Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose used in daily life

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a multifunctional polymer compound widely used in daily life. It is a semi-synthetic, non-ionic cellulose ether with good thickening, emulsification, suspension, film-forming, bonding, water retention and other properties. Therefore, it has been widely used in many fields such as construction, food, medicine, cosmetics, and daily chemical products.

1. Construction industry

HPMC is mainly used in cement mortar, putty powder, tile adhesive, waterproof coating and other products in building materials to improve their construction performance.

Cement mortar: HPMC can improve the water retention of mortar and prevent water from evaporating too quickly, thereby improving the hydration efficiency of cement, enhancing the bonding force and construction fluidity of mortar, and reducing the risk of cracking.

Putty powder: Adding HPMC to putty powder can effectively improve the smoothness of construction, make putty easier to apply, enhance bonding force, and reduce shrinkage cracking.

Tile adhesive: HPMC is used as a thickener to make tile adhesive more stable, improve tile bonding effect, and at the same time extend its open time and improve construction efficiency.

2. Pharmaceutical Industry

HPMC is mainly used as a tablet adhesive, film coating material, sustained-release agent, etc. in the pharmaceutical industry.

Tablet excipients: HPMC, as a tablet adhesive and disintegrant, helps improve the solubility of the drug, improve the stability of the drug, and enhance the absorption efficiency of the drug in the body.

Capsule material: HPMC can be used to produce plant capsules, which are suitable for vegetarians and people who are allergic to animal gelatin, and have good biocompatibility.

Sustained-release preparations: HPMC can be used to control the release rate of the drug, so that the drug is slowly released in the body and improve the durability of the drug effect.

3. Food Industry

HPMC is used as an emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, etc. in the food industry, especially in processed foods and baked products.

Thickener: HPMC can increase the viscosity and taste of food, improve the texture of food, and make it more delicate and smooth. For example, it is widely used in ice cream, sauces, beverages and other foods.

Emulsifier stabilizer: HPMC can prevent oil-water separation, play an emulsifying role in cakes, creams, salad dressings and other foods, and improve the stability of food.

Gluten-free foods: In gluten-free foods (such as gluten-free bread), HPMC can be used as a gluten substitute to improve the structure of dough and improve the softness and elasticity of baked foods.

4. Cosmetics and personal care products

HPMC is widely used in cosmetics and personal care products due to its good film-forming and moisturizing properties.

Skin care products: HPMC is used in skin care products such as creams, lotions, and masks as a thickener and moisturizer to make the product texture smoother, while forming a moisturizing film on the skin to reduce water loss.

Shampoo and shower gel: HPMC can play a thickening role in shampoo and shower gel, improve the stability of the product, and increase the fineness of the foam, making it feel better.

Mascara and eyeliner: HPMC has good film-forming properties and can provide a long-lasting waterproof effect in mascara and eyeliner, while improving adhesion to make makeup more durable.

5. Textile and papermaking industry

HPMC is mainly used as a sizing agent, thickener, binder, etc. in the textile and papermaking industry.

Textile sizing: HPMC can be used as a sizing agent for textiles to enhance the flexibility of fibers, improve the tensile strength of fabrics, reduce fiber breakage, and improve fabric quality.

Papermaking auxiliaries: HPMC can be used as a reinforcing agent in the papermaking process to improve the toughness, smoothness and water resistance of paper and improve printing quality.

6. Daily chemicals

In the daily chemical industry, HPMC is widely used in products such as detergents and toothpaste.

Detergents: HPMC plays a thickening role in liquid detergents and laundry detergents, improving the product experience. At the same time, it has good emulsification and suspension properties, making dirt easier to remove.

Toothpaste: HPMC is used as a thickener in toothpaste to give toothpaste good paste stability, prevent stratification, and enhance its adhesion, making brushing smoother.

7. Agricultural field

The application of HPMC in agriculture is mainly reflected in pesticides and fertilizers, as a thickener, suspending agent and adhesive.

Pesticide suspending agent: HPMC, as a dispersant and stabilizer in pesticides, can enhance the adhesion of pesticides, improve the efficacy, reduce the loss of pesticides, and improve the utilization rate.

Seed coating: HPMC can be used for seed coating, improve the storage resistance of seeds, enhance the protection of seed surface, and promote seed germination.

HPMC is widely used in many fields such as construction, medicine, food, cosmetics, textiles, papermaking, daily chemicals, and agriculture due to its excellent physical and chemical properties. It not only improves the performance of products, but also improves people’s quality of life. From construction to food processing to personal care, HPMC is everywhere and has become an indispensable additive in modern industry and daily life.