U-4120 Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) - Precision Engineered for Gypsum Plaster
Discover Keyoung’s U-4120, a low-viscosity hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) meticulously formulated to unlock superior performance in gypsum-based applications. As a primary HPMC manufacturer, we provide U-4120 as a reliable standard solution and offer deep customization to overcome your unique production challenges in machine-sprayed plaster, hand-applied surfaces, and complex formulations. This product is an integral part of our professional Gypsum Systems Solutions, empowering you to achieve flawless results, enhanced efficiency, and robust final properties.
Comprehensive Technical Data Sheet
This detailed specification sheet is designed for your technical team and QA department.
| Property | Specification | Standard Test Method | Practical Implication for Your Formulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White to slightly yellowish, free-flowing powder | Visual | Ensures product consistency and easy identification in the factory. |
| Viscosity (2% aqueous solution) | 15,000 – 25,000 mPa·s | Brookfield RV, 20°C | The sweet spot for excellent pumpability combined with effective in-place sag resistance. |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 8.0 % | GB/T 2914 | Guarantees long-term storage stability, prevents caking, and ensures accurate dosing. |
| PH Value | 5.0 – 9.0 | GB/T 1895 | Neutral pH ensures broad compatibility with gypsum and other common additives like set regulators and dispersants. |
| Particle Size | ≥ 90% passing 80 mesh | Sieve Analysis | Promotes rapid wetting and dissolution in water, effectively preventing the formation of “fish-eyes” and gel lumps for a homogeneous slurry. |
| Bulk Density | 0.3 – 0.5 g/cm³ | — | A key parameter for volumetric dosing equipment and packaging calculations. |
Core Advantages & Performance Benefits
Unmatched Machine Spraying Performance
The optimized low viscosity drastically reduces pumping pressure and eliminates nozzle clogging. It ensures a consistent, uninterrupted material flow for large-scale projects, directly translating to higher productivity and lower operational costs.
Superior Sag Resistance on Vertical Planes
U-4120 provides strong structural build and excellent anti-sag properties. This allows for the application of thicker layers in a single pass on walls and ceilings without slumping or deformation, saving time and labor.
High-Retention Water Shield
Its powerful water retention capability acts as a shield, preventing water from being too quickly absorbed by the substrate or evaporating. This guarantees complete hydration of the gypsum, leading to maximum mechanical strength, hardness, and a significant reduction in shrinkage cracks.
Enhanced Workability and Extended Open Time
U-4120 delivers a creamy, buttery-smooth mortar that is a pleasure for workers to trowel. It extends the open time, giving applicators a longer window to achieve a perfect, high-quality surface finish without the panic of rapid setting.
Application Guidelines & Formulation Support
Optimal Dosage Recommendation
A starting dosage of 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms per metric ton of dry gypsum plaster is recommended. The exact optimal dosage should be finalized through practical tests based on your specific gypsum source, other additives, and desired performance.
Compatibility & Synergy
U-4120 demonstrates excellent compatibility with most common gypsum plaster additives. However, we strongly advise conducting small-scale compatibility tests when integrating new components into your system to ensure synergistic effects.
Best Practice for Mixing
For optimal results, always add U-4120 to the dry mix of gypsum and other powders. Ensure thorough dry blending for at least 2-3 minutes before introducing water. This guarantees uniform distribution and maximizes its efficiency.
Advanced Customization Engineering Service
Requirement Analysis
You detail your application, equipment, current formulation, and the specific performance gap you need to bridge.
echnical Proposal & Quotation
Our engineering team analyzes your needs and proposes a custom HPMC specification with a projected performance profile and a quotation.
Sample Production & Lab/Field Trial
We produce a custom sample batch (typically 10-25 kg) for you to test in your lab and on-site. We provide full technical support during this critical evaluation phase.
Feedback Loop & Final Adjustment
We incorporate your trial feedback to fine-tune the product until it perfectly matches your requirements.
Batch Production & Quality Assurance
Upon your final approval, we initiate mass production under our strict ISO-guided quality control system, ensuring every delivery is identical to the approved sample.
Is your production limited by a standard HPMC? We specialize in co-engineering solutions. Here are common scenarios we address:
Scenario: “We need even better pumpability for long-distance hoses or complex spray systems.”
Our Custom Solution: We can produce a super low-viscosity grade (5,000 – 10,000 mPa.s) to minimize friction and maximize flow for the most demanding spraying equipment.
Scenario: “Our projects require applying very heavy coats on uneven surfaces without any sag.”
Our Custom Solution: We develop a high-viscosity, high-yield-value variant (40,000 – 60,000 mPa.s) that provides a stronger three-dimensional network, offering extreme resistance to deformation under weight.
Scenario: “We struggle with slow dissolution and gel particles that cause surface defects.”
Our Custom Solution: We provide finer particle size options (>90% through 100 or 120 mesh) for near-instantaneous dissolution, ensuring a perfectly smooth slurry and a flawless final surface.
Scenario: “Dust in our production facility is a major health and safety concern.”
Our Custom Solution: We offer treated, low-dusting powders or granular versions of U-4120 to significantly improve the workplace environment and material handling.
Explore Our Tile Adhesive HPMC Portfolio
While U-4120 excels in gypsum, our expertise extends deeply into cement-based systems. For your tile adhesive projects, consider these specialized HPMC products:
U-4250 - For High Water Retention and Hand Applied Plaster
Key Advantage: Medium-high viscosity (40,000-60,000 mPa.s). Excellent for hand-applied plaster where superior fluidity, adhesion, and enhanced crack resistance are required.
Ideal Use Case: High-quality finish coats and applications where exceptional smoothness is critical.
U-4320 - Versatile for Spraying and Application
Key Advantage: Low viscosity (15,000-25,000 mPa.s) with high water retention. A great alternative for both machine-sprayed and hand-applied plaster, also acts as a thickening agent.
Ideal Use Case: When you need a versatile product that balances good flow with high water demand.
U-4350 - For Demanding Machine-Sprayed Plaster
Key Advantage: Medium to high viscosity (40,000-55,000 mPa.s). Provides strong anti-sagging properties and water retention for challenging machine-sprayed gypsum applications.
Ideal Use Case: Projects requiring a robust mortar that holds its shape on vertical surfaces during and after spraying.
U-4430 - For Gypsum Putty and Finishing Coats
Key Advantage: Medium viscosity (25,000-40,000 mPa.s). Specifically improves the workability and strength of gypsum putty.
Ideal Use Case: Final finishing layers, fillers, and gypsum-based patching compounds.