Struggling to pick the perfect HPMC grade? Poor choices can ruin your mix and cost you clients. I’ve been there—let me guide you to the right one.

Choosing the right HPMC grade depends on viscosity, application, and performance needs. KEHAO offers tailored grades like E5 and K100M to boost adhesion, water retention, and workability for your projects.

HPMC grades

I’ve spent years perfecting mixes for customers across Southeast Asia and Africa. Stick with me—I’ll break down the differences and show you how to match grades to your needs.

What Is the Difference Between HPMC Grades?

Confused by HPMC options? Picking the wrong grade can mess up your project. I’ve seen it happen—here’s what sets them apart.

HPMC grades vary by viscosity and substitution levels. Low-viscosity grades like E5 suit thin coatings, while high-viscosity ones like K100M excel in thick mortars, affecting texture and strength.

HPMC grade differences

I once had a client in Thailand who couldn’t figure out why his plaster kept sagging. Turns out, he used the wrong grade. Viscosity is key—it’s measured in a 2% solution at 20°C. Low numbers like E3 (3 mPa·s) or E5 (5 mPa·s) are for lightweight jobs. High numbers like K100M (100,000 mPa·s) handle heavy-duty tasks.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Substitution levels matter too. “E” grades have more hydroxypropoxy groups, making them water-soluble fast. “K” grades, with higher methoxy content, offer slower hydration for thicker mixes. My factory in Jinzhou City produces both, tested to national standards. Pick low viscosity for speed, high for strength—it’s that simple.

What Is HPMC E5 Used For?

Worried your paint or adhesive won’t hold? I’ve had clients panic over weak mixes. HPMC E5 can fix that—it’s a game-changer for light applications.

HPMC E5, with 5 mPa·s viscosity, is ideal for tile adhesives, paints, and putty. It improves workability, retains water, and ensures smooth application for quality finishes.

HPMC E5 uses

A painter in Vietnam once called me, frustrated with runny coatings. I suggested E5, and he’s been loyal since. Its low viscosity makes it perfect for thin layers. It thickens just enough to keep things smooth without clogging tools. In tile adhesives, it boosts adhesion for small jobs. In putty, it prevents cracking by holding moisture.

Here’s why E5 works:

For my B2B clients, like William in Colombia, E5’s consistency saves time and money. It dissolves fast, so there’s no waiting. At KEHAO, we tweak it for humid climates—think Southeast Asia. You get reliable results, batch after batch, straight from our 100,000-square-meter plant.

What Is HPMC K100M Used For?

Dealing with thick mortar that won’t stick? I’ve faced that nightmare on big projects. HPMC K100M steps in to handle the heavy lifting.

HPMC K100M, with 100,000 mPa·s viscosity, is perfect for plaster mortar and gypsum plaster. It thickens mixes, retains water, and improves sag resistance for sturdy construction.

HPMC K100M uses

I supplied K100M to a builder in Nigeria last year. His plaster was failing in heat—K100M turned it around. Its high viscosity holds thick mixes together. It’s slow to hydrate, giving workers time to apply it right. In gypsum plaster, it prevents sagging on vertical walls. For mortar, it adds strength.

Check its strengths:

Big construction firms love K100M for its reliability. In Africa, where temperatures soar, it cuts waste by keeping mixes workable. My fully automated lines at KEHAO ensure every bag meets specs. It’s pricier than E5, but for large-scale jobs, it’s worth every penny.

What Is the Difference Between HPMC E3 and E5?

Unsure if E3 or E5 fits your needs? Small mistakes can lead to big headaches. I’ve tested both—here’s how they stack up.

HPMC E3 (3 mPa·s) is thinner than E5 (5 mPa·s). E3 suits ultra-light coatings, while E5 handles slightly thicker mixes like adhesives and paints with better adhesion.

A client in Malaysia once mixed E3 into a paint that needed more body—disaster. I swapped it for E5, and he was thrilled. E3’s super-low viscosity is great for sprays or thin films. E5 steps up for jobs needing a bit more grip. Both retain water well, but E5 thickens better.

Here’s the comparison:

E3 saves cash on small, delicate jobs. E5 shines in versatile, everyday tasks. At KEHAO, I tailor these grades for humid or dry climates—Southeast Asia to Africa. Test your mix first; a little trial beats a big failure.

Conclusion

Picking the right HPMC grade—E5 for paints, K100M for mortars, or E3 for coatings—ensures your project succeeds. KEHAO’s quality keeps your work solid and clients happy.