1.Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a cellulose variety whose output and consumption are increasing rapidly. It is a non-ionic cellulose mixed ether made from refined cotton after alkalization, using propylene oxide and methyl chloride as etherification agent, through a series of reactions. The degree of substitution is generally 1.2~2.0. Its properties vary depending on the ratio of methoxyl content to hydroxypropyl content.

(1)?Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is easily soluble in cold water, and it will encounter difficulties in dissolving in hot water. But its gelation temperature in hot water is significantly higher than that of methyl cellulose. The solubility in cold water is also greatly improved compared with methyl cellulose.

(2)?(2) The viscosity of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is related to its molecular weight, and the larger the molecular weight, the higher the viscosity. Temperature also affects its viscosity, as temperature increases, viscosity decreases. However, the influence of its high viscosity and temperature is lower than that of methyl cellulose. Its solution is stable when stored at room temperature.

(3)?The water retention of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose depends on its addition amount, viscosity, etc., and its water retention rate under the same addition amount is higher than that of methyl cellulose.

(4)?Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is stable to acid and alkali, and its aqueous solution is very stable in the range of pH=2~12. Caustic soda and lime water have little effect on its performance, but alkali can speed up its dissolution rate and slightly increase its viscosity. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is stable to common salts, but when the concentration of salt solution is high, the viscosity of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose solution tends to increase.

(5)?Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose can be mixed with water-soluble polymers to form a homogeneous, higher-viscosity solution. Such as polyvinyl alcohol, starch ether, vegetable gum, etc.

(6)?Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has better enzyme resistance than methylcellulose, and its solution is less likely to be degraded by enzymes than methylcellulose.

(7)?The adhesion of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose to mortar construction is higher than that of methylcellulose.

2.?Hydroxyethyl cellulose

It is made from refined cotton treated with alkali, and reacted with ethylene oxide as etherification agent in the presence of isopropanol. Its degree of substitution is generally 1.5~2.0. It has strong hydrophilicity and is easy to absorb moisture.

(1)?Hydroxyethyl cellulose is soluble in cold water, but it is difficult to dissolve in hot water. Its solution is stable at high temperature without gelling. It can be used for a long time under high temperature in mortar, but its water retention is lower than that of methyl cellulose.

(2)?Hydroxyethyl cellulose is stable to general acid and alkali, and alkali can accelerate its dissolution and slightly increase its viscosity. Its dispersibility in water is slightly worse than that of methyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose.

(3)?Hydroxyethyl cellulose has good anti-sag performance for mortar, but it has a longer retarding time for cement.

(4)?The performance of hydroxyethyl cellulose produced by some domestic enterprises is obviously lower than that of methyl cellulose due to its high water content and high ash content.

(5)?The mildew of the aqueous solution of hydroxyethyl cellulose is relatively serious. At a temperature of about 40°C, mildew may occur within 3 to 5 days, which will affect its performance.