Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether made from natural polymer cellulose by chemical modification. It has good thickening, water retention, film-forming, bonding, emulsification, suspension and other properties. It is widely used in construction, medicine, food, cosmetics, daily chemicals, coatings, ceramics, oil drilling and other industries.
1. Construction industry
The construction industry is one of the largest application areas of HPMC, mainly used in dry-mixed mortar systems, including:
1.1. Tile adhesive and caulking agent
HPMC can significantly improve the water retention of tile adhesive, extend the operability time, enhance the initial bonding force and final bonding strength, and prevent hollowing and brick falling. In caulking agent, HPMC can enhance the material’s crack resistance and construction smoothness.
1.2. Plastering mortar and masonry mortar
In plastering and masonry mortar, HPMC improves water retention, avoids cracks in mortar due to rapid water loss, and improves the workability, workability and anti-sagging performance of mortar.
1.3. Self-leveling mortar and floor materials
HPMC has the function of retaining water and stabilizing fluidity in self-leveling materials, and prevents stratification and water seepage, improving the final surface quality and flatness.
1.4. Insulation system and fireproof mortar
In the exterior wall insulation system, HPMC enhances the adhesion between dry powder mortar and the base layer, improves the stability of construction thickness, and prevents falling off.
2. Pharmaceutical industry
Pharmaceutical grade HPMC meets many pharmacopoeia standards, such as USP, EP, JP, etc., and is widely used in pharmaceutical preparations such as tablets and capsules:
2.1. Tablet coating and controlled release carrier
HPMC can be used as a film coating material to provide a protective layer with moisture-proof, light-proof and taste-masking functions. At the same time, it can be used as a skeleton material in controlled-release preparations to control the drug release rate.
2.2. Capsule shell material
Plant-derived HPMC can replace gelatin for the manufacture of vegetarian capsules, with good stability, low hygroscopicity and strong biocompatibility.
2.3. Eye drops thickener
In eye drops, HPMC is used as a lubricant and thickener to prolong the residence time of the liquid on the ocular surface and improve the efficacy of the drug.
3. Food industry
HPMC is widely used in food as a food additive (No. E464), mainly playing the role of emulsifier, thickener, stabilizer, etc.:
3.1. Low-fat food
In low-fat dairy products or low-fat meat products, HPMC simulates the taste and texture of fat and provides a good lubrication.
3.2. Baked food
HPMC plays a role in strengthening the structure, improving tissue softness and moisturizing in gluten-free baking, and prolonging the shelf life.
3.3. Quick-frozen food
It can prevent water migration in quick-frozen products and maintain the taste and recovery of the product.
4. Cosmetics and daily chemical industry
HPMC has good skin adaptability and emulsification and thickening effects. It is often used in skin care products, shampoo, toothpaste, facial masks and other products:
4.1. Skin cream and lotion
HPMC, as a thickener and stabilizer, can improve the rheological properties of the product, making the paste smooth, easy to apply and non-greasy.
4.2. Shampoo and shower gel
It is used to adjust viscosity and improve wall hanging properties, making the product texture better, easy to clean, and rich and stable foam.
4.3. Facial mask and gel
HPMC, as a film-forming agent, can form a soft protective film in facial masks and transparent gels to increase moisturizing and calming effects.
5. Paint and ink industry
HPMC is often used as a thickener, dispersant and emulsifier in paint to improve the construction and stability of the paint:
5.1. Latex paint
HPMC enhances the suspension, thickening and brush leveling properties of the paint, and prevents the paint from settling during storage.
5.2. Powder coating
It is used to control the hydration rate and delay the open time, and improve the adhesion and flatness during spraying.
6. Ceramics and building materials processing
HPMC can be used as a binder and lubricant in the molding process of ceramic products, enhancing the plasticity of the mud, improving the processing performance, and reducing cracks and deformation.
7. Oil drilling and mining
In oil drilling fluid, HPMC is used as a filtration reducer and thickener to control the rheological properties of the drilling fluid, prevent the well wall from collapsing, and improve lubricity.
With its excellent physical and chemical properties and wide applicability, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) plays an irreplaceable role in many industries. With the strengthening of green environmental protection concepts and the development of high-performance materials, the market demand for HPMC will continue to grow, and its functionality and safety will also prompt it to continuously expand its application prospects in new fields.
Post time: Jun-23-2025