Discover the journey of CELLQ®: from lab innovation to a leading cellulose ether solution shaping construction. Explore the future of building excellence.
From a humble lab to the state-of-the-art HSH Chemie Innovation Center in Poznan, the development of CELLQ® cellulose ether (methylcellulose powder) solutions, is proof of our innovative spirit and dedication to advancing the chemical manufacturing industry.
This innovative product, crafted under the leadership of Mr. Dominik Krawczyk, HSH Chemie’s Segment Manager for Building, exemplifies HSH Chemie's commitment to excellence and cutting-edge solutions.
"From the beginning, our goal with CELLQ® was to create a product that not only met but exceeded industry standards. The support and resources at the HSH Chemie Innovation Center have been vital in achieving this vision," says Dominik Krawczyk.
Dominik Krawczyk, the brainchild behind the HSH Chemie brand product CELLQ® thickeners, graduated from Jagiellonian University, one of Europe's most prestigious academic institutions, with a Master of Science in Chemistry. He also studied "Varnish Products: Technology and Application" at the Cracow University of Technology. Since 2011, Dominik has been active in the coatings and construction industries, participating in numerous projects and specialized courses at top laboratories in Germany, the United States, Italy, Korea, Taiwan, and Malaysia.
In 2018, Dominik joined HSH Chemie, bringing his expertise to the company's building applications division. The CELLQ® cellulose ether project began in 2019, with initial concepts developed in his private lab. Driven by a vision to create a transformative product for the construction industry, he tirelessly worked on perfecting the formulations that would eventually become CELLQ®, a high-performing cellulose ether and thickener commonly used in various industrial applications, and typically classified under the category of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC).
"The development of CELLQ® has been a journey of continuous improvement and innovation. Every batch we produce is proof of our rigorous testing and quality assurance processes," states Dominik Krawczyk.
The first CELLQ® cellulose ether product was CELLQ® 45. It’s a highly versatile thickener specifically designed for ETICS and tile adhesives. The initial production batch was sent to the National Institute of Ceramics and Building Materials, and by early 2020, test results confirmed that mortar made with CELLQ® 45 thickeners met the European requirements for ETICS under ETAG 004 standards.
Today, CELLQ® cellulose ether (methylcellulose powder) solutions are developed at HSH Chemie's Innovation Center located at the Wielkopolska Center of Advanced Technology in Poznan, Poland. This center is equipped with advanced facilities and staffed by professionals with extensive expertise, ensuring that every batch of CELLQ® cellulose ether and HPMC meets the highest standards of quality and performance.
"Our state-of-the-art Innovation Center is a hub for breakthrough developments. CELLQ® is a professional product, rigorously tested and refined to meet the demanding needs of the industry," says Dominik Krawczyk.
The HSH Chemie Innovation Center in Poznan is a beacon of modern technological advancements in the chemical industry. This center is a hub for research, development, and continuous innovation. It features laboratories, pilot plants, and testing facilities that allow for the meticulous development and refinement of products like CELLQ® thickeners.
- Comprehensive Technical Support: Offering extensive pre- and post-sale technical assistance.
- Product Development: Tailoring products to meet specific customer needs and market demands.
- Quality Assurance: Rigorous testing to ensure compliance with EU standards and customer specifications.
- Sustainability Focus: Implementing eco-friendly practices in product development and manufacturing processes.
CELLQ® thickeners are a range of high-performance cellulose ethers derived from cotton. These thickeners are designed primarily for dry mortars based on mineral binders like cement and gypsum. The versatility of CELLQ® cellulose ether (methylcellulose powder) solutions makes it ideal for various applications including ETICS insulation systems, tile adhesives, machine plasters, putties, masonry, and thin-layer mortars.
- High Water Retention: CELLQ® thickeners ensures optimal cement hydration, which is crucial for reducing shrinkage and cracking in construction applications. This property makes it particularly valuable in areas with high temperature variations.
- Thickening Efficiency: Providing excellent sag resistance and stability, even in vertical applications, CELLQ® thickeners (methylcellulose powder) ensures that the mixtures remain in place without slumping, which is essential for achieving a smooth, even finish.
- Extended Open Time: This feature allows for longer working periods, enhancing ease of use, particularly in large-scale construction projects where time is a critical factor.
- Reduced Tool Stickiness: CELLQ® cellulose ether and HPMC facilitate smoother application and finish by reducing the stickiness of tools, making the construction process more efficient and less labor-intensive.
In External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS), CELLQ® cellulose ether and HPMC plays a vital role. These systems are designed to improve the energy efficiency of buildings by providing a thermal barrier. CELLQ® thickeners enhance the adhesive properties of the mortars used in these systems, ensuring that the insulation materials adhere firmly to the building surfaces. This not only improves energy efficiency, but also enhances the structural integrity and longevity of the insulation system.
Tile adhesives require precise formulations to ensure that tiles remain securely attached to surfaces, especially in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. CELLQ® thickener's high-water retention and thickening efficiency are critical in this application. They ensure that the adhesive remains workable for longer periods, allowing for adjustments and corrections during the tiling process. Moreover, CELLQ® thickener's properties prevent the tiles from slipping after application, resulting in a flawless finish.
Nowadays, with the increasing demand for composite and green cement, the development of high-performance tile adhesives is crucial. At HSH Chemie, we are at the forefront of innovation, particularly in thickening, stabilizing, and enhancing the performance of challenging binders, especially for CTA C2 and S (flexible) class. Our CELLQ® cellulose ether product is designed to meet the stringent requirements of EN 12004 standards, showcasing our expertise and positioning us as a leader in the industry.
Machine plasters are used for large-scale plastering projects, where speed and efficiency are paramount. CELLQ® thickeners (methylcellulose powder) improves the consistency and workability of machine plasters, allowing them to be applied evenly and smoothly. This results in a high-quality finish with minimal effort, reducing labor costs and increasing productivity.
Putties are used for filling gaps, smoothing surfaces, and preparing walls for painting or wallpapering. CELLQ® cellulose ether and thickeners ensure that putties have the right consistency and adhesion properties, making them easy to apply and sand. This results in a smooth, even surface that is ready for the next stage of finishing.
In masonry applications, CELLQ® cellulose ether and HPMC products improve the workability and bonding strength of mortars. This is essential for ensuring that bricks and stones are securely bonded together, resulting in a strong and durable structure. CELLQ® thickeners (methylcellulose powder) also enhance the mortar's resistance to weathering and freeze-thaw cycles, extending the life of masonry structures.
Thin-layer mortars are used for applications requiring a thin, even layer of mortar, such as in the construction of autoclaved light concrete (ALC) structures like Ytong or Sika blocks. CELLQ® cellulose ether solutions ensure that these mortars possess the right consistency and adhesion properties, resulting in a smooth, even layer that securely holds the ALC blocks in place.
The journey of CELLQ® thickeners (methylcellulose powder) from Dominik's humble lab to HSH Chemie's innovation center is a story of relentless pursuit of excellence. CELLQ® cellulose ether and HPMC solutions already exists in 30 countries, and as HSH Chemie continues to invest in research and development, the future of CELLQ® thickeners and HPMC looks bright. Plans are underway to expand the product range to include new formulations and applications, catering to the evolving needs of the construction industry.
HSH Chemie is committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and innovation in the development of CELLQ® methylcellulose powder thickeners. With a focus on sustainability and customer satisfaction, the company aims to set new benchmarks in the industry. The ongoing collaboration between the innovation center's experts and industry professionals ensures that CELLQ® thickeners and HPMC products remain at the cutting edge of technology and performance.
Dominik Krawczyk’s journey from a humble lab innovator to a key figure at HSH Chemie exemplifies the spirit of innovation that drives the company. His contribution to CELLQ® cellulose ether (methylcellulose powder) not only underscores his personal success, but also highlights HSH Chemie’s commitment to excellence, professionalism, and cutting-edge technology in the chemical industry.
CELLQ® thickeners and HPMC solutions are more than just products; they are proof of what can be achieved with vision, dedication, and the right support. As it continues to evolve and meet the needs of the construction industry, CELLQ® cellulose ether products stand as a symbol of HSH Chemie’s commitment to innovation and quality.
Learn more about CELLQ® (methylcellulose powder) and explore our CELLQ® cellulose ether product range and solutions.
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