Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether with multiple functions and a wide range of applications.
1. Building materials
In the construction industry, HPMC is widely used in products such as cement mortar, gypsum-based materials, putty powder and tile adhesive. Its main functions include:
Water retention: HPMC can significantly improve the water retention of mortar and prevent water from evaporating too quickly, thereby improving construction performance and curing effect.
Thickening and lubrication: It can increase the viscosity and fluidity of the mortar, making the construction smoother and reducing the wear of construction tools.
Anti-cracking: By improving the water retention and adhesion of mortar, HPMC can effectively prevent mortar and plaster from cracking during the curing process.
2. Coatings and paints
In the paint and coatings industry, HPMC is used as a thickener, emulsifier and stabilizer. Its functions include:
Thickening: Increase the viscosity of the paint, prevent sagging, and improve the uniformity of the coating.
Stability: Helps maintain uniform dispersion of pigments and fillers, preventing settling and delamination.
Anti-sag property: Improve the coating performance of paint and prevent sagging and dripping.
3. Pharmaceuticals and Food
In the pharmaceutical and food industries, HPMC is commonly used in tablets, capsules and food additives. Its functions are as follows:
Tablet coating: As a tablet coating material, HPMC can control drug release and protect the drug from moisture and oxygen.
Capsule shell: HPMC is the main ingredient of vegetarian capsules, suitable for vegetarians and people allergic to animal-derived capsules.
Thickeners and emulsifiers: In food, HPMC is used as a thickener, emulsifier and stabilizer to improve the texture and taste of food.
4. Cosmetics
In the cosmetics industry, HPMC is used in products such as lotions, creams, shampoos and toothpastes. Its main functions include:
Thickening: Provides ideal viscosity and consistency, making products easy to apply and absorb.
Film-forming properties: Form a transparent protective film to enhance the skin’s moisturizing effect.
Emulsification and Stabilization: Helps emulsify and stabilize water-oil mixtures to prevent stratification.
5. Other applications
HPMC is also used in many other areas such as:
Printing ink: Acts as a thickener and stabilizer to improve printing quality.
Agriculture: Used as a binder for seed coating and pesticides in agriculture to improve efficacy and seed germination rate.
Textile: Used in textile printing and dyeing processes to improve printing quality and color fastness.
6. Features and Benefits
HPMC plays an important role in various industries due to its unique physical and chemical properties. Its main features include:
Water solubility: HPMC can quickly dissolve in cold or hot water to form a transparent colloidal solution.
Biocompatibility and safety: HPMC is non-toxic and harmless, has good biocompatibility, and is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical fields.
Stability: Resistant to acids, alkalis and salts, has excellent stability and can maintain its function in various environments.
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is widely used in construction, coatings, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics and other industries due to its versatility and good performance. Its functions of thickening, water retention, emulsification and stabilization make it a key ingredient in various products, making important contributions to improving product performance and user experience.