Cellulose ethers

According to recent insights from Google searches, cellulose ethers are essential functional polymers derived from natural cellulose. They are utilized across various industries due to their ability to modify viscosity, improve water retention, and enhance overall material properties in construction, food, and consumer products.

EHEC and MEHEC Cellulose Ethers

Bermocoll® EHEC (ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose) and MEHEC (methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose) serve as non-ionic cellulose ethers, created through a unique solvent-free production process. This method guarantees a low carbon footprint and cellulose with precisely measured performance specifications.

We take pride in being the world’s exclusive producer of EHEC and MEHEC, which are synthesized using cellulose sourced from wood or cotton linters by means of alkalization, ethoxylation, and subsequent reactions with ethyl- and methyl-chloride.

Additionally, EHEC and MEHEC can be combined with longer chain hydrophobes, resulting in the production of hydrophobically modified cellulose, HM-(M)EHEC, utilized as associative thickeners.

Our Bermocoll® products function as rheology modifiers across diverse industrial applications, enhancing performance in dry mix mortars and paints.

Applications of Cellulose Ethers in Construction

Cellulose ethers are significant polymer materials widely used in building and construction fields. These polymers are chemically modified natural cellulose, providing excellent solubility, thickening capabilities, water retention, and film-forming properties.

1. Thickener

In construction materials, cellulose ethers serve effectively as thickeners. They enhance the viscosity of compounds such as cement mortar and plaster, facilitating easier application. The thickening property also helps prevent sagging during the construction process, thereby improving the overall quality of work.

2. Water Retaining Agent

Cellulose ethers possess superior water-retention characteristics that significantly minimize water loss. In cement-based mixtures, adding cellulose ethers reduces the evaporation rate, prolonging setting times and boosting the material's strength and durability. In tile adhesives, these ethers ensure that tiles remain securely bonded by preventing premature drying.

3. Lubricant

They also function as lubricants, improving the fluidity and pumpability of concrete. This reduces resistance during application, leading to easier handling and less wear on pumping equipment.

4. Anti-cracking Agent

Cellulose ethers enhance the crack resistance of building materials. For instance, incorporating cellulose ethers in gypsum products can significantly improve their flexibility and minimize the risk of cracking during drying processes.

5. Binder

In adhesive formulations, cellulose ethers play a crucial role in enhancing adhesion and bonding strength across various substrates. They also contribute to improved water and weather resistance, which helps ensure the longevity of constructions.

6. Suspending and Dispersing Agents

In architectural coatings, cellulose ethers serve as suspending and dispersing agents, preventing pigment and filler sediments, thus ensuring uniform paint stability. They also improve the coating's application, yielding a smoother final finish.

7. Construction Mortar

Cellulose ethers are integral to construction mortars, providing thickening, water retention, and additive capabilities. These properties reduce rapid water loss during application, helping maintain workability and strength.

8. Gypsum-based Materials

In gypsum formulations, cellulose ethers are crucial for maintaining water retention and improving construction performance. They not only prevent cracks during drying but also enhance the materials' overall strength.

9. Self-leveling Floor

In self-leveling floor materials, cellulose ethers are essential for improving fluidity and self-leveling capabilities, allowing for quick and smooth application while minimizing cracking.

10. Tile Adhesive

Cellulose ethers are predominantly employed in ceramic tile adhesives to enhance water retention and bonding strength, ensuring tile stability and flexibility during use.

Overall, cellulose ethers serve various roles in building and construction, whether as thickeners, water-retaining agents, lubricants, anti-cracking agents, binders, or suspending agents. As building technologies evolve, the scope of cellulose ethers in construction applications continues to expand.

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