What Is the Raw Material of Wall Putty?

Known for its high whiteness and low content of iron and manganese oxide, white cement is preferred in wall putty formulations due to its ability to provide a smooth finish, excellent adhesion properties, and resistance to water.

 

Wall putty is a widely used construction material for both residential and commercial buildings. It serves as a versatile solution for smoothing and finishing interior and exterior walls before painting or wallpapering. The composition of wall putty involves a blend of various raw materials that combine to form a thick, paste-like substance. In this article, we will explore the raw materials used in the production of wall putty in detail.

 

White Cement:  

 

White cement is the primary raw material used in wall putty. It is a hydraulic binder made from finely ground white clinker and gypsum. Known for its high whiteness and low content of iron and manganese oxide, white cement is preferred in wall putty formulations due to its ability to provide a smooth finish, excellent adhesion properties, and resistance to water.

 

Marble Powder:  

 

Marble powder, a by-product of marble cutting and polishing, is finely ground and incorporated into wall putty to enhance its strength and durability. This natural mineral, rich in calcium, offers excellent bonding properties, helps reduce shrinkage in the putty, and contributes to a smooth finish on the walls.

 

Talcum Powder:  

 

Talcum powder, a soft mineral, is added to wall putty to improve workability and reduce the viscosity of the mixture. Finely ground with a high degree of purity, talcum powder facilitates the easy application of the putty and enhances its adhesion to the walls.

 

China Clay (Kaolin):  

 

China clay, also known as kaolin, is a natural mineral commonly used as a filler in wall putty. It is finely ground and boasts a high degree of whiteness. As an affordable raw material, China clay improves the bulk of the putty, reduces production costs, and contributes to a smooth and uniform texture.

 

Mica Powder:  

 

Mica powder is a natural mineral used in wall putty to create a glossy finish on walls. It is finely ground and exhibits a high level of reflectivity. Mica powder helps reduce the porosity of the putty, enhances its durability, and provides excellent water resistance, contributing to a long-lasting finish.

 

Silica Sand:  

 

Silica sand, a natural mineral, is added to wall putty as a filler. It is finely ground with a high level of purity, and it strengthens the putty while reducing shrinkage. Additionally, silica sand helps improve the adhesion of the putty to walls, ensuring a more durable and stable application.

 

Water:  

 

Water plays a crucial role in the formulation of wall putty. It is used to mix the raw materials, creating a paste-like consistency. Water activates the binding properties of the cement and ensures the necessary fluidity of the mixture, making it easier to apply and work with.

 

 

Chemical Additives:  

 

Chemical additives are incorporated into wall putty to enhance its properties and performance. These additives include retarders, accelerators, plasticizers, and waterproofing agents. Retarders are used to slow down the setting time, allowing for more working time, while accelerators speed up the setting process for quicker application. Plasticizers improve the workability of the putty by reducing its viscosity, making it easier to apply. Waterproofing agents are added to increase the water resistance of the putty, ensuring a durable and moisture-resistant finish.

 

HPMC/HEMC：

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and hydroxy ethyl methylcellulose (HEMC) are both additives used in wall putty to improve its water retention and workability:

 

HPMC: A drymix material that's mixed with water at the construction site. HPMC is pH-stable, performs well in cold water, and has high water retention. It's also fast-dispersing in cold water, which can reduce stirring time.

 

HEMC: Offers better thermal stability and solubility in hot water.

 

When choosing between HPMC and HEMC, you can consider the properties you need for your application, such as water retention, viscosity, and gelation behavior.

 

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC):  

Hydroxyethyl cellulose is another type of cellulose ether commonly used in wall putty. It is produced by chemically modifying natural cellulose with ethylene oxide and alkali. This white, odorless, and tasteless powder dissolves in water to form a clear, viscous solution. Hydroxyethyl cellulose enhances the workability of wall putty by improving its water retention properties. It also boosts adhesion to various surfaces and increases the tensile strength of the putty, resulting in a more durable and effective finish.

 

In conclusion, wall putty is made from a combination of raw materials that are blended to create a smooth, paste-like substance. The main component is white cement, while other essential ingredients include marble powder, talcum powder, china clay, mica powder, silica sand, water, and various chemical additives. These materials are selected for their unique properties, such as whiteness, bonding strength, workability, and durability, ensuring a high-quality finish that provides both smoothness and a glossy appearance to walls.