As an important building material additive, cellulose ether is widely used in the construction industry, especially in putties and coatings. Its unique chemical properties and functions make it a key ingredient in improving the adhesion of putty to various substrates. The main functions of cellulose ethers include thickening, water retention, suspension and enhanced adhesion. Adding cellulose ether to the putty formula can significantly improve the working performance of the putty and enhance its adhesion to the substrate.

1. Characteristics of cellulose ether and mechanism of putty action
Cellulose ether is a type of derivative of natural cellulose formed after chemical modification, mainly divided into methyl cellulose (MC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), etc. . Cellulose ether molecules have good water solubility and thickening properties, and can form stable colloidal solutions when mixed with water. Since cellulose ether molecules have hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups, their solubility and viscosity in water can effectively improve the construction performance of putty.

The action mechanism of cellulose ether in putty is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

Water retention: Cellulose ether can play an excellent water retention role in the putty formula and prevent water from evaporating too quickly after construction. This allows the putty to distribute moisture evenly during the drying process, thereby reducing cracking and helping to improve the putty’s adhesion to the substrate.

Thickening: The thickening effect of cellulose ether can increase the consistency of the putty so that it will not sag during construction on vertical walls or ceilings. This feature is critical to the even application and construction efficiency of putty.

Lubricity: Cellulose ether can improve the lubricity of putty, making the construction smoother, reducing resistance during construction, and thus better fitting the base material.

Anti-sag: Cellulose ether has the effect of enhancing the adhesion of putty, making the putty less likely to sag during construction, and can effectively adhere to the wall, and can maintain good hold even in high-temperature, high-humidity construction environments. Adhesion effect.

2. Effect of cellulose ether on putty adhesion
The adhesion of putty is a key factor affecting its construction effect and service life. The addition of cellulose ether gives putty the following adhesion advantages:

Improve the wettability of the substrate surface: Cellulose ether molecules are evenly dispersed in the putty, which can effectively reduce the interfacial tension between the putty and the substrate, thereby increasing the wetting effect of the putty on the substrate. This wetting effect enhances the penetration ability of the putty, making it easier for the putty to penetrate into the tiny pores of the substrate, improving mechanical adhesion.

Enhanced physical adhesion: The thickening and water-retaining effects of cellulose ether enable the putty to form a uniform covering layer on the surface of the substrate, thereby enhancing the physical adhesion of the putty. This function can not only prevent the putty from shrinking during the curing process, but also prevent the formation of gaps between the putty and the base material, improving the bonding effect.

Enhanced crack resistance: Cellulose ether can improve the flexibility of putty and reduce the stress on the putty layer caused by changes in temperature and humidity, thereby avoiding cracking. This flexibility allows the internal stress generated by the putty during the drying process to be absorbed and dispersed, thereby improving the adhesion between the putty and the substrate.

Improve weather resistance: Since cellulose ether has excellent water retention and UV resistance, putty added with cellulose ether has better weather resistance and can effectively resist the erosion of the external environment. Under harsh conditions such as high temperature and low humidity, the evaporation rate of water in the putty layer slows down, ensuring the adhesion effect of the putty.

3. Application of cellulose ethers on different substrates
Different substrates have different adhesion requirements for putty. The addition of cellulose ether can significantly improve the adhesion of putty to the following common substrates:

Cement base material: The surface of the cement wall is rough and highly absorbent. Cellulose ether can enhance the adhesion of the putty to the cement base material and improve the covering effect of the putty on the cement wall surface.

Gypsum base material: The surface of the gypsum base material is smooth, and the thickening and water-retaining effects of cellulose ether can help the putty form a uniform coating on the gypsum base material to prevent the putty from falling off or cracking.

Wood substrate: Wood has strong water absorption and shrinkage properties. The addition of cellulose ether can enhance the flexibility and water retention of putty and prevent the putty layer from falling off due to wood deformation.

Metal substrate: The metal surface is smooth and non-absorbent, making it difficult for putty to adhere, but cellulose ether can increase the adhesion of putty on the metal surface, allowing it to form a thin and uniform covering layer.

The addition of cellulose ether greatly improves the adhesion of the putty, making it suitable for various substrates. Through multiple functions such as thickening, water retention, lubrication and improving flexibility, cellulose ethers effectively improve the performance of putty in construction, extend its service life and reduce maintenance costs. Therefore, cellulose ether has become an indispensable key additive in modern construction, providing putty materials with strong adhesion and durability.