Extended open time! HPMC enables smooth self-leveling construction
1. Do you understand the importance of the “open window period” in construction?
In floor construction, the “open time” of self-leveling mortar is one of the key indicators determining the overall construction quality. The open time refers to the time window during which the material maintains good construction fluidity after mixing. If the open time is too short, construction personnel may struggle to complete leveling and spreading within the specified timeframe, leading to issues such as peeling, rippling, layering, and uneven surface heights. In severe cases, this can even result in large-scale rework.
In high-temperature, low-humidity construction environments, material dehydration occurs more rapidly, exacerbating these issues. Therefore, incorporating components that effectively extend open time into product formulations has become a crucial strategy for enhancing product competitiveness.
II. HPMC: Effectively Addressing the Time Challenges of Self-Leveling
HPMC possesses excellent water retention and rheological control capabilities. By forming a stable network structure in cement mortar, it significantly extends the open time of self-leveling mortar by over 30%. This means construction personnel have more time to adjust the leveling process, ensuring the flatness and density of every inch of the floor.
Specifically, HPMC performs the following functions within the system:
Slowing down the cement hydration reaction rate: Appropriately reducing the reaction speed between cement and water to prevent rapid surface hardening;
Retaining moisture and preventing excessive evaporation: By forming a hydration film, it slows down moisture loss, maintaining good construction performance even in high-temperature environments;
Regulating flowability and thixotropy: It confers different flow behaviors on the mortar during mixing and static states, facilitating spreading while preventing excessive flow that could cause surface unevenness.
III. More than just extending open time: Multi-dimensional support for enhanced performance
HPMC not only addresses the issue of short open time but also delivers significant improvements in overall performance, comprehensively optimizing the user experience of self-leveling mortar:
Improving construction flowability: Balancing flowability and adhesion control allows the mortar to spread freely and self-level, greatly reducing manual intervention;
Enhanced interface bonding strength: Cellulose molecules penetrate the mortar-substrate interface, enhancing overall adhesion and preventing issues such as peeling or hollow voids;
Reduced bleeding and sedimentation: By increasing viscosity and gel structure, cement particles are prevented from settling, ensuring material uniformity;
Adaptability to complex climatic conditions: Stable water retention and smooth application are maintained even in high-temperature, dry, or windy environments, overcoming challenges posed by summer or seasonal changes.
