Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether widely used in building materials, coatings, medicine, food and cosmetics. Due to its good thickening, suspension, bonding, film-forming, dispersion, water retention and stability, the amount of HPMC used needs to be adjusted according to different application scenarios and specific product performance requirements.
1. Construction field
HPMC is mainly used in mortar, putty powder, self-leveling, cement-based materials, etc. in building materials, playing the role of thickening, water retention and improving construction properties.
Ordinary cement mortar: The addition amount is usually 0.1%~0.5% of the mass of cement-based materials. The specific ratio needs to be optimized according to construction conditions, mortar formula and target performance (such as anti-slip and water retention).
Tile adhesive: The addition amount is 0.2%~0.5%, mainly to improve bonding strength and construction properties.
Putty powder: Generally add 0.3%~0.6% to enhance water retention, prevent cracking and improve construction smoothness.
Self-leveling floor: It is recommended to add 0.1%~0.3% to control fluidity and prevent segregation.
2. Paints and inks
In paints, HPMC is used as a thickener and dispersant to provide excellent rheological properties and film-forming properties.
Interior and exterior wall latex paint: The addition amount is generally 0.3%~0.6%, which can improve the anti-sagging and coating properties of the paint.
Water-based ink: The addition amount is 0.1%~0.5% to improve the stability and adhesion during printing.
3. Pharmaceutical field
HPMC is used as an adhesive, disintegrant, film coating material and capsule material for pharmaceutical tablets because of its high safety, non-toxicity and good biocompatibility.
Tablet film coating: The addition amount is generally 2%~5% of the tablet weight to provide moisture protection and drug release control.
Sustained-release preparations: According to the requirements of release control, the addition amount can be adjusted within the range of 1%~20%.
Capsule shell: It can be used as a substitute for gelatin, and HPMC accounts for 40%~60% of the total capsule shell.
4. Food field
HPMC is used as a thickener, emulsifier, suspending agent and stabilizer in the food industry, in compliance with relevant regulatory requirements.
Noodle products (such as quick-frozen dumpling wrappers, noodles): The addition amount is 0.1%~0.5% to improve the chewiness and moisture retention of noodle products.
Dairy products and beverages: It is recommended to add 0.1%~0.3% to suspend pulp or stabilize the emulsified system.
Baked food: Used as a fat substitute, the addition amount is generally 0.2%~1%.
5. Cosmetic field
HPMC is used as a thickener, film former and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetics, suitable for shampoo, skin care products, gels, etc.
Skin creams and lotions: The addition amount is 0.1%~0.5% to provide appropriate viscosity and emulsion stability.
Transparent gel: The addition amount is 0.5%~1% to improve the texture and rheology.
Notes
Dissolution method: The solubility of HPMC is greatly affected by water temperature. It is recommended to disperse it evenly in low-temperature water and then heat it to dissolve, or disperse it in high-temperature water and then cool it to dissolve.
Quality control: Different uses have different requirements for the viscosity, degree of substitution and purity of HPMC. Products that meet specific application standards should be selected.
Use environment: The addition amount of HPMC needs to be adjusted in combination with environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity to ensure stable performance.
The amount of HPMC depends on the specific application scenario. A reasonable addition ratio can effectively exert its function while avoiding excessive use that causes cost increases or performance imbalances. In actual use, the dosage should be adjusted and optimized through experiments to meet the performance requirements of the final product and comply with relevant regulations and standards.