Cellulose ether is an important building material additive that is widely used in concrete and mortar to improve their properties. The main functions of cellulose ether in concrete include thickening, water retention, delaying setting, improving workability, etc.

1. Methyl Cellulose (MC, Methyl Cellulose)
Methylcellulose is the most common type of cellulose ether, which is produced by replacing some of the hydroxyl groups in cellulose with methoxy groups (-OCH3). Methylcellulose mainly plays the role of thickening and water retention in concrete. It can significantly improve the flow resistance of concrete, increase the cohesion of concrete, reduce bleeding, thereby improving the construction performance and durability of concrete. In addition, methylcellulose also has good film-forming properties, which can effectively improve the smoothness and uniformity of the concrete surface.

2. Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC, Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose)
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is produced by further introducing hydroxypropyl (-CH2CHOHCH3) on the basis of methylcellulose. HPMC has better water retention and thickening properties, so it exhibits stronger stability and anti-sag properties in concrete. It can maintain good water retention performance at high temperatures and prevent the water in the concrete from evaporating too quickly, thereby reducing the occurrence of cracks. In addition, HPMC can also delay the speed of cement hydration reaction, allowing concrete to have a longer operating time and facilitate construction.

3. Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose)
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is produced by introducing hydroxyethyl groups (-CH2CH2OH) into cellulose molecules. The main function of HEC in concrete is to thicken and improve the bonding properties of concrete. Compared with other cellulose ethers, HEC is more stable under alkaline conditions, so it is widely used in concrete. It can improve the anti-sag performance of concrete and increase the bonding strength of concrete. Especially in ready-mixed concrete that requires long-term storage or transportation, HEC can effectively prevent delamination and bleeding.

4. Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC, Hydroxypropyl Cellulose)
Hydroxypropyl cellulose is produced by introducing a hydroxypropyl group (-CH2CHOHCH3) into the cellulose molecule. Similar to HPMC, HPC also has good thickening and water retention properties. In addition, HPC also has good thermal stability and film-forming properties, which can improve the crack resistance and durability of concrete. Under high temperature conditions, HPC can significantly reduce water evaporation in concrete, thereby preventing concrete surface cracking.

5. Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (HEMC, Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose)
Hydroxyethylmethylcellulose is produced by introducing hydroxyethyl groups into methylcellulose. HEMC combines the characteristics of HEC and MC, has good water retention and thickening properties, and can also improve the workability and durability of concrete. It is widely used in concrete, especially in self-leveling mortar and thermal insulation mortar. HEMC can effectively improve construction performance, reduce moisture loss in mortar, and prevent cracks after drying.

6. Ethyl Cellulose (EC, Ethyl Cellulose)
Ethylcellulose is produced by replacing the hydroxyl groups in the cellulose molecule with ethoxy groups (-OC2H5). EC is rarely used in concrete, but it plays an important role in special concrete such as high-strength concrete and self-leveling concrete. EC has good thickening and bonding properties and can improve the strength and crack resistance of concrete. In addition, EC also has good chemical resistance and thermal stability, so it can be used effectively in some special environments.

7. Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC, Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose)
Methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose combines the characteristics of MC and HEC and has good thickening, water retention and ductility. The main role of MHEC in concrete is to improve the bonding properties and crack resistance of concrete. It is especially widely used in self-leveling concrete and repair mortars.

Cellulose ethers are widely used in concrete and are of various types. Different types of cellulose ethers have different chemical structures and physical properties and can meet the needs of different projects. Choosing the right cellulose ether type can significantly improve the workability, strength and durability of concrete, thereby increasing the quality and reliability of construction projects. In practical applications, it is necessary to reasonably select the type and dosage of cellulose ether based on specific engineering requirements and construction conditions to achieve the best use effect.