1. Tile Adhesive

Since the tile adhesives must have very high bonding strength between the base layer and ceramic tiles, so adhesives are affected by two aspects of absorbed water, the surface of base layer (the wall/floor) and ceramic tiles. For ceramic tiles, there are large differences in the quality. Some have large pores, and the water absorption of ceramic tile is high, so that the bonding properties of ceramic tile adhesive will get damaged. In this case, water-retaining agents appear particularly important, and addition of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) can well satisfy this need.

2. Cement Based Mortar

During use of cement mortar, it is very important to ensure good water retention due to strong water absorption of brick and wall, along with a higher sand content of mortar. Otherwise, bricks will be very easy to absorb the water in mortar, leading to partial water loss of mortar and difficulty in adequate hydration of cement. The bonding strength of mortar composed of sand, lime and cement is very low, but it will be significantly increased with the addition of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC). Even if the eccentric load or horizontal load significantly occurs, the bending tensile strength and shear strength will also be relatively high.

The addition amount of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) should be determined experimentally. Too much added, it will produce too many bubbles in the mortar and reduce the compressive strength. But if used properly, it will make a fundamental improvement on the use of cement based mortar.

3. Plaster

For plaster (plastering paste), the workability, plasticity and initial viscosity are several important properties. Even adding a very small amount (a few thousandths) of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) will also make these properties significantly improved. In cement- and gypsum-based plaster, water is essential for final hardening. Just like cement based mortar, the water retention of cellulose will enable the plaster after curing to have relatively high bond strength.

4. Bonding Gypsum, Caulking Gypsum and Gypsum-based Finish Materials

Gypsum products are more and more popularly used, with such advantages as light weight, thermal insulation, fire resistance and ability to adjust the indoor humidity. The consumption of matching bonding gypsum and caulking gypsum has already been very large. Preparation of these materials all requires adding an appropriate amount of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) as water-retaining and binding agents to achieve full hydration of gypsum, ensure adequate adhesion and to prevent the occurrence of cracks. Currently, gypsum-based finish materials (finish gypsum or render gypsum) have gradually replaced other finish materials. Usually 0.2% of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is added into these materials to greatly improve the construction performance, prevent the occurrence of cracks, make the wall plastered flat and smooth.

5. Other Building Materials

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) have been widely used in colorful coatings, greatly improving the performance and decorative effects of these products. Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) can play a significant role where there is a need for bonding, water retention and improvement of construction performance.

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) have now been applied in many domestic building materials, and have achieved very good economic and social benefits. With the increase of production capacity and variety, the improvement of product quality and the decrease of price, there will be a wider application in building materials.