Building a home is everyone’s dream. Then, good design can only be realized with good quality materials. Materials are the solution for a well-functioning building. The quality of construction is highly dependent on the materials used. The materials we choose will determine the durability and overall character of the building. The most profitable way to determine which material suits our needs is to analyze the stability, maintenance, aesthetics, and cost of each material. This includes the thickener used in mortar. Here people have applied cellulose as the mortar thickener.

So, how can we apply cellulose effectively?

The Effect of Cellulose on Mortar Thickener

The common type of cellulose that is used in construction is HPMC. Generally, people will think about the viscosity of the thickener product before using it. The principle is the higher the level of viscosity the better it will impact the building. It is getting popular to use since it goes with positive impacts. We will get the effect for building construction, especially cement-based construction. The effect varies from the retention of water, thickening, air circulation, and more.

Since cellulose has the role of the thickener, it is widely known as the crosslinking agent. As its name, it has the function of linking the materials to a compound. Cellulose ether is the solution for the product with high viscosity. However, we need to be careful about deciding on the cellulose manufacturers. Since some manufacturing produces rough mortar.

Below are some inventions of cellulose usage for thickening mortar.

• Tile adhesive strengthens up specifically for the tensile adhesive. In addition, the level of strength tends to be high.
• The factor you cannot ignore is the resistance of the water. The manufacturing takes the thickener on the cellulose production. Compared with the standard production, it is found that cellulose has been added to give better strength to tile adhesive. Cellulose ether gives a better impact, especially on water resistance.
• If we need a product with a shorter drying time, cellulose ether is the answer. That’s the different result of the cellulose used as thickener added and without it. This is one of the valuable points for applying cellulose as the mortar thickener.
• We will get a better and faster curing process during the application of cellulose ether. Since the cellulose we know is completed with the thermal gelation properties. It brings the effect of dissolving again after cooling through the heating process. In short, many aspects go well with the presence of cellulose ether.

Mortar with Old Dry Level

The application of mortar must be in accordance with the specified time. If the time misses the initial estimate, then the implementation of further work will be disrupted. If you rush the work and don’t wait for the concrete to dry properly, you should be prepared for structural failure. This failure will add to the list of further work and wasted time.

There are several things you can do so that the mortar can dry quickly such as:

• Use warm water. Using slightly warmer water in the mortar thickener mixture will promote a faster reaction. Make sure it’s warm water not scalding hot water.
• Choose the right weather. It is better to take summer as the time for mortar application. Warmer temperatures will help the mortar dry quickly and harden perfectly.
• Reduce the volume of water. Using less water reduces drying time.

Mortar Simple Testing

Mortar that is too wet is a problem often faced by construction workers. Even though they already have mortar thickener with the right mix, the mortar often gets too wet. Mortar that is too wet will run out between the joints of the surfaces being done. Then, if the mortar is too dry, the bond will be weak.

When the mortar thickener mixture is ready, you can test whether the mortar is springy enough or even too wet. Use simple methods such as making grooves with a hoe. The sides of the groove must maintain their shape without collapsing or sagging. While the mortar should easily slide off the hoe. Then you can set aside the mortar for about 5 minutes. After that, you can stir again before use.

Next, you can make a good mortar mix by using the simple method like making a mound of mortar mixture on top of the container. Then make a hollow shape in the middle of the container. Next, slowly add water in a small amount from the bucket. Mix gradually by pulling the dry materials toward the center and pushing the wet mixture aside.

Keep adding the water little by little and pulverizing with the trowel or hoe until the mortar has a smooth consistency and can be used in a similar texture to butter.

Tips for Using Cellulose as the Mortar Thickener

A mixture of cement and sand is the main raw material needed in the construction of a building. This mortar is usually used to install bricks or other variations of bricks. There is also a stucco mortar that is specifically intended for plastering walls.

As the name implies, this mortar is made from a mixture of cement and sand, sometimes a split in the form of gravel is also added. Given the various functions, the process of making the mixture and its composition is also different. Now, the use of cellulose in mortar thickener is common and even recommendable. Below are several tips we can follow.

• Knowing the pH from the beginning, during, and at the end of the process is a must. It influences the result of the product or the building we make. Remember that the solubility of cellulose is changeable based on its pH. Keeping and controlling pH is recommended.
• Knowing well want we want and the target we want to get. The definition will help a lot in the process and managing the budget.
• Be careful with the types of cellulose we will use. It may differ from one to another. The characteristic of the material is different.
• Carefully manage the dosage or the measurement of the mixing.
• Enzymatic action may happen during the process. That’s why users should take action for protection and safety.
• Controlling the time to minimize the worse effect of usage. Error in management will take serious problems such as the bonding and the strength of the mixing.
• Understanding the effect after use is also dominant. Mainly if it relates to the viscosity effects.

The existence of cellulose for construction is currently gaining popularity. This is because this type of adhesive has many advantages. It can maximize construction results effectively.