Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a multifunctional polymer material belonging to the category of cellulose ether products. Due to its excellent physical and chemical properties, it is widely used in the fields of construction, medicine, food, daily chemicals, etc.
1. Basic properties
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a non-ionic water-soluble polymer compound made from natural cellulose by chemical modification. Its main properties include:
Excellent water solubility: It can be dissolved in cold water to form a transparent viscous solution.
Thickening effect: It can effectively increase the viscosity of liquids or slurries.
Water retention: It has excellent water retention effect, especially in building materials to prevent rapid drying and cracking.
Film-forming property: It can form a smooth and tough film on the surface with certain oil resistance and air permeability.
Chemical stability: It is acid and alkali resistant, mildew resistant, and stable in a wide pH range.
2. Main application areas
Construction field
AnxinCel®HPMC is widely used in dry-mixed mortar, putty powder, tile adhesive and coatings in the construction industry.
Dry-mixed mortar: HPMC improves the workability, construction performance and water retention of mortar, making it easier to apply, while preventing cracking or strength loss after drying.
Tile adhesive: Enhances adhesion and anti-slip properties, improving construction efficiency.
Putty powder: Extends construction time, improves smoothness and crack resistance.
Latex paint: HPMC can be used as a thickener and stabilizer to give the paint excellent brushability and leveling properties, while preventing pigment sedimentation.
Pharmaceutical field
In the pharmaceutical industry, HPMC is mainly used as a pharmaceutical excipient and is widely used in tablets, capsules and sustained-release preparations.
Tablets: HPMC can be used as a film-forming agent to give tablets good appearance and protective properties; it can also be used as an adhesive, disintegrant and sustained-release material.
Capsules: HPMC can replace gelatin to produce plant-based hard capsules, which are suitable for vegetarians and patients allergic to gelatin.
Sustained-release preparations: Through the gelling effect of HPMC, the release rate of the drug can be precisely controlled, thereby improving the efficacy.
Food Industry
In the food industry, HPMC is used as an emulsifier, thickener and stabilizer, and is commonly found in baked goods, beverages and condiments.
Baked goods: HPMC provides moisturizing and shaping effects, improves the workability of dough, and enhances the taste and quality of finished products.
Beverages: Increase the viscosity of liquids, improve suspension stability, and avoid stratification.
Vegetarian substitutes: In plant-based meat or dairy products, HPMC is used as a thickener or emulsifier stabilizer to give the product an ideal taste and texture.
Daily chemicals
In personal care and household products, AnxinCel®HPMC is mainly used as a thickener, emulsifier stabilizer and film former.
Detergents: Give the product moderate viscosity and enhance the product’s usage experience.
Skin care products: HPMC improves moisturizing and spreadability in lotions and creams.
Toothpaste: Plays a thickening and suspending role to ensure the uniformity of the formula ingredients.
3. Development prospects
With the promotion of green environmental protection concepts and the expansion of application areas, the demand for hydroxypropyl methylcellulose continues to grow. In the construction industry, HPMC, as an important component of energy-saving and environmentally friendly materials, has broad market prospects; in the fields of medicine and food, HPMC has become an indispensable ingredient due to its safety and versatility; in daily chemical products, its diversified performance provides possibilities for more innovative products.
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has become an important chemical material in many industries due to its excellent properties and wide application. In the future, with the further optimization of production processes and the continuous emergence of new demands, HPMC will demonstrate its unique value in more fields.
Post time: Jan-22-2025