The chemical structure of HPMC is based on natural cellulose (mainly derived from wood pulp or cotton pulp), and hydroxypropyl (-CH₂CHOHCH₃) and methoxy (-OCH₃) substituents are introduced through etherification reaction.
Properties
Properties Description
Appearance White or off-white powder
Solubility Soluble in cold water, insoluble in hot water and organic solvents, can form transparent colloids
Viscosity range 5 mPa·s ~ 200,000 mPa·s (different models)
Gel temperature 60~90°C (depending on the degree of substitution)
pH stability Stable at pH 3~11
Film-forming properties Can form flexible, transparent films
Water retention Excellent, widely used in building materials and pharmaceutical sustained release
Production process
Raw material preparation
Use high-purity cellulose (wood pulp or cotton pulp) as raw material
01
Alkalinization treatment: Cellulose is soaked in NaOH solution to produce alkali cellulose.
02
Etherification reaction
Methyl chloride (CH₃Cl) and propylene oxide (C₃H₆O) are added to carry out etherification reaction to introduce methoxy and hydroxypropyl groups
03
Purification and drying
The reaction product is washed, neutralized, dried and then crushed to obtain the HPMC finished product.
04
Performance characteristics
Thickening and suspending ability
It can significantly increase the viscosity of the system at low concentrations and is widely used in coatings, shampoos, etc.
01
Water retention
In building materials (such as cement mortar), it can delay water evaporation and improve construction performance
02
Film-forming property
Can form transparent, flexible films for pharmaceutical coatings and cosmetic masks
03
Thermal gel properties: When heated to a certain temperature, it will form a gel, and after cooling, it will recover its solubility, which is suitable for sustained release of drugs
04
Biocompatibility
Non-toxic, non-irritating, suitable for the pharmaceutical and food industries
05
Application Areas
Building Materials
Tile Adhesive: Improves adhesion and open time.
Putty Powder: Enhances flexibility and crack resistance.
Self-Leveling Mortar: Improves flow and strength.
01
Pharmaceutical industry
Tablet coating: forms a protective film to improve drug release.
Eye drops: acts as a lubricant and thickener.
Sustained-release preparations: controls the rate of drug release
02
Food Industry
Ice cream: prevents ice crystals from forming and improves taste.
Sauces: improves stability and consistency.
03
Cosmetics
Shampoo: Increases viscosity and foam stability.
Facial mask: Acts as a film former and moisturizer
04
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