Putty powder is a popular building material used to fill gaps, cracks and holes in surfaces prior to painting or tiling. Its ingredients are mainly composed of gypsum powder, talcum powder, water and other materials. However, modern formulated putties also contain an additional ingredient, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). This article will discuss why we add HPMC to putty powder and the benefits it brings.
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls. It is widely used in various industries such as construction, pharmaceutical, textile and food. In construction, it is used as an ingredient in mortars, grouts, paints and putties.
Adding HPMC to putty powder has the following advantages:
1. Increase water retention
HPMC is a hydrophilic polymer that absorbs and retains water molecules. Adding HPMC to putty powder can improve its water retention performance. During construction, the putty powder mixed with HPMC will not dry too quickly, providing workers with ample time to handle the material and effectively fill gaps without causing the material to crack or shrink. Along with increased water retention, putty powders also bond well to surfaces, reducing the likelihood of cracking or peeling.
2. Improve workability
Putty powder mixes with HPMC to form a paste-like consistency, making it easier to apply and spread across surfaces. HPMC gives putty powders a smoother texture, providing a better finish when painting or tiling. It also gives the putty a high yield value, the ability to resist deformation under pressure. This means that putty powder mixed with HPMC can be easily shaped and molded to suit various surfaces.
3. Reduce shrinkage and cracking
As mentioned earlier, HPMC can improve the water retention of putty powder. As a result, putty powder is less likely to dry too quickly when applied to a surface, causing shrinkage and cracking. HPMC also helps reduce shrinkage and cracking because it increases the bond strength of the putty powder, making the material more stable and less prone to cracking.
4. Better resistance to water and temperature changes
The putty powder mixed with HPMC has better resistance to water and temperature changes than the putty powder without HPMC. HPMC is a hydrophilic polymer that protects putty powders from temperature and humidity changes. This means that putty powder mixed with HPMC is more durable and can withstand exposure to various weather conditions.
5. Longer shelf life
Adding HPMC to putty powder can prolong its shelf life. HPMC prevents putty powders from drying out and hardening during storage. This means putty powder mixed with HPMC can be stored longer without losing quality or becoming unusable.
To sum up, adding HPMC to putty powder has several advantages. It increases water retention, improves processability, reduces shrinkage and cracking, provides better resistance to water and temperature changes, and extends shelf life. All these advantages ensure that the putty powder mixed with HPMC will provide a better finish and be more durable. As such, it is an important factor that contributes to the success of any construction project.
Overall, the use of HPMC in putty powders is a positive development for the construction industry. It offers many benefits that help make everyone’s job easier, more effective and efficient. Its continued use may lead to further innovations that further improve the quality of building materials and construction practices.
Post time: Aug-04-2023