What is starch ether, and why pair it with cellulose ether?
Starch ether takes care of consistency and slip resistance in mortar. Used alongside cellulose ether, it lets you cut back on cellulose ether, one of the most expensive additives in the formulation.
What is starch ether?
A water-soluble polymer made by chemically modifying natural starch. In cement- and gypsum-based mortars it is used as a consistency regulator. Put simply, it adjusts the rheology of the mortar: how it flows and how much it slips.
What does it do in mortar?
- Slip resistance: Reduces tiles sliding down the wall in ceramic tile adhesives.
- Consistency: Gives the mortar a creamy texture that spreads easily under the trowel.
- Water retention: Supports the water retention of cellulose ether.
- Set retardation: Slightly extends open time in gypsum products.
Division of labour with cellulose ether
Starch ether works best alongside cellulose ether, not on its own. Cellulose ether keeps the job of water retention, while starch ether takes over consistency and slip resistance. That lets you lower the cellulose ether dosage. Since cellulose ether is one of the most expensive additives in the formulation, the saving goes straight to cost.
Where is it used?
- Cement-based ceramic tile adhesives
- Cement- and gypsum-based renders
- Skim-coat and machine-applied gypsum plasters
- Joint fillers
MSA starch ethers
EMSET KH 6, CASUCOL 301 and OPAGEL are potato-based starch ethers used together with cellulose ether in cement- and gypsum-based products. They build consistency, reduce slipping and sagging, and extend open time. Talk to our team about the right dosage for your formulation.
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