How to Make Dry Mortar Mix?

In the construction industry, dry mortar mix is an essential material widely used in wall, floor, and other building processes. It offers advantages such as 

ease of application, time savings, and labor cost reduction, and its performance can be adjusted based on specific requirements. This article will explain 

how to make dry mortar mix and introduce some professional terms involved in the process.

1. Components of Dry Mortar Mix

Dry mortar mix typically consists of the following components:

1). Cement: As the primary binding material, cement provides strong adhesion, enabling the mortar to achieve high strength and durability once hardened.

Common types include Ordinary Portland Cement and Rapid Hardening Cement.

2). Sand: The sand used in dry mortar is typically medium or fine sand with uniform particle size and free from impurities. Sand serves as the aggregate in the 

mix, improving the workability and crack resistance of the mortar.

3). Additives: Additives are used to enhance the properties of the mortar. Common additives include:

Cellulose Ether: Improves the water retention, flowability, and workability of the mortar, preventing water separation.

Polymers: Such as Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) and Polyacrylate, which enhance the mortar's adhesion, water resistance, and flexibility.

Redispersible Polymer Powder (RDP): Enhances the mortar's bonding strength, crack resistance, and water resistance.

4). Other Additives: These can include color pigments, set accelerators, and others that modify the mortar’s workability and aesthetic properties.

2. Steps to Make Dry Mortar Mix

1). Prepare the Raw Materials: Gather cement, sand, additives, and other required materials, ensuring that they meet the necessary quality standards.

2). Accurate Proportions: Weigh the raw materials according to the specified mix ratio. Typically, the ratio of cement to sand ranges from 1:3 to 1:5. 

The proportion of additives is adjusted based on performance requirements, typically between 1% to 5% of the total weight.

3). Dry Mixing: Use a mixing machine to thoroughly mix the materials. It is essential to use efficient mixing equipment, such as a forced mixer or double-shaft 

spiral mixer, to ensure even distribution and prevent segregation or lump formation.

4). Physical Performance Testing: After mixing, the dry mortar should be tested for quality. Key tests include:

Workability: Measured by assessing the flowability of the mortar, which indicates its ease of application.

Bond Strength: Evaluating the adhesion between the mortar and substrate.

Compressive Strength: Testing the mortar’s strength after hardening to assess its durability.

5). Packaging and Storage: Once mixed, the dry mortar should be immediately packaged and stored in a dry, ventilated area. Common packaging methods include 

moisture-proof bags to prevent the mortar from absorbing moisture and losing its performance.

3. Key Considerations

Quality Control: Strict control of the proportions of cement, sand, and additives is essential to ensure the mortar meets performance standards. Low-quality materials 

can significantly affect the mortar's strength and durability.

Environmental Factors: Humidity and temperature have a significant impact on mortar performance. In high humidity or low temperatures, adjustments may need to be made,

such as changing the type of cement or adding antifreeze additives.

Mixing Uniformity: Ensure the materials are thoroughly mixed to avoid uneven distribution, which can compromise the final application quality.

Name: Cecilia.Wang

E-Mail:cecilia.wang@jtdf-rdp.com

Mobile:+86 190 3451 3486（Whatsapp）