Starch ether has rapidly become a vital additive in dry mortar technologies, especially for tile adhesive, skim coat, and self-leveling compounds. Driven by advancements in polymer chemistry and growing demand for optimized mortar properties, starch ether for dry mortar is transforming construction material solutions.
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Industry Trends & Market Overview for Starch Ether
- Global starch ether market size reached USD 436.7 million in 2023, projected at a CAGR of 5.8% through 2029 (Source: IMARC Group).
- Construction sector accounts for over 68% of starch ether applications, predominantly in dry mortar and tile adhesive formulations.
- Asia-Pacific remains the largest consumption market, led by China and India.
- Rising demand for water retention, workability, anti-sagging effect, and cost optimization in modern construction fuels adoption.
Technical Parameters of Starch Ether for Dry Mortar
Parameter |
Specification Range |
Typical Value |
Testing Standard |
Appearance |
White Powder |
Pure White, Free-flowing |
Visual/ISO 8213 |
pH (2% Solution) |
6.0 – 8.0 |
7.2 |
ISO 976 |
Moisture Content (%) |
<10.0 |
6.5 |
ISO 585 |
Viscosity (mPa.s, 2% sol) |
300 – 1800 |
1200 |
Brookfield RV |
Bulk Density (g/L) |
350 – 500 |
410 |
ISO 787-11 |
Particle Size (Mesh) |
99% ≤ 120μm |
≤ 120μm |
ISO 565 |
Solubility |
Instantaneous |
Very Good |
In-house |
Certification |
ISO 9001:2015 |
Certified |
– |
Manufacturing Process of Starch Ether
Starch Selection
↓
High-purity food/industrial starch sourced
Alkalization & Etherification
↓
Reacts with etherifying agents (e.g., monochloroacetic acid) under controlled pH & temperature
Neutralization & Filtration
↓
Impurity removal, product stabilization (ISO 9001 compliance)
Drying & Sieving
↓
Spray-dried & sieved to required mesh (≤120μm)
Packing & QC Testing
↓
Packaged, quality checks (Brookfield Viscosity, Moisture test, ISO 8213)
Standards Aluminiated: ISO 9001:2015, ANSI, ASTM C270
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Starch Ether Product Grades – Specification Comparison
Grade |
Recommended Application |
Main Feature |
Bulk Density (g/L) |
Viscosity (mPa.s) |
Water Retention (%) |
pH |
SSH SE-25 |
Tile Adhesive |
Anti-sagging, Strong Viscosity |
410 |
1200 |
95.5 |
7.2 |
SSH SE-30 |
Self Levelling & Skim Coat |
Good Flow & Smooth Finish |
400 |
1400 |
97 |
7.1 |
General Brand D |
Plaster Mortar |
High Workability |
415 |
1100 |
94 |
7.0 |
Leading Brand E |
Tile Grout |
Easy Mixing |
390 |
1000 |
94.7 |
6.9 |
Key Technical Advantages of Starch Ether
- Improved Workability: Enhances open time, slip resistance, and trowelability in dry mortars.
- Optimal Water Retention: Maintains sufficient moisture for cement hydration and curing, reduces premature drying/cracking.
- Rheology Modification: Controls viscosity and sag resistance, particularly in tile adhesive and gypsum-based systems.
- Compatibility: Blends smoothly with cellulose ethers, redispersible powders, and various aggregate systems.
- Cost-effective: Low dosage (0.03–0.10%) with high efficiency reduces overall formulation cost compared to synthetic polymers.
- Eco-friendly: Derived from renewable starch, non-toxic, biodegradable, meets latest environmental requirements (eg. EU Reach & FDA clauses for indirect food contact).
Case: Starch Ether in Tile Adhesive
- Challenge: Modern large-format tiles require high slip resistance and open time in adhesives.
- Solution: Starch ether in tile adhesive enhances anti-slip (reduction of “slip” by ~65% vs standard mix) and improves water retention by 10%, verified by EN 12004 standard tests.
- Result: 18% reduction in callback rates for “slip” complaints, improved installer satisfaction.
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Price Trends & Manufacturer Comparison
Manufacturer |
Country |
Known Brand/Product |
Spec. Range |
Starch Ether Price (USD/MT) |
Certifications |
SSH Chemical |
China |
SSH SE-25 / SE-30 |
1200–1400 mPa.s |
1350–1650 |
ISO 9001:2015, SGS |
AmyloChem GmbH |
Germany |
AmyloAdd |
900–1300 mPa.s |
1700–2100 |
ISO 9001 |
ChemStarch |
Turkey |
STARCHEA |
1000–1600 mPa.s |
1400–1800 |
ISO 9001 |
SinoSR |
China |
SR-Ether |
1100–1500 mPa.s |
1400–1690 |
ISO, SGS |
India Polymers |
India |
IndiStar |
950–1450 mPa.s |
1330–1800 |
ISO 9001 |
Note: Starch ether price is influenced by viscosity, purity, mesh, certification level and purchasing volume. For customized quotes, contact SSH Chemical.
Customized Formulation & Supply Solutions
- Free technical evaluation on starch ether uses for diverse mortar systems: tile adhesive, self-levelling, plaster, EIFS, gypsum, etc.
- Custom viscosity, mesh, anti-sag, or application performance tailored to unique project requirements.
- Comprehensive quality assurance—100% batch testing (viscosity, pH, moisture), in compliance with ISO 9001:2015 and client-specific QA protocols.
- Supply chain traceability and on-time logistics supported by global partners.
- Proactive after-sales technical support, on-site formulation fine-tuning, and application troubleshooting.
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Typical Application Scenarios: Starch Ether Technical Use Cases
1. Cement-based Tile Adhesive
- Function: Rheology control, anti-slip, open time extension
- Formulation: 0.025–0.08% starch ether, 0.2% cellulose ether
- Certification: EU EN 12004, ISO 13007-1
- Advantage: Enhanced workability, fault-free installation of large-format tiles
2. Self-leveling Underlayment
- Function: Smoothing flow, anti-segregation
- Recommended Grade: SSH SE-30, 0.04–0.1% dosage
- Standard: ASTM C1708 (US), ISO 13007
- Result: Smoother finish, reduced trowel marks, improved surface strength
3. Premixed Plaster/Skim Coat
- Function: Workability, spray-ability
- Key Feature: Enhanced cohesion and spread
- Compliance: ISO 11127
- Result: Higher productivity, better adhesion to substrates
4. Gypsum Board Joint Filler
- Function: Sag resistance, smoothness
- Dosage: 0.03–0.07%
- Standard: ASTM C475/ASTM C1396
- Advantage: Excellent anti-shrinkage, no hairline cracks
5. Exterior Insulation Mortar (EIFS/ETICS)
- Function: Water retention, anti-cracking
- Key Value: Weather resistance, extended system life
- Standard: EN 998-1
- Benefit: Improved durability and cost performance
Quality Commitment & Support Services
- All starch ether products are tested to ISO 9001:2015 and SGS verification standards.
- Full traceability, batch retention, and global shipping with COA support.
- Lead time: Regular 7–14 days ex-works after order confirmation.
- Warranty: 24 months against manufacturing defects under recommended storage.
- Technical support: 24/7 professional team (English, German, Chinese) for formulation and application consulting.
Key industries served: Tile adhesives, construction dry mortars, external insulating finishing systems (EIFS), gypsum, precast, grouts, putty, and specialty adhesives—in projects across petrochemical, metallurgy, building materials, and water pipeline sectors.
FAQs: Professional FAQ on Starch Ether
1. What is the raw material base and why is it important?
Starch ether is derived from purified plant starches (corn, potato, cassava). The raw material’s purity and source determine final product performance and meet environmental, food contact (FDA), or construction specifications.
2. What are typical mesh sizes & why does it matter?
Product mesh is typically ≤120μm, ensuring fast dissolution and even dispersion in dry mortar. Finer mesh achieves optimal workability and eliminates streaking.
3. What is the recommended starch ether dosage?
Usually between 0.03–0.1% of total mortar dry mass, depending on application. Higher dosage may be needed for enhanced anti-slip or flow properties.
4. What international certifications should I look for?
Preferably ISO 9001:2015, SGS, EU REACH, and in certain cases FDA/EN 12004 or ASTM C1708 compliance.
5. How is shelf life validated?
Shelf life is typically 24 months when stored in dry, sealed packaging, as verified by ISO-787 and regular QA batch retention.
6. How does starch ether interact with cellulose ether?
Starch ether acts synergistically, improving anti-sag and water retention compared to cellulose ether alone; the blend offers superior application performance.
7. Can you provide third-party test data?
Yes, SSH Chemical provides SGS/Eurofins reports for viscosity, mesh, formaldehyde content, and biodegradability—all downloadable for transparency.
References & Further Reading
- “Starch Ether in Construction Applications: Market Growth and Technology,” Modern Building Materials Journal, 2023. (ResearchGate Link)
- “Polymeric Additives for Optimized Mortar Properties,” Drymix Mortar Yearbook, 2022. (Industry Forum)
- IMARC Group, “Starch Ether Market Report 2024,” (Market Report)
- EN 12004, ASTM C270, C1708, ISO 9001:2015 standard documentation.