Does higher HPMC viscosity always improve water retention?

No. Viscosity is useful when comparing grades tested under the same method, but mortar water retention also depends on polymer modification, dosage, water demand, particle size, cement composition and testing conditions. A higher reading in 2% solution is not a direct performance guarantee.

What is the difference between NDJ and Brookfield viscosity results?

NDJ and Brookfield RV refer to different rotational-viscometer approaches. LANDERCOLL HPMC values should be compared only when concentration, temperature, spindle and speed are aligned. Differences between these methods are normal; the published columns must not be treated as equivalent numbers.

Which LANDERCOLL HPMC grade should I test for tile adhesive?

For initial screening, LANDU's existing application matrix includes grades such as K75H, K100H and K150. The optimal grade depends on target slip, open time, trowelability, binder and local conditions. Request a grade TDS and sample for side-by-side mortar trials.

Can HPMC alone make tile adhesive compliant with EN 12004?

No. EN 12004 classification concerns performance of the finished adhesive under defined test methods. HPMC is one ingredient; polymer content, cement, fillers, water ratio, processing and other additives also influence the final result.

How should I request a technical recommendation from LANDU?

Include the end application, binder type, climate, mixing process, current grade or target viscosity test method, observed formulation problem and estimated annual demand. LANDU can then discuss a suitable grade screening plan and available documents.

LANDERCOLL® / CELLULOSE ETHERS

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)

Q: What is HPMC used for in dry-mix mortar?

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a nonionic cellulose ether used to modify fresh-mortar water retention, viscosity and workability. Typical uses include cement-based tile adhesive, wall putty, render, gypsum mortar and related dry-mix systems. Actual behavior depends on grade, concentration, mineral binder and the full additive package.

Construction-grade HPMC for dry-mix mortar water retention, rheology and workability. Compare 16 published LANDERCOLL® grades, choose an application shortlist and request grade-specific technical data for your formulation trials.

16 Published GradesWater RetentionFresh-Mortar RheologyTechnical Selection

Compare HPMC Grades Request Sample

LANDERCOLL® HPMCGrade selection & technical purchasing

01 / PRODUCT DATA

HPMC Specifications

Review the key technical information for construction-grade LANDERCOLL® HPMC. Grade-specific values may differ, so request the current TDS for the exact product.

Product Data

K100 reference values; grade range shown in the final row

Product Name: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose | Abbreviation: HPMC | Brand: LANDERCOLL®

Appearance	White or off-white powder
Moisture Content	≤6%
Ash Content	≤5%
Methoxy Content	19–24%
Hydroxypropoxy Content	4–12%
pH	6.0–8.0
Particle Size	100% passing 80 mesh
K100 Viscosity	85,000–110,000 mPa·s (NDJ, 2%, 20°C) / 45,000–60,000 mPa·s (Brookfield RV, 2%, 20°C)
Grade Range	16 published grades: K04 to K200H

The appearance, moisture, ash, substitution, pH and particle-size values shown are published K100 reference parameters. Viscosity is stated separately for K100 with its test conditions. These values must not be treated as universal specifications for every HPMC grade; confirm the current grade-specific TDS before qualification.

02 / PRODUCT RANGE

HPMC Grades

The published LANDERCOLL® range includes 16 HPMC grades. Filter by model or application, then request the grade-specific data sheet.

Search by grade or application

Application

Showing 16 of 16 grades

LANDERCOLL® Grade	NDJ, 2% solution (mPa·s)	Brookfield RV, 2% solution (mPa·s)	Typical Application Reference	Technical Data
K04	300–1,000	300–500	Repair / waterproof mortar	Request TDS
K5	5,000–10,000	3,000–5,000	Tile grout / repair mortar	Request TDS
K10HT	12,000–25,000	8,000–12,000	Tile adhesive / grout	Request TDS
K40	35,000–45,000	20,000–24,000	Grout / masonry / repair	Request TDS
K40HT	35,000–45,000	20,000–24,000	Tile adhesive / masonry	Request TDS
K40G	35,000–45,000	20,000–24,000	Gypsum-based mortar	Request TDS
K75	75,000–80,000	35,000–40,000	Grout / wall putty / EIFS	Request TDS
K75H	75,000–80,000	35,000–40,000	Tile adhesive / wall putty	Request TDS
K75G	75,000–80,000	35,000–40,000	Gypsum mortar / wall putty	Request TDS
K100	85,000–110,000	45,000–60,000	General / waterproof / repair	View TDS
K100H	85,000–110,000	45,000–60,000	Tile adhesive / putty / EIFS	View TDS
K100G	85,000–110,000	45,000–60,000	Gypsum mortar / wall putty	Request TDS
K150	140,000–160,000	55,000–65,000	Tile adhesive / masonry / EIFS	View TDS
K150G	140,000–160,000	55,000–65,000	Gypsum mortar / wall putty	Request TDS
K200	185,000–215,000	65,000–80,000	Tile adhesive / EIFS	View TDS
K200H	185,000–215,000	68,000–75,000	Tile adhesive / waterproof mortar	Request TDS

How to read these values: NDJ and Brookfield RV viscosity results are not interchangeable. Check temperature, spindle, speed and preparation method in the current grade-specific TDS. Application labels indicate initial screening areas, not certified finished-mortar performance.

03 / MATERIAL SELECTION

HPMC Grade Selection

Start with the intended construction application and the behavior required in the final formulation. Viscosity is only one screening parameter.

Application	Initial Grades	Selection Focus
Tile Adhesive	K75H, K100H, K150	Water retention, open time, slip resistance
Wall Putty & Skim Coat	K75H, K100, K100H	Smooth spreading, water retention, workable consistency
Gypsum Plaster	K40G, K100G, K150G	Wet consistency, retention, setting compatibility
Cement Render	K40, K100	Handling, water loss, layer stability
EIFS / ETICS	K100H, K150, K200	Fresh consistency and vertical application
Self-Leveling	K04, K5	Flowability and controlled suspension stability

1. Define your target

Specify open time, water retention, slip, flow, consistency or the main formulation issue.

2. Select candidate grades

Use the grade table and current TDS, including complete viscosity measurement conditions.

3. Run controlled trials

Compare candidate grades in the same formulation and approve the material on finished-product results.

04 / FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES

Key Functions

HPMC modifies the behavior of the aqueous phase in fresh construction mixtures. Results depend on grade, dosage, binder and the complete additive package.

Water Retention

Helps control premature water migration to absorbent substrates and water loss during fresh-mortar handling.

Thickening

Adjusts wet consistency and influences flow and cohesiveness in compatible binder systems.

Workability

Supports spreading and handling behavior; excessive thickening can increase trowel drag.

Open-Time Support

Water management can contribute to workable open time; actual open time is a finished-adhesive property.

Application Stability

Contributes to fresh-mortar rheology. Slip and sag resistance also depend on yield stress and complementary additives.

Formulation Flexibility

A range of viscosity and modified grades supports application-specific screening in cement and gypsum systems.

05 / INDUSTRIAL USE

Applications

Choose the material for its role in the final construction system. Each application requires its own binder compatibility and performance testing.

A worker applying cement-based tile adhesive

APPLICATION 01

Tile Adhesives

Water retention, open time and workable consistency.

Evaluate open time and slip in the finished adhesive. Cement, RDP and climate also affect performance.

Initial grades: K75H · K100H · K150

Tile Adhesive Additives

APPLICATION 02

Wall Putty & Skim Coat

Smooth spreading and controlled water loss.

Balance water retention against tool drag, substrate suction and finish.

Initial grades: K75H · K100 · K100H

Wall Putty Additives

APPLICATION 03

Gypsum Plaster

Fresh consistency and water retention.

Check gypsum chemistry and the interaction with set-retarding additives.

Initial grades: K40G · K100G · K150G

Related Gypsum Retarder

Exterior insulation system wall installation

APPLICATION 04

EIFS / ETICS

Workability and vertical application behavior.

Evaluate the entire adhesive or basecoat system, not HPMC as an isolated ingredient.

Initial grades: K100H · K150 · K200

EIFS / ETICS Additives

APPLICATION 05

Cement Render & Plaster

Water retention and fresh-mortar handling.

Evaluate substrate absorption, applied layer thickness and pumpability where relevant.

Initial grades: K40 · K100

Cement Render Additives

APPLICATION 06

Self-Leveling

Controlled thickening with adequate flowability.

Check spread, suspension stability, air release and compatibility with PCE.

Initial grades: K04 · K5

Self-Leveling Compounds

06 / PRODUCT QUALIFICATION

Quality & Documents

Request current documents for the exact LANDERCOLL® grade before approving a replacement or arranging a bulk purchase.

TDS

Grade-specific characteristics, specifications and test information.

COA

Batch-specific results and agreed quality criteria.

SDS

Handling, storage and safety information.

Samples

Representative material for side-by-side formulation testing, subject to availability.

LANDU laboratory used for construction additive evaluation — LANDU laboratory image from the existing website media library.

Recommended Quality Checks

Compare the grade under your own formulation conditions and keep a record of agreed acceptance limits. A single viscosity result or COA does not establish full mortar equivalence.

Viscosity and full measurement method
Moisture and ash content
Substitution characteristics where applicable
Particle size and hydration / dispersion behavior
Water retention and fresh-mortar performance
Batch consistency and traceability
Packaging, lead time and destination documents

Packaging: 25 kg bags are a published LANDU option; confirm the current packing specification and shipment terms for your grade and destination.

Request Current TDS Send Technical Inquiry

07 / TECHNICAL SUPPORT

FAQ

What is HPMC used for in dry-mix mortar?

HPMC is primarily used to adjust water retention, consistency and workability. It is evaluated in tile adhesives, wall putty, plasters, renders and other construction materials. It is a raw material, not a complete mortar formulation.

Which HPMC grade should I use for tile adhesive?

K75H, K100H and K150 are published initial candidates for tile adhesive screening. Select a grade by controlled tests of water retention, actual open time, wet consistency and vertical slip in your complete formulation.

Does higher HPMC viscosity mean better performance?

Not necessarily. Substitution characteristics, hydration behavior, dosage, binder system, filler properties and other additives influence the final result. Higher viscosity can also increase handling resistance.

Are NDJ and Brookfield viscosity values interchangeable?

No. These are different rotational measurement methods. Compare measurements only with their concentration, temperature, instrument, speed and sample-preparation conditions clearly stated; do not apply a universal conversion factor.

Can HPMC improve tile adhesive bonding strength?

HPMC can influence water retention, wetting and application conditions that affect finished adhesive properties. Bond strength depends on the complete formulation and must be verified with relevant final-product test methods. HPMC alone does not confer a C1 or C2 classification.

Can HPMC and HEMC/MHEC be substituted directly?

Not without application testing. Both are nonionic cellulose ethers, but grade design and temperature-related behavior can differ. Verify performance before replacing an approved ingredient.

What should I include in a TDS or sample request?

Tell LANDU your application, binder system, current HPMC grade, viscosity test method, main performance concern, target purchasing quantity and shipping destination. This helps identify relevant documents and sample candidates.

09 / REQUEST INFORMATION

Request HPMC TDS & Sample

Send your application, current grade, viscosity test method, performance target and expected order volume. Discuss suitable LANDERCOLL® HPMC grades and available documents with our team.

Request Sample Send Inquiry

LANDERCOLL® grade selections are preliminary formulation references. Technical specification and finished-product performance must be confirmed with current grade-specific documents and application trials.

Formulation & Troubleshooting

Material Selection & Comparison

Product Technology

Quality & Procurement

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)