Methylcellulose

Methylcellulose is a widely used cellulose derivative with good water solubility, viscosity, water retention and other properties. It is widely used in construction, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and other fields. This article will introduce in detail the properties, preparation methods, application fields and market prospects of methylcellulose.

1. Properties of methylcellulose

Methylcellulose is a white or slightly yellow solid powder with high water solubility and viscosity. Each glucose residue in its molecular structure is substituted by a methyl group, so it exhibits good water solubility and viscosity. The viscosity of methylcellulose decreases with increasing temperature, so it can exhibit better fluidity at higher temperatures. In addition, methylcellulose also has good water retention, film-forming, thickening and other properties, making it widely used in various fields.

2. Preparation method of methylcellulose

The preparation method of methylcellulose mainly includes the following steps:

1. Raw material preparation of natural cellulose: Natural cellulose is usually derived from plants such as cotton and wood, and needs to be washed, dried, crushed, etc. to obtain raw materials suitable for subsequent processing.

2. Alkalization: Mix natural cellulose with sodium hydroxide solution and perform alkalization treatment at a certain temperature to activate the hydroxyl groups of natural cellulose.

3. Etherification reaction: Add methyl chloride to the alkalized cellulose for etherification reaction to generate methylcellulose.

4. Washing and drying: After washing and drying, the crude product of methylcellulose is obtained.

5. Crushing and screening: crush and screen the crude product to obtain methylcellulose products that meet the requirements.

3. Application fields of methylcellulose

1. Construction industry: Methyl cellulose is widely used as an additive in cement mortar, gypsum board and other materials in the construction industry, which can improve the adhesion, water retention and construction performance of the material.

2. Pharmaceutical industry: Because methylcellulose has good film-forming properties and viscosity, it is used as an adhesive and coating material for tablets, capsules and other drugs in the pharmaceutical industry.

3. Cosmetics industry: Methylcellulose has good moisturizing and film-forming properties, so it is used as a raw material for moisturizers, facial masks and other products in the cosmetics industry.

4. Food industry: Methylcellulose can be used as a food additive to improve the taste and texture of food. For example, adding methylcellulose to jams, chocolates and other products can improve their viscosity and stability.

5. Other fields: Methylcellulose can also be used in petroleum, chemical industry, textile and other fields as a thickener, adhesive, stabilizer, etc.

4. Market Prospects of Methylcellulose

With the continuous development of construction, pharmaceutical, cosmetics, food and other industries, the application demand of methylcellulose is also increasing. At the same time, the preparation technology of methylcellulose is also constantly improving and perfecting, resulting in continuous reduction of its production costs and gradual decline in market prices. Therefore, the market prospect of methylcellulose is very broad, and its market demand is expected to continue to grow steadily in the next few years.

In short, methylcellulose, as an important cellulose derivative, has a wide range of application fields and market prospects. With the continuous advancement of science and technology and changes in market demand, the preparation and application technology of methylcellulose will continue to develop and improve, providing better support and guarantee for the development of various fields.