hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose for India
hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) is a versatile ingredient widely used in various industries. HPMC caters to a wide range of applications, including pharmaceutical, food, construction, cosmetics, and textile manufacturing. India is one of the largest consumers of HPMC, and the demand for high-quality HPMC is on the rise.
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose is a plain water-soluble polymer compound made from cellulose. It is an essential ingredient in the construction industry as it is used to produce self-leveling compounds, plasterboard, and other cement-based products. Additionally, HPMC is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in cosmetics and personal care products like shampoo, lotion, liquid soap, and even toothpaste.
The pharmaceutical industry also uses HPMC as an excipient, which acts as a binder, disintegrant, controlled release agent, and film former. HPMC is also an active ingredient in the treatment of gastric ulcers and constipation.
Moreover, HPMC finds application in the food industry as an emulsifier, thickener, and stabilizer. HPMC adds volume, weight, and texture to food products and helps prevent crystallization. It is also used in the production of gluten-free products, sauces, and soups.
The high-quality Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose from India is gaining attention and recognition globally. HPMC produced in India adheres to strict quality standards, ensuring its efficacy in various industries. It is versatile and has superior thermal stability, good water retention ability, and high purity, making it the preferred choice for pharmaceuticals and the food industry.
HPMC made in India is now exported to many countries worldwide, including the Philippines, Rwanda, the United States, Malta, and Peru. This is a testament to the quality of HPMC from India and its immense success in meeting global demand.
In conclusion, the versatility of HPMC makes it an essential ingredient in various industries worldwide. The demand for high-quality HPMC produced in India is on the rise, and it has gained recognition from the global market. The increasing exports of Indian-made HPMC to various countries worldwide, including the Philippines, Rwanda, the United States, Malta, and Peru, signify its reliability and quality.
Faq
HPMC is a non-ionic type of cellulose ether. So, what does "non-ionic" mean?
The viscosity of HPMC is inversely proportional to temperature, meaning that viscosity increases as temperature decreases. When we refer to the viscosity of a certain product, it generally refers to the measurement result of its 2% water solution at 20 degrees Celsius.
In practical applications, in regions with large temperature differences between summer and winter, it is advisable to use relatively lower viscosity during winter for better construction. Otherwise, at low temperatures, the viscosity of the cellulose increases, resulting in a heavier feel during application.
Medium viscosity: 75,000-100,000 (mainly used for putty)
Reason: Good water retention.
High viscosity: 150,000-200,000 (mainly used for polystyrene particle insulation mortar powder and foamed glass bead insulation mortar)
Reason: High viscosity, reduces mortar dusting and sagging, improves construction.
However, in general, higher viscosity provides better water retention. Therefore, many dry mortar manufacturers consider using medium-viscosity cellulose (75,000-100,000) instead of low-viscosity cellulose (20,000-40,000) to reduce the dosage and costs.
What is the application of HPMC in putty powder, and what causes the formation of bubbles in putty powder?
1. Hot water dissolution method: HPMC does not dissolve in hot water, but it can disperse evenly in hot water initially and then rapidly dissolve upon cooling. There are two typical methods described as follows:
(1) Place the required amount of hot water in a container and heat it to approximately 70°C. Gradually add HPMC while stirring slowly. Initially, HPMC will float on the water's surface and gradually form a slurry, which cools down under stirring.
(2) Add 1/3 or 2/3 of the required amount of water to a container and heat it to 70°C. Disperse HPMC according to method (1) to prepare a hot water slurry. Then, add the remaining cold water to the hot water slurry and cool the mixture after stirring.
2. Powder mixing method: Mix HPMC powder with a large amount of other powdered substances using a blender. Afterward, add water for dissolution. In this case, HPMC can dissolve without clumping because each tiny corner of the powder contains only a small amount of HPMC, which dissolves immediately upon contact with water. This method is commonly used in putty powder and mortar production.
What is the difference between the cold-water soluble type and the thermal soluble type of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in the production process?
MC stands for methyl cellulose, which is a cellulose ether made from purified cotton through alkali treatment using chloromethane as the etherification agent, followed by a series of reactions. The degree of substitution is generally 1.6-2.0, and different degrees of substitution result in different solubilities. It belongs to non-ionic cellulose ethers.
1. Methyl cellulose's water retention depends on the amount added, viscosity, particle size, and dissolution rate. Generally, a higher amount, smaller particle size, and higher viscosity result in better water retention. Among these cellulose ethers, methyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose have higher water retention.
2. Methyl cellulose is soluble in cold water but has difficulty dissolving in hot water. Its aqueous solution is stable within the pH range of 3-12. It has good compatibility with starch, guar gum, and many surfactants. Gelation occurs when the temperature reaches the gelation temperature.
3. Temperature variation significantly affects the water retention of methyl cellulose. Generally, higher temperatures result in poorer water retention. If the temperature of the mortar exceeds 40°C, the water retention of methyl cellulose decreases significantly, which adversely affects the workability of the mortar.
4. Methyl cellulose has a noticeable impact on the workability and adhesion of mortar. "Adhesion" refers to the adhesion force between the worker's application tool and the wall substrate, i.e., the shear resistance of the mortar. A higher adhesion leads to higher shear resistance, requiring more force from the worker during application and resulting in poorer workability. Among cellulose ether products, methyl cellulose has a moderate level of adhesion.
HPMC stands for Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose. It is a non-ionic cellulose ether derived from refined cotton through alkalization, using epichlorohydrin and chloromethane as etherification agents in a series of reactions. The degree of substitution is generally between 1.2 and 2.0. Its properties vary with the ratio of methoxy content to hydroxypropyl content.
(1) Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose is soluble in cold water, but it can be difficult to dissolve in hot water. However, its gelation temperature in hot water is significantly higher than that of methyl cellulose. Its solubility in cold water is greatly improved compared to methyl cellulose.
(2) The viscosity of Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose depends on its molecular weight, with higher molecular weight leading to higher viscosity. Temperature also affects its viscosity, with viscosity decreasing as temperature rises. However, its viscosity is less affected by temperature compared to methyl cellulose. Its solution is stable when stored at room temperature.
(3) Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose exhibits stability in acids and alkalis, and its aqueous solution is highly stable within the pH range of 2 to 12. It is minimally affected by sodium hydroxide and lime water, although alkalis can accelerate its dissolution and slightly increase its viscosity. It demonstrates stability in general salts, but at higher salt concentrations, the viscosity of Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose solution tends to increase.
(4) The water retention capacity of Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose depends on factors such as the dosage and viscosity, and at the same dosage, its water retention rate is higher than that of methyl cellulose.
(5) Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose can be mixed with water-soluble high molecular weight compounds to form homogeneous solutions with higher viscosity. Examples include polyvinyl alcohol, starch ethers, and plant gums.
(6) Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose exhibits higher adhesion in mortar construction compared to methyl cellulose.
(7) Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose has better resistance to enzymatic degradation compared to methyl cellulose, and its solution is less likely to undergo enzymatic degradation.
What is the difference between the cold-water soluble type and the thermal soluble type of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in the production process?
For putty applications, a lower viscosity of 100,000 is sufficient, and good water retention is important. For mortar applications, higher viscosity of 150,000 is preferred. For adhesive applications, a high-viscosity, quick-dissolving product is required.