Mortar is a mixture of cement, sand and water used as a binding material in masonry projects. In order to improve the performance of mortar, various admixtures are added to the mortar. One of the most commonly used admixtures is cellulose ethers. Cellulose ethers are water-soluble polymers derived from cellulose that can be used to modify the properties of cementitious materials. The addition of cellulose ethers to mortar was found to improve its workability, setting time and strength.

Properties of cellulose ethers

Cellulose ether is a water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose. It is used as a thickener, adhesive and film-forming agent in a variety of industries including pharmaceuticals, food and construction. Cellulose ether is a nonionic polymer generally produced by replacing the hydroxyl groups of cellulose with ether groups. Substitution of hydroxyl groups by ether groups leads to the formation of hydrophobic chains, which prevent cellulose molecules from dissolving in water. Therefore, cellulose ethers have excellent water retention properties, which makes them ideal admixtures for use in mortars.

Effect of cellulose ether on mortar properties

The addition of cellulose ethers to mortar was found to improve its workability, setting time and strength. The workability of a mortar refers to its ability to be easily mixed, placed and compacted. The addition of cellulose ethers to the mortar reduces the water content required to achieve a given consistency, thus improving workability. This is because cellulose ethers have excellent water retention properties and can retain moisture in the mixture for a long time, thereby reducing the risk of dryness and increasing ease of placement.

The setting time of mortar is the time it takes for the mortar to harden and solidify into a solid mass. Adding cellulose ethers to the mortar can shorten the setting time by controlling the hydration rate of the cement particles. This is achieved by delaying the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel, which is responsible for the hardening and setting of the mortar. By delaying the formation of the C-S-H gel, the setting time of the mortar can be increased, giving workers more time to work on the mortar before it sets.

Adding cellulose ether to mortar can also improve its strength. This is because cellulose ethers act as binders and improve adhesion between cement particles, resulting in a stronger, more durable mortar. Cellulose ethers also act as water-reducing agents, reducing the amount of water required to achieve a given consistency and increasing the strength of the mortar.

Cellulose ether is a water-soluble polymer commonly used as an admixture in mortars. The addition of cellulose ethers to mortar was found to improve its workability, setting time and strength. Improves the workability of the mortar by reducing the water content required to achieve a given consistency, while shortening the setting time by delaying the formation of C-S-H gel. The strength of the mortar can be increased by acting as a binder and reducing the water content required to achieve a given consistency. Generally speaking, adding cellulose ether to mortar is a positive and effective way to improve the performance of mortar.