Water Retention Construction Plan of Cellulose Ether in Self-Leveling Cement

Cellulose ether is the core water-retaining component of self-leveling cement. First, it absorbs water through the hydrophilic groups of its molecular chains and forms a viscous network structure. This structure slows down water evaporation and penetration, thus preventing surface defects like sanding, cracking, and hollowing.

It is suitable for base course leveling in industrial plants, commercial spaces, and residential buildings. Below are the simplified core construction points. They balance construction efficiency and water retention, while meeting SEO search needs.

I. Core Selection Requirements of Cellulose Ether

Prioritize Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Ether (HPMC). Choose one with medium viscosity (100,000~200,000 mPa·s), fineness ≥80 mesh, and water retention rate ≥90%. It should appear as white powder without caking.

Inspect it again when it arrives on-site. Store it in a dry, ventilated warehouse to prevent moisture and pollution, as these can damage its water retention. Normally, use 0.1%~0.3% of the self-leveling cement’s dry weight. Adjust it to 0.05%~0.4% for special environments.

II. Key Construction Process

1. Base Course Treatment: Keep the base course’s moisture content at 4%~8%. Clean it thoroughly to remove oil stains and cracks. Additionally, apply a suitable interface agent (you can apply it twice). This agent forms a protective film to slow water absorption and prevent water retention failure.

2. Mixing Construction: First, pre-mix self-leveling cement and cellulose ether dry powder for 2~3 minutes. Then add water in proportion and stir at high speed for 3~5 minutes. Ensure no caking and good fluidity. Moreover, finish paving within 30 minutes.

3. Paving and Defoaming: Pave according to the designed thickness (2~10mm). Use a defoaming roller to release air bubbles, as these bubbles can speed up water evaporation. Strictly do not step on the unset slurry.

4. Water Retention Curing: Cover and compact the surface fully with plastic film after initial setting (2~4 hours). Maintain initial curing for at least 24 hours. For later curing, keep it for at least 7 days. In dry environments, spray water to moisturize, but never let water accumulate.

III. Quality Control Points

1. Raw Materials: Ensure cellulose ether and self-leveling cement meet standards. Never use unqualified materials.

2. Construction Process: Strictly control the mix ratio and mixing quality. This avoids using too much or too little cellulose ether.

3. Environment: Keep the construction temperature at 5~35℃ and humidity at 40%~80%. For example, do not construct on rainy or windy days.

4. Finished Products: Ensure the water retention rate is ≥90% and the flatness error is ≤3mm/2m. The surface should have no cracks or sanding.

IV. Common Problems and Emergency Treatment

Surface Sanding: Insufficient water retention causes this issue. For slight sanding, repair the surface directly. For severe sanding, rework the area and adjust the cellulose ether dosage.

Surface Cracking: Uneven water retention leads to cracking. Seal fine cracks with glue. For wide cracks, cut them into V-shaped grooves and repair them.

Slow Setting: Excessive water retention results in slow setting. Adjust the cellulose ether dosage and optimize the construction environment. In case of sudden rain, cover the slurry immediately. Re-inspect the base course’s moisture content after the rain.

Finally, the selection, dosage, and water retention curing of cellulose ether are key to successful construction. Strictly follow the above points. This ensures full hydration of self-leveling cement and guarantees project quality and service life.