Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, An Overview

What Is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose?

HPMC is a cellulose ether that, on average, has both high tensile strength and viscosity. It is often used as a thickener and emulsifier, as it quickly disperses in water. It is also soluble in most organic solvents and is generally nontoxic.

It is a semisynthetic, inactive, viscoelastic polymer commonly used as a lubricant in ophthalmology, or as an excipient or vehicle in oral medicines.

In addition, it is used as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, film-forming agent, etc. in the production of other petrochemicals, coatings, building materials, paint removers, papermaking, cosmetics and other products. 

Here we will detail more about the applications of Hydroxypropyl Methyl cellulose:

Construction and building materials industry

Dry mix mortar: used in tile adhesive, floor mortar, plaster mortar, thermal insulation mortar, etc., to retain water, thicken, and improve construction performance.

Wall putty: improve construction smoothness and prevent cracking.

Tile adhesives: enhance adhesion and operation time.

Gypsum-based mortar: improve workability and anti-sagging.

Self-leveling compounds: improve viscosity and water retention and prevent segregation.

Pharmaceutical industry

Tablet coating and sustained-release carrier: HPMC can be used as a film-forming agent and sustained-release material for pharmaceutical tablets.

Capsule shell: It is the main raw material of plant capsules (HPMC capsules), suitable for vegetarians and people allergic to gelatin.

Eye drops matrix: due to its good biocompatibility, it is often used in artificial tears and eye gels.

Food industry

Food additives: used as thickeners, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and film formers, such as in ice cream, jam, and bread.

Low-fat foods: imitate the texture of fat and improve the taste.

Daily chemical industry

Shampoo, facial cleanser, lotion: play a role in thickening, emulsification and stabilization.

Toothpaste: provide a suitable paste consistency and enhance the taste.

Facial mask/skin care products: used for film formation and moisturizing.

Paints and inks

Latex paint: HPMC can provide good rheological properties and anti-sagging properties.

Water-based inks: used as thickeners and stabilizers.

Agriculture

Agricultural preparations: used in pesticide suspensions and controlled-release fertilizers as adhesives and slow-release agents.

Oil drilling

As drilling mud additives, it improves rheological properties, portability, and stabilizes the well wall.

HPMC Properties

The chemical formula of HPMC is C56H108O30 and it is produced on an industrial level by treating cellulose, propylene, and methylene with sodium hydroxide by the process of alkalization and etherification. HPMC has well-diversified applications across various sectors. It is used in pharmaceuticals, ceramics, adhesives, paints & coatings, buildings, and personal care products. It is used in construction materials as a tile binder, water retention agent and rheology modifier. It also serves as an alternative to gelatin because of its physical similarities to gelatin and its vegetarian source.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose in skin care

Methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose is found in many cosmetic products, including hair sprays, shampoos, conditioners, toothpaste, and soaps. Like other uses for methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, it's used to increase the viscosity of these products and make them easier to apply.

As a kind of thickeners

Clindamycin Phosphate Gel is a clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid that is thickened with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.