Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether, which is made from natural polymer cotton through alkalization treatment, propylene oxidation and methylation reaction. Due to its good physical and chemical properties and safety, HPMC is widely used in many industries such as construction, medicine, food, daily chemicals, ceramics, etc.
1. Building materials field
HPMC is particularly widely used in the construction industry, mainly used in dry mortar, tile adhesive, putty powder, exterior wall insulation system, cement-based products, etc.
Dry mortar: HPMC can significantly improve the construction performance of mortar, increase its water retention, adhesion and operability time. Due to its excellent water retention performance, it can delay the cement hydration reaction, avoid cracking, and improve the quality of the finished product.
Tile adhesive and caulking agent: HPMC acts as a thickener and water retainer in tile adhesive, so that the adhesion of tiles will not be affected by water loss after pasting. At the same time, it improves the drape and prevents the tiles from sliding down.
Self-leveling floor: HPMC plays an anti-settling and water-retaining role in cement self-leveling, prevents the mixture from stratifying, improves leveling and construction convenience.
Insulation system (EIFS): It plays a good bonding role between polystyrene board and wall, and improves the flexibility and construction of insulation mortar.
2. Pharmaceutical field
HPMC is widely used in pharmaceutical preparations due to its non-toxic, non-irritating, biodegradable and good film-forming properties, especially in oral solid preparations.
Tablet coating material: HPMC has excellent film-forming properties and can be used as a coating agent for tablets, which plays a role in moisture-proof, odor-masking, aesthetics and controlled release.
Sustained-release and controlled-release preparations: Because it can form a gelling barrier, HPMC is an ideal sustained-release material and is often used to prepare sustained-release tablets, such as multi-layer tableting, micro-pellet coating, etc.
Capsule material: HPMC can be used as a raw material for plant capsules and is a good substitute for gelatin capsules. It is suitable for vegetarians and religious taboos.
Eye drops thickener: HPMC can be used in eye drops as a lubricant to prolong the drug's residence time on the ocular surface and enhance its efficacy.
3. Food industry
As a food additive, HPMC has good emulsification, moisturizing, film-forming and thickening properties and is widely used in the food industry.
Food thickener and emulsifier: In seasonings, sauces, and frozen foods, it is used as a thickener and stabilizer to improve taste and appearance.
Low-fat food replaces fat: HPMC can simulate the texture of fat and is used in low-fat ice cream, yogurt and other foods to improve the taste and stability of food.
Food coating and film-forming agent: HPMC is used as an edible film to extend the shelf life of food, maintain the appearance of food, and prevent water loss.
Noodle product improver: In flour products such as bread and noodles, HPMC helps to improve the processing performance of dough and the organizational structure of the finished product, and enhance elasticity and cooking resistance.
4. Daily chemical products
HPMC is also widely used in personal care and cleaning products, mainly in the following aspects:
Shampoo and shower gel: As a thickener and stabilizer, HPMC can improve the texture and rheological properties of the product, while being mild and non-irritating to the skin.
Skin care products and cosmetics: In products such as facial masks, lotions, and eye creams, it is used as a film former and moisturizer to improve the spreadability and moisturizing effect.
Toothpaste: HPMC, as a gum base, maintains the uniformity and good extrudability of toothpaste, and is odorless and highly safe.
5. Other applications
Ceramic industry: HPMC plays a bonding and thickening role in the ceramic molding process, which helps to improve the strength and molding rate of the blank.
Paints and inks: HPMC is used as a thickener for latex paints, has good dispersibility and film-forming properties, and improves the paint construction and storage stability.
Agriculture: In pesticide formulations, HPMC is used as a dispersant and adhesive to improve spraying efficiency and prolong drug efficacy.
As a high-performance and widely used polymer material, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has penetrated into every aspect of our lives with its good solubility, water retention, thickening and film-forming properties. From construction to medicine, from food to daily chemicals, HPMC not only improves the quality and stability of products, but also promotes the development of green and environmentally friendly materials. As people pay more attention to health and sustainability, the application prospects of HPMC will be broader in the future.
Post time: Apr-30-2025