Here, an attempt was made to establish the working mechanism of MHEC. For this purpose, its water retention effectiveness in cement paste and its dynamic viscosity in cement pore solution were measured. Furthermore, its potential adsorption on cement was probed via a specifically designed static filtration test. Finally, concentration-dependent hydrodynamic diameters of solved MHEC molecules, and their surface tension in cement pore solution were measured to establish the mechanism underlying the effectiveness of MHEC as water retention agent.

Another advantage of using MHEC in cement is its compatibility with other additives. Cement often requires the addition of various admixtures to achieve specific properties, such as increased strength or reduced setting time. MHEC can be easily combined with other additives without negatively affecting their performance. This allows for greater flexibility in cement formulation, enabling engineers and contractors to tailor the mixture to meet specific project requirements.