1. What is the main use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)?
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HPMC is widely used in building materials, coatings, synthetic resins, ceramics, medicine, food, textiles, agriculture, cosmetics, tobacco and other industries. HPMC can be divided into: construction grade, food grade and pharmaceutical grade according to its use. At present, most of the domestic products are construction grade. Among the construction grade, the amount of putty powder is very large, about 90% is used for putty powder, and the rest is used for cement mortar.
2. Why does hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) have an odor?
HPMC produced by the solvent method uses toluene and isopropanol as solvents. If it is not washed well enough, there will be some residual smell.
3. What are the dissolution methods of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)?
Hot water dissolution method: Since HPMC does not dissolve in hot water, HPMC can be evenly dispersed in hot water at the initial stage, and then quickly dissolved when cooled. Two typical methods are described as follows:
1) Put the required amount of hot water in a container and heat it to about 70°C. Gradually add hydroxypropyl methylcellulose while stirring slowly. HPMC will float on the surface of the water at first, and then gradually form a slurry. Cool the slurry while stirring.
2) Add 1/3 or 2/3 of the required amount of water into the container and heat it to 70°C. Disperse HPMC according to the method in 1) to prepare hot water slurry; then add the remaining amount of cold water to the hot water slurry, stir and cool the mixture. Powder mixing method: Mix HPMC powder with a large amount of other powdered ingredients in a blender, then add water to dissolve. At this time, HPMC can be dissolved without agglomeration, because there is only a little HPMC powder in each tiny corner, which will dissolve immediately when it encounters water. - Putty powder and mortar manufacturers use this method. [Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is used as a thickener and water retaining agent in putty powder mortar.
4. How to simply and intuitively judge the quality of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)?
(1) Whiteness: Although whiteness cannot determine whether HPMC is good to use, and if whitening agents are added during the production process, it will affect its quality. However, most good products have good whiteness.
(2) Fineness: The fineness of HPMC is generally 80 mesh and 100 mesh, and 120 mesh is less common. Generally, the finer the fineness, the better.
(3) Transparency: Put hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in water to form a transparent colloid, and then observe its transmittance. The higher the transmittance, the better, indicating that there are fewer insoluble substances in it. The transmittance of vertical reactors is generally good, while that of horizontal reactors is worse. However, this does not mean that the quality of vertical reactor production is better than that of horizontal reactor production. Product quality is determined by many other factors.
(4） Specific gravity: The larger the specific gravity, the heavier it is. A high specific gravity is generally because it contains a high hydroxypropyl content. A high hydroxypropyl content means better water retention.
5. What is the difference in production process between the cold water instant type and the hot water soluble type of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose?
HPMC's fast dispersible type is treated with glyoxal on the surface. It disperses quickly in cold water, but it is not truly dissolved. It is dissolved only when the viscosity increases. The instant type is not treated with glyoxal on the surface. If the amount of glyoxal is large, it will disperse quickly, but the viscosity will increase slowly. If the amount is small, the opposite is true.
6. What is the appropriate viscosity of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)?
Generally, 100,000CPS is enough for putty powder, but 150,000CPS is required for mortar. Moreover, the most important function of HPMC is water retention, followed by thickening. In putty powder, as long as the water retention is good, a lower viscosity (70,000CPS-80,000CPS) is also acceptable. Of course, the higher the viscosity, the better the water retention. When the viscosity exceeds 100,000CPS, the viscosity has little effect on water retention.
7. What are the main technical indicators of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)?
Hydroxypropyl content and viscosity, most people are concerned about these two indicators. The higher the hydroxypropyl content, the better the water retention. The higher the viscosity, the better the water retention, relatively (not absolutely), and the higher the viscosity, the better it is to use in cement mortar.
8. What are the main raw materials of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)?
The main raw materials of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) are refined cotton, methyl chloride, propylene oxide, and other raw materials include caustic soda, acid, toluene, isopropyl alcohol, etc.
9. What is the main role of HPMC in putty powder? Does it cause any chemical reaction?
HPMC plays three roles in putty powder: thickening, water retention and construction.
Thickening: Cellulose can thicken and suspend the solution, making it uniform and consistent, and preventing it from dripping.
Water retention:Water retention: Makes the putty powder dry more slowly and helps the lime to react under the action of water.
Construction: Cellulose has a lubricating effect, which allows putty powder to have good construction properties.
Adding water to putty powder and applying it to the wall is a chemical reaction, because new substances are generated. If you remove the putty powder from the wall, grind it into powder, and use it again, it will not work, because new substances (calcium carbonate) have been formed.
The main components of lime powder are a mixture of Ca(OH)2, CaO and a small amount of CaCO3. CaO+H2O=Ca(OH)2—Ca(OH)2+CO2=CaCO3↓+H2O. Lime powder generates calcium carbonate under the action of water and CO2 in the air, while HPMC only retains water and assists lime powder to react better. It itself does not participate in any reaction.
10. HPMC is a non-ionic cellulose ether, so what does non-ionic mean?
In layman's terms, non-ionic substances are substances that do not ionize in water. Ionization refers to the process in which electrolytes are dissociated into freely moving charged ions in a specific solvent (such as water, alcohol). For example, the salt we eat every day, sodium chloride (NaCl), is ionized after being dissolved in water to produce freely moving sodium ions (Na+) with positive charge and chloride ions (Cl) with negative charge. In other words, when HPMC is placed in water, it will not dissociate into charged ions, but exist in the form of molecules.
11. What does the gel temperature of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose depend on?
The gelation temperature of HPMC is related to its methoxy content. The lower the methoxy content, the higher the gelation temperature.
12. Is there any relationship between the powder loss of putty powder and HPMC?
The powder loss of putty powder is mainly related to the quality of lime lime, and has little to do with HPMC. Low calcium content in lime lime and improper ratio of CaO and Ca(OH)2 in lime lime will cause powder loss. If HPMC is related to it, then poor water retention of HPMC will also cause powder loss.
13. What is the difference in production process between the cold water instant type and the hot water soluble type of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose?
HPMC's fast dispersible type is treated with glyoxal on the surface. It disperses quickly in cold water, but it is not truly dissolved. It is dissolved only when the viscosity increases. The instant type is not treated with glyoxal on the surface. If the amount of glyoxal is large, it will disperse quickly, but the viscosity will increase slowly. If the amount is small, the opposite is true.
HPMC refers to a versatile cellulose ether used in a wide range of industries as a thickener, binder and film former. This high-performance additive is made by controlled chemical modification of natural cellulose.
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In industrial applications, HPMC maintains stable performance due to its excellent properties (water solubility, thermal gelation and adhesion enhancement). With its cost-effectiveness and compliance, HPMC has become a must-have material in building materials, pharmaceutical formulations, personal care products and food applications.
HPMC stands for Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, a semi-synthetic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose (a natural plant fiber). It’s commonly used as a thickener, binder, film-former, and stabilizer in various products.
Because it’s non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe for multiple applications, HPMC has become a popular ingredient in industries like construction, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food.
HPMC is made from cellulose, which is a natural polymer found in the cell walls of plants. The process of making HPMC involves modifying cellulose to create a compound that has enhanced properties.
The production of HPMC begins with the extraction of cellulose from wood pulp or cotton. This cellulose is then treated with a series of chemicals, including propylene oxide and methyl chloride. The resulting material is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, which is then dried and powdered for use in various applications.
If you want to know more about how is HPMC made, you can read the extensive article about the production of hpmc powder in our factory.
MelaColl™ is a leading provider of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), offering a wide range of premium-grade HPMC products and tailored solutions to suit various industrial applications. With a commitment to quality and customization, MelaColl™ ensures reliable performance for your specific requirements.
Thanks to its versatility, HPMC is used in a wide range of industries. Let’s explore some of the most common applications.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a key ingredient in many construction materials. It improves performance, workability, and durability
HPMC makes tile adhesives sticky and easy to apply. It helps the adhesive hold tiles firmly without slipping. It also retains water, allowing the adhesive to dry slowly and form a strong bond.
In cement renders and plasters, HPMC acts as a thickener and water retainer. It prevents cracks by slowing down water loss, giving the mixture more time to set properly. It also improves workability, making it easier to spread smoothly.
Self-leveling floors need to flow evenly and dry without cracks. HPMC helps control the thickness and drying time, ensuring a flat, smooth surface. It also reduces shrinkage and improves strength.
HPMC is used in gypsum plasters, joint fillers, and other gypsum products. It enhances adhesion, reduces cracking, and improves workability. It also helps the mixture retain moisture for better setting.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a safe and versatile ingredient used in many cosmetic and personal care products. It acts as a thickener, film-former, and stabilizer, improving texture and performance.
HPMC is widely used in personal care items like shampoos, lotions, and toothpaste. It acts as a thickener, giving products a smooth, creamy texture that spreads easily. In shampoos and body washes, it helps create a rich lather, while in lotions, it locks in moisture to keep skin hydrated.
In makeup, HPMC works as a binder and film-former, helping products like foundation, mascara, and lipstick stay in place.
It gives foundations a smooth, blendable texture and prevents them from cracking. In mascara and eyeliner, it forms a flexible film that resists smudging and flaking. For lip products, it enhances texture and wear time.
HPMC also helps face masks adhere better to the skin, ensuring active ingredients work effectively. Its lightweight and non-greasy feel makes it ideal for cosmetics.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a key ingredient in many medicines and supplements. It is safe, non-toxic, and helps improve drug performance.
HPMC is commonly used to coat tablets, giving them a smooth, easy-to-swallow finish. The coating protects the medicine from moisture and masks bitter tastes. It also controls how fast the tablet dissolves, ensuring the drug releases properly in the body.
In eye drops, HPMC acts as a lubricant to relieve dryness and irritation. It forms a soothing gel-like layer on the eye’s surface, keeping it moist for longer. Because it is gentle and non-irritating, it’s perfect for sensitive eyes.
HPMC is used to make vegetarian (non-gelatin) capsules. These capsules dissolve easily in the stomach, releasing the medicine smoothly. They are ideal for people who avoid animal-based products.
It helps bind ingredients in vitamins and supplements, keeping them stable. It also improves texture and makes powders or tablets easier to digest.
HPMC is also used in the food industry as a thickening agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer. It helps improve the texture of various food products, from sauces and dressings to ice creams and baked goods.
In addition to enhancing texture, HPMC can also extend the shelf life of food products by preventing the separation of ingredients and maintaining moisture levels.
HPMC is commonly used in the formulation of paints, coatings, and adhesives. It acts as a thickening agent, ensuring that the paint maintains a consistent viscosity during application.
Moreover, HPMC improves the spreadability of paints and helps prevent sagging or running when applied to vertical surfaces. This property is particularly important for achieving a smooth finish.
Yes, HPMC is considered safe for use in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and construction materials. It is a non-toxic, plant-based (cellulose-derived) additive that has been approved by major health and regulatory agencies worldwide, including FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) – Approved as a food additive and pharmaceutical ingredient and EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) – Recognized as safe for consumption.
HPMC is usually well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience mild side effects, especially if consumed in large quantities. Possible side effects include:
HPMC is semi-synthetic—it’s derived from natural cellulose but chemically modified for better performance.
Yes, HPMC is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It is classified as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), meaning it is considered safe for consumption and use in products when used as intended.
Yes, since it’s plant-based, HPMC is vegan-friendly (unlike gelatin capsules).
Yes, it’s often used as a stabilizer in gluten-free baking.
HPMC powder has a long shelf life (usually 2+ years) if stored in a cool, dry place.
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a versatile and essential compound used across various industries. Its unique properties, including thickening, binding, and film-forming abilities, make it a valuable ingredient in construction, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, food, and paints.
With its safety profile and extensive applications, HPMC continues to be a key component in many everyday products. Whether you're applying tile adhesive, using a moisturizer, or taking medication, HPMC plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality and effectiveness of these products.
Understanding HPMC and its applications allows consumers and professionals alike to appreciate the significance of this compound in our daily lives. If you have any further questions about HPMC or its uses, feel free to ask!