In detergents, HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) is a common thickener and stabilizer. It not only has a good thickening effect, but also improves the fluidity, suspension and coating properties of detergents. Therefore, it is widely used in various detergents, cleansers, shampoos, shower gels and other products. The concentration of HPMC in detergents is crucial to the performance of the product, which will directly affect the washing effect, foam performance, texture and user experience.
The role of HPMC in detergents
Thickening effect: HPMC, as a thickener, can change the viscosity of the detergent, so that the detergent can be evenly attached to the surface when used, improving the washing effect. At the same time, a reasonable concentration helps to control the fluidity of the detergent, making it neither too thin nor too viscous, which is convenient for consumers to use.
Improved stability: HPMC can improve the stability of the detergent system and prevent the stratification or precipitation of the ingredients in the formula. Especially in some liquid detergents and cleansers, HPMC can effectively prevent the physical instability of the product during storage.
Improve foam properties: Foam is an important feature of many cleaning products. The right amount of HPMC can make detergents produce delicate and lasting foam, thereby improving the cleaning effect and consumer experience.
Improve rheological properties: AnxinCel®HPMC has good rheological properties and can adjust the viscosity and fluidity of detergents, making the product smoother when used and avoiding being too thin or too thick.
Optimal concentration of HPMC
The concentration of HPMC in detergents needs to be adjusted according to the product type and purpose of use. Generally speaking, the concentration of HPMC in detergents is usually between 0.2% and 5%. The specific concentration depends on the following factors:
Detergent type: Different types of detergents have different requirements for HPMC concentration. For example:
Liquid detergents: Liquid detergents usually use lower HPMC concentrations, generally 0.2% to 1%. Too high a concentration of HPMC may cause the product to be too viscous, affecting the convenience and fluidity of use.
Highly concentrated detergents: Highly concentrated detergents may require higher concentrations of HPMC, generally 1% to 3%, which can help increase its viscosity and prevent precipitation at low temperatures.
Foaming detergents: For detergents that need to produce more foam, increasing the concentration of HPMC appropriately, usually between 0.5% and 2%, can help enhance the stability of the foam.
Thickening requirements: If the detergent requires a particularly high viscosity (such as high-viscosity shampoo or gel-based cleaning products), a higher concentration of HPMC may be required, usually between 2% and 5%. Although too high a concentration can increase the viscosity, it may also cause uneven distribution of other ingredients in the formula and affect the overall stability, so precise adjustment is required.
pH and temperature of the formula: The thickening effect of HPMC is related to pH and temperature. HPMC performs better in a neutral to weakly alkaline environment, and an overly acidic or alkaline environment may affect its thickening ability. In addition, higher temperatures may increase the solubility of HPMC, so its concentration may need to be adjusted in formulas at high temperatures.
Interaction with other ingredients:AnxinCel®HPMC may interact with other ingredients in detergents, such as surfactants, thickeners, etc. For example, nonionic surfactants are usually compatible with HPMC, while anionic surfactants may have a certain inhibitory effect on the thickening effect of HPMC. Therefore, when designing the formula, these interactions need to be considered and the concentration of HPMC should be adjusted reasonably.
Effect of concentration on washing effect
When selecting the concentration of HPMC, in addition to considering the thickening effect, the actual washing effect of the detergent should also be taken into account. For example, too high a concentration of HPMC may affect the detergent’s detergency and foam characteristics, resulting in a decrease in the washing effect. Therefore, the optimal concentration must not only ensure the appropriate consistency and fluidity, but also ensure a good cleaning effect.
Actual case
Application in shampoo: For ordinary shampoo, the concentration of AnxinCel®HPMC is generally between 0.5% and 2%. Too high a concentration will make the shampoo too viscous, affecting the pouring and use, and may affect the formation and stability of the foam. For products that require higher viscosity (such as deep cleansing shampoo or medicated shampoo), the concentration of HPMC can be appropriately increased to 2% to 3%.
Multi-purpose cleaners: In some household multi-purpose cleaners, the concentration of HPMC can be controlled between 0.3% and 1%, which can ensure the cleaning effect while maintaining the appropriate liquid consistency and foam effect.
As a thickener, the concentration of HPMC in detergents needs to take into account factors such as product type, functional requirements, formula ingredients and user experience. The optimal concentration is generally between 0.2% and 5%, and the specific concentration should be adjusted according to actual needs. By optimizing the use of HPMC, the stability, fluidity and foam effect of the detergent can be improved without affecting the washing performance, meeting the needs of different consumers.
Post time: Jan-02-2025