hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose for Indonesia
hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) has been widely used in various industries such as construction, pharmaceuticals, and food products due to its unique properties. Indonesia has now become a prominent buyer of HPMC and is readily exploring the potential benefits that it can offer.
HPMC is a slightly off-white powder that is soluble in water and some organic solvents. It is derived from cellulose and undergoes chemical modifications to increase its water retention efficiency, viscosity, and film-forming abilities. In construction, HPMC acts as a binder, thickener, and water-retaining agent, used in dry mix mortars, jointing compounds, and tile adhesives.
Indonesia's construction industry is booming at an exponential rate, with new infrastructure and real estate projects in the pipeline. HPMC can play a significant role in supporting the growth of the Indonesian construction industry. Its water retention properties help to prolong the setting time of cement and prevent it from drying out too quickly. This, in turn, can lead to stronger and more durable concrete structures.
Besides construction, HPMC is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a binder, a thickener and a stabilizer. Indonesia's pharmaceutical market is also on the rise, and HPMC offers a suitable solution in ensuring the quality of drug delivery systems.
It is essential to note that not all HPMC is created equal. The quality and reliability of HPMC depend on the manufacturing process, raw materials, and testing regulations used. Buyers must choose their suppliers wisely and opt for those who emphasize quality control and compliance with international standards.
Indonesia's demand for HPMC can partly be met by manufacturers from the United States, Palestine, Malta, Singapore, and Pakistan. These countries offer HPMC at competitive prices while ensuring high-quality standards and compliance with international regulations.
In conclusion, the use of HPMC can usher in new opportunities for the Indonesian construction and pharmaceutical sectors. Buyers must remain vigilant to only source high-quality HPMC that meets global standards. Ultimately, opting for a reputable supplier can lead to better and more sustainable results.
Faq
What are the main technical indicators of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)?
For putty powder, a viscosity of around 100,000 is generally sufficient, while mortar requires a higher viscosity, around 150,000, to be effective. Moreover, the most important function of HPMC is water retention, followed by thickening. In putty powder, as long as it has good water retention and a lower viscosity (70,000-80,000), it can still be used. Of course, a higher viscosity provides relatively better water retention. However, when the viscosity exceeds 100,000, the impact of viscosity on water retention becomes less significant.
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.
Regarding the relationship between viscosity and temperature in HPMC (HPMC viscosity), what should be noted in practical applications?
1. Whiteness: Although whiteness alone does not determine the usefulness of HPMC, higher-quality products usually have better whiteness.
2. Fineness: HPMC is typically available in 80 and 100 mesh sizes, with fewer options in 120 mesh. Finer particles generally indicate better quality.
3. Transmittance: When HPMC is dissolved in water and forms a transparent colloidal solution, higher transmittance indicates fewer insoluble impurities.
4. Specific gravity: Higher specific gravity is generally better. A higher specific gravity is often due to a higher content of hydroxypropyl, which results in better water retention.
Is there any relationship between powder loss in putty and HPMC?
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.