quality tiling involves firmly sticking the tiles so that they stay attached and do not dislodge over time. A suitable and reliable tile adhesive is important to ensure this does not happen. One such adhesive is a cellulose-based polymer called HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose). In this blog, we will look at how HPMC can improve tilework by giving any tile a solid foundation and its role as a vital component in many other types of tile adhesives.
Any tile adhesive’s main purpose is to ensure that the tile remains stuck to any surface, from floors to walls. HPMC contains some essential properties that make it an ideal material for adhesion.
A primary characteristic of HPMC is that it retains water. With high water retention, the adhesive remains moist and does not dry quickly, lengthening the workable time. This means that the construction worker has adequate time to properly place tiles in the correct position. HPMC also enhances the curing process.
HPMC strengthens the bond between tile and substrate, which is vital for the tile to stay fixed on a surface for a long time. Strong adhesion is a symbol of quality tilework.
In large construction projects where a large area is to be covered, it takes time to set the tiles in the correct position and place them flawlessly. Using HPMC as an additive delays the drying of the plaster and gives the worker more time to position tiles and make necessary adjustments.
When placing tiles on a vertical surface like a wall, a solid grip is needed to prevent the tile from slipping during curing time. HPMC for tile adhesives gives adequate traction to the tile, and the tile remains in a fixed position until the adhesive is dry and set.
Where floor tiling is done, HPMC provides the tiles with a grip, thus preventing them from shifting once they have been positioned correctly. This ensures that the tiles are laid out correctly.
HPMC is a highly soluble material, which means that it can be mixed quickly without much hassle. If the mixture containing HPMC is moved around a lot, the HPMC becomes viscous, which increases the workability, but once it is left untouched, the viscosity becomes reduced.
HPMC strengthens the adhesive mix and makes it crack-proof. This makes the tilework more durable, which is needed in areas with inclined surfaces.
Tile adhesives should be water-resistant since tiles are often used in moist places like bathrooms and kitchens. HPPMC is a water-resistant material that contributes to the longevity and durability of tiling.
The dosage of HPMC depends on the requirements of the adhesive formulation and the kind of consistency that is needed. Recommendations are a good starting point.
Mixing HPMC properly is essential. To do this, add it slowly so that the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. High-shear mixing tools should be utilized for even distribution during mixing.
Although HPMC acts as a retarder, it also impacts drying time, so the project timeline should be planned to keep the drying period in mind.
Humidity, temperature, and other factors also affect HPMC performance in adhesives. Hence, the dosage and timing of tilework must be adjusted accordingly.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is an important additive in tile adhesives, playing a significant role in their major properties and performance. Its retention of water, improvement of adhesion, extension of open time, resistance to sagging, enhancement of slip resistance, and thixotropic and crack-resistant properties make it an important additive in different types of tile adhesives.
With HPMC as recommended, tile installations will be safe, long-lasting, and beautiful. In addition to traditional tile adhesives, HPMC is also used in ready-to-use adhesives, specialty adhesives, and a range of construction applications.
