Culminal, Culminal Plus, and Combizell cellulose ethers

Words: Dan Kamys

Thin-bed mortar www.ashland.com

Thin-bed mortar is becoming a widely used, multi-functional approach to tiling, providing extended installation time, greater flexibility and strong adhesion. The popularity of large porcelain and stoneware tiles fixed on vertical substrates demands high-performance ceramic tile adhesive with outstanding sag resistance (high yield stress). Culminal and Combizell cellulose ethers help dry mortars to be applied more easily and to perform better, according to Ashland. All three products provide water retention and cohesiveness to mixtures. Key mortar benefits include the following:

  • Controlled thickening
  • Adjusted water demand and improved workability
  • Good open time and pot life
  • Reduced sag and increased strength
  • Compatibility with different electrolytes such as salts and alkali.


Ashland also supplies a wide range of Jaypol acrylates for D1 and D2 categories of latex based tile adhesives.

LVCC: N212

Case Study: Kyle Field at Texas A&M
June 2026

The $450 million redevelopment of Texas A&M’s football stadium, Kyle Field, was one of the most high-profile projects in Echelon and Amerimix history. With the renovation, Kyle Field’s capacity increased to 102,733, making it the biggest college stadium i

Australian Bricks vs American Bricks: What 24 Hours of Travel Teaches You About the Trade
June 2026

Bricklaying might not change simply because you cross a state line. It does change when you travel 24 hours to the other side of the world and lay bricks under lights, cameras, and a stopwatch. The fundamentals of the trade are universal. Brick, mortar,

2026 Masonry Foundation Grants Now Open
June 2026

The Masonry Foundation is dedicated to advancing the masonry industry and is accepting grant applications for 2026. Proposals should have national reach and aim to generate substantial progress within the masonry industry. To explore examples of past gra

Supporting Mental Health in the Workplace
June 2026

As a business owner and leader, taking the mental health of your employees seriously and understanding how it can impact their work is essential. In fact, one in five adults experiences a mental health condition annually. Addressing mental health is more