Detailed explanation of the uses and usage of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a multifunctional non-ionic cellulose ether, which is widely used in many fields such as construction, medicine, food, cosmetics, etc. HPMC has excellent thickening, film-forming, bonding, emulsifying, water retention and stabilization properties. It can dissolve in water and form a transparent viscous liquid, giving various products specific properties.
(1) Main application areas of HPMC
1. Construction industry
HPMC is an important additive for building materials, used to enhance performance and improve construction effects.
Putty powder: HPMC plays a role in thickening, water retention and improving construction properties in putty powder, which helps to extend the open time and prevent cracking of the construction surface.
Tile adhesive: It improves bonding strength and anti-slip properties, making the adhesive easier to apply.
Self-leveling floor: HPMC is used to adjust fluidity while ensuring stable viscosity.
2. Pharmaceutical industry
HPMC is often used in pharmaceutical preparations, especially tablets and capsules.
Tablet binder and film former: HPMC is used in film coating of tablets to protect drugs and control release.
Sustained-release preparations: As a gelling agent, it regulates the release rate of drugs.
3. Food industry
In food, HPMC is an important thickener and emulsifier, used in processing low-calorie foods or as a substitute for vegetarian capsules.
Jelly, pudding: It imparts a stable taste and gel properties.
Baked goods: It is used to improve dough texture and extend shelf life.
4. Cosmetics and daily chemical products
HPMC is used in lotions, shampoos and toothpastes.
Lotions and creams: It is used as a thickener and stabilizer to impart a delicate spreadable feel.
Toothpaste: It thickens and prevents stratification.
(2) Main functions of HPMC
1. Water retention
HPMC can significantly improve water retention in products such as construction and food, and prevent cracking or deterioration due to water loss.
2. Thickening effect
HPMC forms a uniform high-viscosity solution after dissolving in water, which can improve the texture and stability of the product.
3. Film-forming property
Its excellent film-forming property can form a protective layer on the surface of drugs, coatings and cosmetics.
4. Stabilization and emulsification
HPMC can effectively prevent the stratification of liquid mixtures and enhance the emulsification effect.
(3) How to use HPMC
1. Dissolution method
When HPMC is dissolved in water, care should be taken to avoid agglomeration. The following steps are recommended:
Slowly sprinkle HPMC into room temperature water, stirring while sprinkling to evenly disperse it.
After standing for a certain period of time, HPMC absorbs water and swells and fully dissolves to form a transparent solution.
2. Dosage ratio
Building materials: usually 0.1% to 0.5% of dry material.
Medicine and food: Depending on the specific formulation requirements, the ratio is between 0.5% and 3%.
3. Mixing order
In order to ensure good compatibility with other raw materials, HPMC should be added gradually during stirring to prevent agglomeration and ensure uniform distribution.
(4) Precautions for use
Dissolution temperature: HPMC dissolves best in water at room temperature, but is highly sensitive to hot water and should avoid excessively high dissolution temperatures.
Storage conditions: HPMC should be stored in a dry, ventilated environment, away from moisture or direct sunlight.
Environmental friendliness: HPMC is biodegradable, non-toxic and harmless during use, and safe for the human body and the environment.
Due to its excellent physical and chemical properties, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is widely used in many industries. From building materials to food processing to pharmaceutical preparations, HPMC has played an indispensable role. In actual use, the dosage and method of use should be adjusted according to specific product needs and performance requirements to give full play to the effectiveness of HPMC and provide guarantees for product performance and user experience.