What is the difference between hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose?

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) are typically applied cellulose ether derivatives and they are popular in design, petroleum, foods, cosmetic products as well as other areas. Though they all fit in with cellulose ethers, there are certain differences in substance construction, qualities and uses. This information will expose at length the difference between hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose.

1. Chemical substance structure

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a semi-synthetic polymer substance attained by adding hydroxypropyl groups into natural cellulose. Its molecular construction features ether connections and hydroxyl organizations, and it has high chemical substance stability.

Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is yet another semi-man-made polymer compound acquired by introducing a hydroxyethyl team to the glucose ring of normal cellulose. Its molecular composition also contains ether bonds and hydroxyl teams, but in comparison with HPMC, its degree of etherification is higher.

2. Performance features

1. Viscosity: HPMC features a greater viscosity, normally thousands of centipoise, while HEC features a decrease viscosity, usually around a couple of hundred centipoise. For that reason, when making films, inks as well as other merchandise, it can be essential to decide on suitable cellulose ethers in line with the required viscosity.

2. Stability: HPMC has very good acid level of resistance, alkali level of resistance as well as heat opposition, and is also not vulnerable to hydrolysis and degradation. HEC is vulnerable to hydrolysis under acidic circumstances and possesses poor stability.

3. Thickening: When HPMC can be used as a thickener, it may significantly increase the viscosity and steadiness of the painting, while also improving the leveling and gloss of the painting. The thickening effect of HEC is poor and prone to flocculation and sedimentation.

4. Sea salt amount of resistance: HPMC has lower solubility in sea salt solutions and bring a thickener for sodium solutions. HEC features a great solubility in sea salt options and is also not susceptible to salting out.

5. H2o retention: HEC has solid normal water preservation qualities and can be used as a retarder for cement concrete. The water retention overall performance of HPMC is weak and it is not suitable to be utilized like a retarder.

3. Function

As there are differences in functionality between HPMC and HEC, additionally, there are specific differences in program job areas. HPMC is mainly used in building, petroleum, meals, beauty products along with other areas as being a thickener, stabilizer, video-undefinedgenerating agent, and so forth. HEC is principally used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products as well as other job areas as a suspending agent, stabilizer, cream, etc.

To put it briefly, although hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) are both cellulose ether derivatives, they may have specific variations in substance composition, attributes and utilizes. Being familiar with their dissimilarities will help us much better pick and employ ideal goods.