EipponCell® MHEC LH 6100M methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose is utilized in cement mortar as a water-retaining agent, serving to prevent premature evaporation or absorption of moisture in the wet mortar by the substrate. It effectively delays cement hydration, thereby extending the working time of the wet mortar. This ensures that thin-layer mortar can be applied smoothly, plastering mortar can be spread easily, and absorbent mortar doesn't require pre-wetting, among other benefits. To further prolong cement hydration and hardening time, and maintain the fresh mortar's plasticity, a common retarder in polymer cement, namely non-ionic cellulose ether, is added to the mortar. This retarder helps adjust the setting time of the fresh mortar, enhances its workability, and improves overall operability.
