What are the properties of HPMC?

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a nonionic cellulose ether, produced by co-modification of hydroxypropyl and methoxy groups. It possesses comprehensive properties including water solubility, thickening, water retention, and film-forming properties, and is widely used in building materials, pharmaceuticals, daily chemicals, and the food industry.

Water Solubility: HPMC exhibits excellent cold water dispersibility, rapidly swelling in water to form a clear solution. Its nonionic nature allows it to remain stable over a wide pH range and in electrolyte environments, making it suitable for various complex systems.

Thickening and Rheology Modification: HPMC is a highly efficient rheology modifier that significantly increases system viscosity and imparts thixotropic behavior, improving workability and anti-sagging properties. It is widely used in mortars, coatings, and personal care products.

Water Retention: In building material applications, HPMC effectively locks in moisture, slowing down the hydration process of cement or gypsum, preventing premature drying, thereby improving the final strength and durability of the material and reducing cracking and delamination.

Film-forming properties: After drying, HPMC forms a transparent, flexible, and dense film with excellent oil resistance and gas barrier properties, making it suitable for tablet coating, food coating, and functional packaging materials.

Thermogel behavior: Its aqueous solution forms a reversible gel when heated to a specific gelation temperature. This property can be used to control the thermo-sensitive stability of the system, such as enhancing anti-slip properties in building materials or maintaining textural stability in food.

Compatibility and chemical stability: As a nonionic polymer, HPMC is highly compatible with a variety of formulation components, insensitive to acids, alkalis, and metal ions, and suitable for a wide range of applications, from strongly alkaline mortar systems to neutral or acidic cosmetics.

Safety and environmental friendliness: HPMC is derived from natural cellulose, is non-toxic and non-irritating, meets pharmaceutical and food-grade regulations, and possesses excellent biocompatibility and environmental friendliness.