What to Know about HPMC

What to Know about HPMC

HPMC is the abbreviation of Hypromellose Cellulose.

1. Physical and chemical properties
Soluble in water and most polar organic solvents and appropriate ratio of ethanol/water, propanol/water, dichloroethane, etc. Insoluble in ether, acetone, anhydrous ethanol. Dissolves in cold water into a clear or slightly turbid colloidal solution. The aqueous solution has surface activity. HPMC has thermal gel properties. After heating, the aqueous solution of the product forms a gel and then dissolves after cooling. The gel temperature varies for different sizes of products. The solubility varies with viscosity, the lower the viscosity, the greater the solubility. HPMC is not affected by PH value when dissolved in water. HPMC has the characteristics of thickening ability, salt discharge, PH stability, water retention, dimensional stability, excellent film formation, and a wide range of enzyme resistance, dispersibility and adhesion.

2. Use
Industrial grade HPMC is mainly used as a dispersant in the production of PVC and is the main auxiliary for the preparation of PVC in suspension polymerization. In addition, it is used as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, excipient, water retention agent and film-forming agent in the production of other petrochemicals, coatings, building materials, paint remover, agricultural chemicals, ink, textile printing and dyeing, ceramics, paper making, cosmetics and other products. In the application of synthetic resins, the products obtained have the characteristics of regular and loose particles, suitable specific gravity and excellent processing performance. Thus, it basically replaces gelatin and polyvinyl alcohol as dispersants. In addition, in the construction process of the building industry, it is mainly used in mechanized construction such as wall building, plastering, and jointing. Especially in decorative construction, it is used to paste tiles, marble, and plastic decoration. It has high strength and can reduce the amount of cement. It is used as a thickening agent in the coating industry, which can make the coating bright and delicate, and improve the leveling performance.

Pharmaceutical grade is a multi-purpose pharmaceutical excipient. It can be used as a thickener, dispersant, emulsifier, and film-forming agent, etc. It is used as a binder in pharmaceutical tablets. It can significantly improve the dissolution of drugs, and can be used as film coating material, and can enhance the water-resistance of tablets, and can also be used in food.

3. Dissolution method
Take the required amount of hot water, put it into a container, and heat it to above 85°C. Add the product gradually with slow stirring. The cellulose floats on the water surface at first but is gradually dispersed to form a uniform slurry. Cool the solution under stirring, or heat 1/3 or 2/3 of hot water to above 85°C and add cellulose to get hot water slurry. Then add the remaining amount of cold water (or ice), keep stirring, and cool until the obtained mixture is ready.

4. Safety
Health hazard: This product is safe and non-toxic, can be used as a food additive, has no heat, no irritation to skin, and mucous membrane contact. It is generally considered to be safe (FDA 1985), with an acceptable daily intake of 25mg/kg (FAO/WHO 1985), and protective equipment should be worn during operation.

Environmental impact: Avoid air pollution caused by dust flying from random scattering.

Physical and chemical hazards: Avoid contact with ignition sources, and avoid the formation of large amounts of dust in a closed environment to prevent explosive hazards.

5. Transportation and storage matters
Pay attention to sunlight, rain and moisture, avoid direct light, sealed in a dry place for storage.

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