Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether widely used in building materials, medicine, food, cosmetics, cleaning products and other industries. It is made from natural polymer materials (such as cotton linters) through alkali treatment and etherification reaction, and has excellent thickening, water retention, film-forming, bonding, lubrication and stability properties.
1. Application in the construction industry
1.1. Dry-mixed mortar
One of the most widely used areas of HPMC in the construction industry is dry-mixed mortar, such as tile adhesive, masonry mortar, self-leveling mortar, plastering mortar, etc. It mainly plays the following roles:
Water retention: Prevents the water in cement from evaporating too quickly, which is conducive to the full hydration of cement and improves the bonding force and strength.
Improves construction performance: Provides appropriate fluidity and lubricity, making the mortar easy to apply and reducing pumping resistance.
Anti-sagging performance: Prevents tiles from sliding down in tile adhesive and improves construction efficiency.
1.2. Gypsum products
In gypsum-based plasters or caulking agents, HPMC can significantly improve its water retention and construction performance, reduce cracking, and improve surface finish.
1.3. External Insulation System (EIFS)
HPMC is used in insulation mortar and anti-cracking mortar to improve its anti-sagging, enhance adhesion and anti-cracking properties, and ensure long-term stable operation of the insulation system.
2. Application in the pharmaceutical industry
HPMC is an internationally recognized pharmaceutical excipient with good biocompatibility and non-toxicity. It is mainly used for:
Film-forming material for sustained-release drugs: forming a thin film on the surface of tablets to control the drug release rate.
Capsule shell material: as a raw material for plant capsules, it is an ideal choice for vegetarians and religious people.
Thickeners and adhesives: used in eye drops, gels, creams and other products.
3. Application in the food industry
In food processing, HPMC, as a food additive (E464), has the following functions:
Emulsifier stabilizer: used in emulsified beverages, cream and other products to maintain emulsification stability.
Water retainer and thickener: used in bread, pastries, instant noodles to improve tissue structure and extend shelf life.
Low-calorie fat substitute: used to replace part of the oil in low-fat foods to improve taste without increasing calories.
4. Application in daily chemicals and cleaning products
HPMC plays the following roles in shampoo, shower gel, hand soap, and laundry detergent:
Thickening effect: improve product viscosity and give ideal rheology.
Film-forming and moisturizing function: form a protective film on the skin surface to retain moisture.
Improve foam stability: enhance the fineness and durability of foam.
5. Application in oilfield and coating industry
5.1. Oilfield drilling
HPMC, as a drilling fluid additive, can play the following roles:
Thickener: improve mud rheology.
Water retention agent: reduce filtration loss and protect the well wall structure.
5.2. Water-based coatings
In coatings, HPMC is used as a thickener, dispersant and emulsifier, with excellent splash resistance and construction leveling properties, making the coating more uniform and delicate.
6. Application in ceramics and other fields
In the process of ceramic extrusion and molding, HPMC is used as a binder and water retention agent to improve the strength of the blank and avoid cracking.
HPMC is also used in tobacco industry, papermaking, textile printing and dyeing, agriculture (such as pesticide suspension, seed coating) and other fields, showing its excellent versatility and adaptability.
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is a polymer material with excellent performance and wide application. Its non-toxic, environmentally friendly and versatile characteristics make it an important auxiliary agent in many industries. The continuous deepening of its application in the fields of construction, medicine, food, daily chemicals, coatings, etc. has also promoted the continuous development and improvement of its product technology. In the future, with the increasing demand for green and environmentally friendly materials, the application prospects of HPMC will be broader.
Post time: Jul-04-2025