How to Choose China Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose?

What is the difference between hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) with or without S?

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1. HPMC is divided into instant type and rapid dispersion type

HPMC fast dispersing type is suffixed with the letter S. During the production process, glyoxal should be added.

HPMC instant type does not add any letters, such as “″ is “ viscosity fast dispersion type HPMC”.

2. With or without S, the characteristics are different

Rapidly dispersing HPMC disperses rapidly in cold water and disappears into water. At this time, the liquid has no viscosity, because HPMC is only dispersed in water, and there is no real dissolution. After about two minutes, the viscosity of the liquid gradually increases, forming a transparent sticky liquid. Thick colloid.

Instant HPMC can disperse rapidly in hot water at about 70°C. When the temperature drops to a certain temperature, the viscosity slowly appears until a transparent viscous colloid is formed.

3. With or without S, the purpose is different

Instant HPMC can only be used in putty powder and mortar. In liquid glues, coatings and cleaning supplies, clumping will occur and cannot be used.

Rapidly dispersing HPMC has a wide range of applications. It can be used in putty powder, mortar, liquid glue, paint, and washing products without any contraindications.

Dissolution method

1. Take the required amount of hot water, put it into a container and heat it to above 80°C, and gradually add this product under slow stirring. The cellulose floats on the water at first, but is gradually dispersed to form a uniform slurry. Cool the solution with stirring.

2. Or heat 1/3 or 2/3 of the hot water to above 85°C, add cellulose to obtain a hot water slurry, then add the remaining amount of cold water, keep stirring, and cool the resulting mixture.

3. Cellulose has a relatively fine mesh number, and exists as a single small particle in the uniformly stirred powder, and it dissolves rapidly when it encounters water to form the required viscosity.

4. Add cellulose slowly and evenly at room temperature, and keep stirring during the adding process until a transparent solution is formed.

What factors affect the water retention of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose?

The water retention of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose HPMC product itself is often affected by the following factors:

1. Cellulose ether HPMC homogeneity

The uniformly reacted HPMC has uniform distribution of methoxy and hydroxypropoxy groups and high water retention.

2. Cellulose ether HPMC thermal gel temperature

The higher the thermal gel temperature, the higher the water retention rate; otherwise, the lower the water retention rate.

3. Cellulose ether HPMC viscosity

When the viscosity of HPMC increases, the water retention rate also increases; when the viscosity reaches a certain level, the increase of the water retention rate tends to be gentle.

Cellulose ether HPMC addition amount

The larger the added amount of cellulose ether HPMC, the higher the water retention rate and the better the water retention effect.

In the range of 0.25-0.6%, the water retention rate increases rapidly with the increase of the addition amount; when the addition amount further increases, the increasing trend of the water retention rate becomes slower.

Post time: Oct-17-

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a widely used ingredient in industries like construction, pharmaceuticals, and food. Different HPMC grades have unique properties, such as viscosity, molecular weight, and degree of substitution (DS).

These differences make certain grades better for specific uses. For example, in construction, HPMC helps improve water retention and workability in cement, plaster, and tile adhesives. In pharmaceuticals, it’s used in tablet coatings and to control how drugs are released.

Knowing the right HPMC grade for a job helps get the best results. This ultimate guide is here to provide you with helpful tips when choosing the right HPMC.

What is HPMC?

The full form of HPMC is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose. It appears as a white powder or fibrous substance. It is non-toxic and odorless. When mixed with cold water, it swells into a clear or slightly cloudy gel.

Are you interested in learning more about China Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

HPMC is a semi-synthetic polymer made from natural cellulose found in plants. It is modified through a chemical process called etherification. This modification creates different grades of HPMC. These grades vary by molecular weight, substitution degree, and viscosity. This article will mainly focus on the classification of HPMC viscosity.

HPMC Grades Classification

Classification by Viscosity

Generally, HPMC grades are classified by viscosity and can be categorized into low (LV), medium (MV), and high (HV) grades. HPMC viscosity is usually expressed in centipoise (cP) or millipascal seconds (mPa-s). Different HPMC viscosity levels indicate different performance characteristics.

• Low Viscosity: It has a low molecular weight. It is suitable for applications needing low thickening. These include surface coatings, paints, and adhesives.

• Medium Viscosity: Provides medium thickening properties and is typically used in applications such as pharmaceutical formulations where a balance between viscosity and flow properties is required.

• High Viscosity: Has a high molecular weight and provides high-viscosity solutions. It is used in applications where high thickening is required, such as in construction materials such as tile adhesives, mortars, and plasters.

HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) is available in various viscosity grades, each offering unique properties for different applications and uses.

1. Construction Grade HPMC (ranging from 400 to 200,000 mPa-s)

HPMC powder is commonly used in construction materials such as cement, plaster, lime, mortar, and grout. It has the following properties:

– Improving the consistency of building materials
– Emulsifies construction materials
– Improves the water retention of the slurry
– Improve the stability of building materials

Main application scenarios:

· Tile adhesives

· Self-leveling

· Paints and coatings

Below are a few common construction-grade HPMCs.

Grades Viscosity Grades Main Applications and Properties HPMC E5 lower In the construction industry, E5 grade HPMC can be used as a thickener and binder for cement mortar, which helps to improve the adhesion and processing performance of mortar. HPMC E15 higher than HPMC E5 It is usually used to prepare high-performance cement mortar, tile adhesive, plaster mortar, etc. to improve its fluidity, crack resistance, and adhesion. HPMC F50 film-forming grade Usually used in coatings, paints, and adhesives. HPMC F high Used in construction materials such as gypsum-based plasters and cement-based products where excellent water retention and viscosity are required.

With 10 years of experience in the construction and chemical industries, our company WotaiChem is constantly upgrading its formulations to meet the needs of our customers. We can provide you with the right grade of HPMC for your application. Learn more.

2. Pharmaceutical Grade HPMC

In the pharmaceutical industry, as a drug excipient, HPMC also has a wide viscosity range, which is needed to meet the release needs of drugs with different solubilities, such as:
· Tablet coating
· Tablet Binding
· Controlled release formulations
· Film coating
· Suspensions
· Ophthalmic lubricants, eye drops

The following are some common medical-grade HPMCs.

Grades

Viscosity Grades Main Applications and Properties HPMC K4M HPMC is often used in medicines as a base for slow-release formulations. It helps control the release of the active ingredient over a longer period. Lower HPMC K15M It’s commonly used to bind tablets, create controlled-release drugs, and thicken liquid medicines. Medium HPMC K100M HPMC provides strong thickening and gelling properties, making it useful in slow-release medications and as an adhesive in tablet production. Higher

3. Food Grade Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) (various viscosities from 50 to 10,000 mPa-s)

Food grade hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is mainly used as emulsifiers and thickeners, but with no nutritional value.

Main application products:
· Bakery products
· Dairy products
· Beverages
· Gluten-free products

4. Personal Care Grade HPMC (Viscosity grades from 3,000 to 100,000 mPa-s)

Main application products:
· Hair care products
· Skincare products
· Cosmetics

Classification by its molecular weight

The molecular weight of the HPMC powder ranges from around 10,000 to 1,500,000. The molecular weight affects its physical properties, like solubility, gel formation, and film-forming ability. It also influences the mechanical strength and viscosity of HPMC solutions.

– High molecular weight HPMC is ideal for applications that need high viscosity and strong water solubility, such as slow-release formulations in pharmaceuticals. It also offers better film-forming properties and greater resistance to enzyme breakdown in other uses.

– Low molecular weight HPMC works well in applications that need lower viscosity and better flow, such as in paints and adhesives.

Classification by the degree of substitution

The degree of substitution (DS) in Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) refers to how many of the natural groups in the cellulose are replaced by hydroxypropyl or methyl groups. This affects how HPMC behaves in different products.

For example, a higher degree of substitution makes it dissolve better in water and improves its ability to thicken, stabilize, or form films. This is important in industries like construction, food, and pharmaceuticals, where HPMC is used to improve the quality of products.

HPMC is generally classified into three grades: K, E, and F, which represent different degrees of substitution for methoxy and hydroxypropyl groups. For example, HPMC K4M, E4M, and F4M all have the same viscosity of 4,000 centipoise (cP). However, the chemical substitution levels of hydroxypropyl and methoxy groups differ among these types.

Selection of HPMC Grades

1. Choose an HPMC grade based on specific application needs.

These include desired viscosity, film-forming ability, water retention, and ingredient compatibility. It is also important to consider formulation parameters like pH, temperature, and processing conditions.

For example, in hot summer temperatures or warm climates, the moisture in construction mortar evaporates quickly. This requires HPMC to have better water retention. Higher viscosity HPMC provides better water retention. In colder winter temperatures, a lower viscosity HPMC can be used.

2. Consulting professionals when choosing an HPMC grade

Before purchasing HPMC, it is best to consult a qualified formulator or technical expert, such as WotaiChem. Our experts can help you pick the best HPMC grade for your use. We will test its compatibility and performance for the best results. Contact us now for solutions and to APPLY FOR FREE SAMPLES.

3. Meet relevant quality standards and regulations

Additionally, HPMC grades used in pharmaceuticals and food applications must meet relevant quality standards and regulations, such as the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) and the European Pharmacopeia (Ph. Eur.). These standards set requirements for purity, chemical composition, and performance characteristics to ensure product safety and effectiveness.

Summary

With technological advancements, there is potential for further improvements and innovations in HPMC performance, and its grades may continue to evolve. HPMC grades and formulations can also vary by manufacturer and specific product requirements. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a reputable HPMC manufacturer or supplier, such as WotaiChem, for guidance on HPMC grades and formulations.

I hope this information helps you better understand the different HPMC grades and their applications. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us. We are glad to help you choose the right HPMC grade!

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