1. What is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose?
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a non-toxic and harmless non-ionic cellulose ether, widely used in building materials, food, medicine, cosmetics and other fields. It has the functions of thickening, water retention, film formation, bonding, lubrication and suspension, and can dissolve in water to form a transparent or translucent viscous solution.
2. Common uses and usage of HPMC
Construction field
HPMC is commonly used in building materials such as cement mortar, putty powder, tile adhesive, etc.:
Function: Enhance construction performance, improve water retention, extend open time, and improve bonding performance.
Usage method:
Add directly to dry-mixed mortar, the recommended amount is 0.1%~0.5% of the mass of cement or substrate;
After fully stirring, add water and stir into slurry.
Food industry
HPMC can be used as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier, and is commonly found in foods such as ice cream, jelly, bread, etc.:
Function: Improve taste, stabilize the system, and prevent stratification.
Usage:
Dissolve in cold water, the recommended dosage is adjusted between 0.2% and 2% according to the type of food;
Heating or mechanical stirring can accelerate dissolution.
Pharmaceutical industry
HPMC is often used in drug tablet coating, sustained-release tablet matrix or capsule shell:
Function: film formation, delayed drug release, and protection of drug activity.
Usage:
Prepare into a solution with a concentration of 1% to 5%;
Spray evenly on the surface of the tablet to form a thin film.
Cosmetics
HPMC is used as a thickener, emulsion stabilizer or film-forming agent, commonly used in facial masks, lotions, etc.:
Function: Improve texture and enhance the feel of the product.
Usage:
Add to the cosmetic matrix in proportion and stir evenly;
The dosage is generally 0.1% to 1%, adjusted according to product requirements.
3. HPMC dissolution method
The solubility of HPMC is greatly affected by water temperature:
It is easy to dissolve in cold water and can form a uniform solution;
It is insoluble in hot water, but can be dispersed and form a colloid after cooling.
Specific dissolution steps:
Sprinkle HPMC slowly into the water, avoid pouring directly to prevent caking;
Use a stirrer to mix evenly;
Adjust the solution concentration as needed.
4. Precautions for using HPMC
Dosage control: In different application scenarios, the dosage directly affects the performance and needs to be tested according to needs.
Storage conditions: It should be stored in a cool, dry, ventilated place to avoid moisture and high temperature.
Environmental protection: HPMC is biodegradable and does not pollute the environment, but it still needs to be used in a standardized manner to avoid waste.
Compatibility test: When added to complex systems (such as cosmetics or medicines), compatibility with other ingredients should be tested.
5. Advantages of HPMC
Non-toxic, environmentally friendly, high safety;
Versatility, adaptable to a variety of application requirements;
Good stability, can preserve performance for a long time.
6. Common problems and solutions
Agglomeration problem: Pay attention to dispersed addition during use and stir fully at the same time.
Long dissolution time: Hot water pretreatment or mechanical stirring can be used to accelerate dissolution.
Performance degradation: Pay attention to the storage environment to avoid moisture and heat.
By using HPMC scientifically and rationally, its multifunctional characteristics can be fully utilized to provide high-quality solutions for various industries.
Post time: Dec-10-2024