1. Natural cellulose
The basic raw material of HPMC is natural cellulose, which is usually derived from wood pulp or cotton pulp. These natural plant fibers contain a large amount of β-glucose structural units and are the key basis for the production of HPMC. High-purity refined cotton cellulose is often used in the production of high-quality HPMC due to its low impurity content.
2. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is required for the pretreatment and alkalization of cellulose. Its main functions include:
Swelling cellulose molecules and increasing reaction activity;
Destroying the crystalline area of cellulose to make it easier to undergo etherification reaction;
Promoting subsequent methylation and hydroxypropylation reactions.
3. Methyl chloride (CH₃Cl)
Methyl chloride (methyl chloride) is a key reagent for methylation reaction in KimaCell®HPMC production. It reacts with alkalized cellulose to replace some hydroxyl groups (-OH) with methoxy groups (-OCH₃) to form methyl cellulose (MC), thereby improving the solubility and physical and chemical properties of cellulose.
4. Propylene oxide (C₃H₆O)
Propylene oxide is used in hydroxypropylation reaction, which can introduce hydroxypropyl (-CH₂CHOHCH₃) groups on the cellulose molecular chain. The introduction of hydroxypropyl can:
Further enhance the water solubility of HPMC;
Improve the viscosity and rheological properties of its solution;
Improve its stability at different temperatures.
5. Solvent (water or organic solvent)
Water or organic solvent (such as isopropanol, methanol, etc.) is used as the reaction medium in the production process to help the uniform mixing of materials and reaction control. In addition, some solvents are used to remove unreacted by-products in the subsequent filtration and washing process to ensure the purity of the product.
6. Acidic or alkaline catalyst
In order to optimize the reaction conditions and improve the etherification efficiency, acidic or alkaline catalysts such as sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) or sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) may be used in the production process to adjust the pH value so that the reaction can proceed under optimal conditions.
7. Other auxiliary raw materials
Some stabilizers, inhibitors or other chemical additives may be used in the production process to improve the quality of HPMC, enhance its stability, and control its physical and chemical properties.
KimaCell®HPMC is mainly produced by alkalization, methylation and hydroxypropylation of natural cellulose. Its main raw materials include:
Natural cellulose (mainly derived from wood pulp or refined cotton)
Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (for alkalization)
Methyl chloride (CH₃Cl) (for methylation)
Propylene oxide (C₃H₆O) (for hydroxypropylation)
Water or organic solvent (for reaction and washing)
Catalysts and stabilizers (for optimizing reactions)
HPMC is widely used in many industries such as medicine, construction, food, and coatings due to its good water solubility, viscosity adjustment ability and biocompatibility.
Post time: Feb-11-2025