Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), also known as HPMC Cellulose Ether, is a non-ionic cellulose ether derived from natural cellulose. It is produced by treating cellulose with propylene oxide and methyl chloride. HPMC is widely used in various industries due to its versatile properties.
Key Characteristics of HPMC:
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Water Retention: HPMC has excellent water retention properties, making it ideal for applications where moisture control is essential, such as in construction materials.
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Thickening: It acts as a thickening agent, increasing the viscosity of solutions and improving stability in emulsions and suspensions.
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Film Formation: HPMC can form clear, flexible films, which find use in coatings, films, and pharmaceutical tablets.
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Binding: In pharmaceuticals and construction materials, HPMC serves as a binder, improving the cohesion and adhesion of formulations.
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Surface Activity: HPMC improves the spreadability and uniformity of products, especially in applications like paints and adhesives.
Applications of HPMC:
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Construction Industry: HPMC is extensively used in construction materials such as tile adhesives, mortars, renders, and self-leveling compounds. It enhances workability, water retention, and adhesion in these products.
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Pharmaceuticals: In the pharmaceutical industry, HPMC is used as a binder in tablet formulations to ensure tablet integrity and uniformity. It is also employed in sustained-release formulations to control drug release over time.
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Food Industry: HPMC serves as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in various food products, including ice cream, yogurt, sauces, and bakery items.
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Cosmetics: It is used in creams, lotions, and gels as a thickening agent, emulsifier, and film former, providing texture and stability to cosmetic formulations.
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Paints and Coatings: HPMC improves the rheological properties of paints and coatings, enhancing application characteristics and film formation.
HPMC Specifications:
- Appearance: White or off-white powder
- Methoxy Content: 19.0%-24.0%
- Hydroxypropoxy Content: 4.0%-12.0%
- Moisture Content: ≤5.0%
- Ash Content: ≤1.0%
- PH Value: 5.0-8.0
- Particle Size: 100% pass through 80 mesh
Applications:
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Building Materials:
- Tile Adhesives: HPMC improves water retention, workability, and adhesion in tile adhesives, reducing the risk of tile detachment.
- Mortars and Renders: It enhances the performance of mortars and renders by providing improved workability, water retention, and sag resistance.
- Self-leveling Compounds: HPMC aids in achieving the desired flowability and self-leveling properties of compounds used for flooring.