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Hydroxypropyl Starch Ether Manufacturer

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Brief Product Description

Hydroxypropyl Starch Ether (HPS) is a modified starch derivative widely used as a co-additive in dry-mix mortar systems. When combined with cellulose ethers, HPS enhances open time, reduces mortar sagging, and improves the adhesion strength of tile adhesives and renders. It is a cost-effective way to upgrade mortar performance without significantly increasing formulation costs.

Product Overview

HPS is produced by reacting natural potato or maize starch with propylene oxide under alkaline conditions. The introduction of hydroxypropyl groups increases water solubility, reduces retrogradation, and improves compatibility with cement and gypsum systems compared to native starch.

Our EasonZell™ HPS series is specifically engineered for building material applications, offering excellent synergy with HPMC and HEMC cellulose ethers. In tile adhesive systems, HPS at low dosages (0.03–0.1%) can significantly extend open time and improve the slip resistance of the fresh mortar bed.

HPS is also valued for its film-forming properties and contribution to surface hardness in skim coat and putty applications. Being starch-derived, it is a renewable, low-cost complement to synthetic thickeners in construction chemical systems.

Specification

ParameterSpecificationTest Method
AppearanceWhite to light yellow powderVisual
Moisture Content (%)≤ 12.0ISO 712
Viscosity (10%, mPa·s)500 – 8,000Brookfield
pH (10% slurry)5.5 – 8.0pH meter
Degree of Substitution (DS)0.05 – 0.20Titration
Ash Content (%)≤ 0.5ASTM D5630
Particle Size≥ 95% pass 100 meshSieve analysis
Solubility (cold water)Partially soluble; full solubility in hot waterDissolution test

Application

  • Tile Adhesive Extender: Used at 0.03–0.10% to extend open time and improve mortar bed coverage in combination with HPMC or HEMC.
  • Wall Putty & Skim Coats: Improves smoothness, reduces brush marks, and contributes to surface hardness after drying.
  • Repair Mortars: Enhances cohesion and reduces shrinkage in thin-layer patching compounds.
  • Self-Leveling Underlayments: Controls flow viscosity and reduces surface cracking.
  • Gypsum Board Joint Compounds: Provides excellent adhesion, workability, and crack resistance in ready-mixed compounds.
  • Exterior Renders: Contributes to weather resistance and surface uniformity in textured coatings.

HPS should typically be blended dry with cement, gypsum, or filler before adding water. At very low dosages, ensure thorough pre-mixing to achieve uniform distribution throughout the dry mortar blend.

Advantages

  • Cost efficiency: As a low-cost co-additive, HPS reduces the required dosage of more expensive cellulose ethers.
  • Open time extension: Synergistic with HPMC/HEMC to deliver longer tile working windows even in demanding conditions.
  • Renewable sourcing: Made from natural starch, supporting sustainable procurement strategies.
  • Film hardness improvement: Contributes to surface hardness in skim coats and putty applications.
  • Low dosage effectiveness: Significant performance improvements achievable at 0.03–0.10% dosage.
  • Good compatibility: Fully compatible with cellulose ethers, RDP, and other standard mortar additives.
  • Stable supply: Consistent raw material base from quality starch sources with rigorous QC testing.
  • Q: Can HPS fully replace HPMC in tile adhesives?
  • A: No. HPS is not a standalone replacement for HPMC or HEMC. It is a cost-effective co-additive that enhances open time and workability when used together with cellulose ethers at low dosages (typically 0.03–0.10% by weight of dry mix).
  • Q: How does HPS contribute to open time in tile adhesives?
  • A: HPS molecules form a complementary hydration network alongside cellulose ether, slowing moisture evaporation from the mortar surface. The synergistic effect can extend open time by 5–15 minutes compared to cellulose ether alone.
  • Q: Is HPS affected by freezing temperatures?
  • A: In dry powder form, HPS is stable across a wide temperature range. However, as with all starch-based products, HPS solutions may undergo retrogradation at low temperatures. This is generally not an issue in dry-mix applications.
  • Q: What is the typical dosage of HPS in wall putty?
  • A: In wall putty, HPS is typically used at 0.05–0.20% by weight of the dry mix, depending on the target smoothness, hardness, and workability. Higher dosages can reduce cracking and improve surface finish.
  • Q: Does HPS affect the water demand of mortar mixes?
  • A: At standard dosages, HPS has a minor effect on water demand. In some systems, it may slightly reduce the required water-to-powder ratio, which can be beneficial for strength development.
  • Q: Is HPS biodegradable?
  • A: Yes. Being starch-derived, HPS is readily biodegradable and poses minimal environmental risk, making it suitable for eco-labeled dry-mix mortar products.

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About Us
Zhejiang Yisheng New Material Co., Ltd.
Zhejiang Yisheng New Material Co., Ltd. is a professional enterprise engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, application, and sales of cellulose ether, located in the Shangyu Economic and Technological Development Zone, part of the Hangzhou Bay National Industrial Park. With a core concept of safety, environmental protection, and sustainable development, the company boasts an annual production capacity of 15,000 tons of cellulose ether, offering a complete range of products including HEC (hydroxyethylcellulose), HEMC (hydroxyethyl methylcellulose), and HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose). Our products serve various sectors such as oil fields, coatings, dry powder mortar, cosmetics, personal care products, medicine, and many others. Yisheng has a global presence, providing stable cellulose ethers and services to customers worldwide.
As a professional China Hydroxypropyl Starch Ether Manufacturer Supplier and Hydroxypropyl Starch Ether Manufacturer Company, The company adheres to the principles of safety and environmental protection as the foundation of its development. It implements and further consolidates safety and environmental protection measures, striving to create green and environmentally friendly production processes, safe and effective control systems, and orderly production management. This approach lays a solid foundation for the company's sustainable development. Yisheng boasts a scientific management mechanism, a comprehensive quality management system, stringent product testing methods, advanced technology, state-of-the-art equipment, and high-quality after-sales service.
Zhejiang Yisheng New Material Co., Ltd.

+86-18067879812
Zhejiang Yisheng New Material Co., Ltd.

sarah@ys-cellulose.com
Zhejiang Yisheng New Material Co., Ltd.