Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a nonionic cellulose ether obtained by chemical modification of natural cellulose. It has good solubility, thickening, water retention and film-forming properties, and is widely used in daily chemical and industrial detergents. Due to its safety, low irritation and biodegradability, HPMC is particularly valued in environmentally friendly cleaning products.
1. Thickening and rheology control
In detergent systems, the main function of HPMC is to act as a thickener and rheology modifier.
Stabilize system viscosity: HPMC can swell rapidly in cold water to form a transparent or translucent viscous solution, which helps to increase the viscosity of liquid detergents, surface cleaners or spray cleaners, and improve the feel and adhesion of the product.
Shear thinning properties: HPMC solution exhibits a certain pseudoplasticity (shear thinning), which can be easily applied and rinsed during use, and the user experience is comfortable.
Suspension effect: It can effectively suspend particles, fragrance microcapsules or polishing agents to prevent precipitation or stratification, and maintain the stability of product appearance and performance.
2. Film-forming and protective effects
HPMC has good film-forming properties. When cleaning hard surfaces such as glass, ceramics, stainless steel, and plastic, it can form an extremely thin transparent protective film on the surface:
Prevent secondary pollution: Reduce the re-adhesion of dust and oil stains to make the cleaning effect last longer.
Anti-corrosion: In some metal cleaners, the HPMC film can play a temporary protective role and reduce the corrosiveness of acids and alkalis in the cleaner to metals.
Improve gloss: Make the cleaned surface smoother and more shiny, and improve user satisfaction.
3. Stabilize foam and improve the feeling of use
Many cleaners, especially kitchen cleaners and bathroom foam cleaners, rely on rich foam to enhance the cleaning experience. HPMC can:
Stabilize foam: Prolong the life of foam by increasing the viscosity of the solution, reduce foam collapse, and make the foam more delicate and lasting.
Optimize the feel: In hand soap or mild detergent, HPMC gives the product a smooth texture, reduces dryness, and improves skin-friendliness.
4. Water retention and extended action time
HPMC has excellent water retention properties and can form a uniform water film on the surface of the detergent coating:
Extend the action time: In the cleaning of stubborn stains, the detergent can be kept moist for a long time to improve the decontamination efficiency of the effective ingredients.
Reduce solvent volatilization: In detergents containing alcohol or other volatile ingredients, HPMC can slow down the evaporation rate and improve the safety of use.
5. Environmental friendliness and safety
With the popularization of the concept of green cleaning, HPMC, as a non-toxic, hypoallergenic and biodegradable polymer material, is highly favored in environmentally friendly detergents:
No irritating residue: It will not cause obvious irritation to the skin or the environment, and is suitable for cleaning products for children and sensitive people.
Meet environmental standards: It can be naturally degraded to reduce pollution to water and soil.
6. Examples of application areas
Household cleaners: kitchen oil cleaners, bathroom multi-purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, etc., to improve thickening and surface protection.
Industrial cleaners: metal surface treatment liquids, car cleaners, equipment cleaners, provide suspension stability and anti-corrosion film.
Personal care cleaning products: hand soaps, baby product cleaners and mild facial cleansers, improve skin feel and foam stability.
The role of HPMC in cleaning products is mainly reflected in thickening, film formation, water retention, foam stability and improving user experience, and it has environmental protection, safety and high efficiency. It not only improves the performance and stability of the product, but also helps to develop low-irritation, green and environmentally friendly modern cleaning products, which is in line with the current development trend of the cleaning industry.
Post time: Jul-24-2025