JINJI CHEMICAL Overseas Technical Exchange: Testing HPMC Performance in Gypsum-Based Putty Applications

From June 8 to June 14, 2026, the sales and technical teams of JINJI CHEMICAL conducted a one-week overseas technical exchange and market visit to better understand regional customer requirements and construction practices.

As a professional manufacturer of HPMC, MHEC, HEC, and Redispersible Polymer Powder (RDP), JINJI CHEMICAL believes that product development should always be guided by real application needs. Rather than relying solely on laboratory testing, our team works closely with customers to evaluate product performance under practical production and application conditions.

During this overseas visit, discussions with local manufacturers highlighted an increasing demand for gypsum-based putty products that combine smooth workability, excellent water retention, sufficient open time, and consistent application quality. To better understand these expectations, our technical team carried out comparative testing using two JINJI HPMC grades—HPMC 3180 and HPMC 3180M—in a standard gypsum-based putty formulation.

Why HPMC Is Critical in Gypsum-Based Putty?

Gypsum-based putty has become one of the preferred wall finishing materials because of its smooth surface, fast construction speed, and environmentally friendly characteristics. However, achieving stable application performance depends heavily on selecting the right cellulose ether.

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) is much more than a thickener. It regulates water retention, improves workability, enhances adhesion, stabilizes the mixture, and contributes to better surface finishing.

If water evaporates too quickly during application, gypsum hydration becomes incomplete, leading to poor strength development, reduced adhesion, and surface defects such as cracking or powdering. A properly selected HPMC grade helps maintain sufficient moisture, allowing the gypsum system to hydrate evenly while providing contractors with a comfortable application experience.

Comparative Evaluation of HPMC 3180 and HPMC 3180M

The purpose of this evaluation was to compare the application performance of two HPMC grades under identical formulation conditions. By changing only the cellulose ether, we could clearly observe how each product influenced the behavior of gypsum-based putty.

The comparison focused on several practical performance indicators, including water retention, mixing behavior, consistency, troweling performance, open time, sag resistance, and final surface quality.

Test Formulation

Both HPMC grades were tested using the same formulation to ensure an objective comparison.

Performance Comparison

Following the preparation of the test samples, both HPMC grades were evaluated under the same application conditions.

The comparison focused on practical construction performance rather than laboratory data alone, providing valuable insights into how HPMC 3180 and HPMC 3180M perform in real gypsum-based putty applications.

Water Retention and Open Time

Both HPMC 3180 and HPMC 3180M demonstrated excellent water-retention capability, helping the gypsum system maintain sufficient moisture throughout application. Good water retention allows complete gypsum hydration while reducing the risk of premature drying.

HPMC 3180 provided stable moisture retention and delivered reliable open time for standard construction applications. It maintained consistent consistency throughout the working period and supported smooth finishing operations.

HPMC 3180M showed even stronger water-retention performance, allowing the putty to remain workable for a longer period. The extended open time offers greater flexibility for contractors, particularly when working on large wall surfaces or under warm construction conditions.

Mixing and Workability

Application performance is often judged first by how easily the material can be mixed and spread.

During the evaluation, HPMC 3180 produced a smooth and homogeneous mixture with excellent stability. The putty spread evenly, leveled easily, and provided balanced resistance during troweling.

HPMC 3180M generated a creamier consistency with enhanced lubricity. The trowel moved more smoothly across the substrate, reducing application resistance and improving overall construction comfort. These characteristics were highly appreciated by customers who prioritize efficient application and premium finishing quality.

Sag Resistance and Surface Finish

Vertical application requires sufficient structural stability to prevent the material from sliding after application.

Both HPMC grades delivered reliable anti-sag performance and maintained good shape retention during wall application.

Thanks to its stronger internal network structure, HPMC 3180M exhibited slightly better resistance to sagging in thicker application layers. Meanwhile, both products produced smooth, uniform surfaces that required minimal additional finishing.

Choosing the Right HPMC Grade

Both HPMC 3180 and HPMC 3180M demonstrated excellent performance in gypsum-based putty, but they are designed for different production needs. HPMC 3180 provides a balanced combination of workability, water retention, and cost efficiency, making it an ideal choice for standard formulations and large-scale production. HPMC 3180M delivers higher water retention, a longer open time, and smoother application, making it better suited for premium gypsum-based putty products where application quality is a priority.

At JINJI CHEMICAL, we do more than supply cellulose ethers—we help customers select the most suitable HPMC grade according to their formulation, raw materials, production process, and local market requirements.

With comprehensive technical support and consistent product quality, JINJI CHEMICAL provides reliable solutions for manufacturers seeking both performance and long-term stability.

Complete Construction Additive Solutions from JINJI CHEMICAL

Although this technical exchange focused on HPMC performance in gypsum-based putty, JINJI CHEMICAL offers a complete portfolio of construction additives to support different dry-mix mortar applications.

Our MHEC grades provide outstanding workability and water retention for cement-based tile adhesives, skim coats, and EIFS systems. HEC products are widely used in water-based paints and coatings, where they deliver excellent rheology control and storage stability. Redispersible Polymer Powder (RDP) enhances flexibility, adhesion, impact resistance, and durability, making it an essential additive for high-performance mortar formulations.

By combining cellulose ethers with polymer technology, JINJI CHEMICAL helps customers optimize formulations for different construction environments and market requirements.

What We Learned from Overseas Customer Applications

One of the most valuable outcomes of this overseas technical exchange was gaining first-hand insight into customer priorities.

Rather than focusing solely on laboratory data, manufacturers and contractors are increasingly concerned with practical construction performance. They expect building materials that improve productivity, simplify application, and consistently deliver high-quality finished surfaces.

The comparative testing confirmed that both HPMC 3180 and HPMC 3180M meet these expectations. HPMC 3180 provides dependable and cost-effective performance for mainstream formulations, while HPMC 3180M offers enhanced workability and longer open time for premium gypsum-based putty systems.

Conclusion

This overseas technical exchange once again demonstrated the importance of working closely with customers to understand real application challenges. By combining laboratory expertise with on-site technical support, JINJI CHEMICAL continues to develop construction additives that help manufacturers improve product quality and market competitiveness.

For gypsum-based putty applications, both HPMC 3180 and HPMC 3180M delivered excellent overall performance. Whether customers prioritize cost efficiency or premium application characteristics, JINJI CHEMICAL provides reliable HPMC solutions backed by professional technical support.

As a trusted manufacturer of HPMC, MHEC, HEC, and Redispersible Polymer Powder, JINJI CHEMICAL remains committed to delivering consistent quality, application-focused innovation, and long-term partnership to customers around the world.