The Ultimate Guide to HPMC - WOTAI Construction Additives

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose HPMC is a versatile cellulose ether widely used in various industries, including construction, daily chemical, personal care and so much more.

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What is HPMC?

Cellulose-derived HPMC is a polymer that readily dissolves in water, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. It is produced by treating cellulose with a combination of alkali and etherification agents, which results in the substitution of hydroxyl groups with methyl and hydroxypropyl groups. This modification improves the solubility and other physical properties of cellulose, making it suitable for various applications.

Properties of HPMC

HPMC is a white or off-white, odourless, and tasteless powder soluble in water and some organic solvents. Its physical properties, such as viscosity, gelation, and film-forming ability, can be modified by adjusting the degree of substitution, molecular weight, and other parameters during production.

HPMC has excellent water retention, thickening, and binding properties, which makes it a popular ingredient in a wide range of products, including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food.

Uses of HPMC

1. Pharmaceutical Industry

HPMC is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry as a binder, disintegrant, and coating agent for tablets and capsules. It is also used as a stabilizer and viscosity modifier in liquid dosage forms, such as syrups and suspensions.

2. Food Industry

In the food industry, HPMC is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in various products, such as sauces, dressings, and ice cream. It is also used as a coating agent for confectionery products and as a bulking agent in low-calorie foods.

3. Cosmetics Industry

HPMC is a popular ingredient in cosmetics and personal care products due to its film-forming, thickening, and emulsifying properties. It is used in products such as shampoos, creams, lotions, and mascara.

4. Construction Industry

HPMC could be used as a thickener, binder, and water retention agent in cement-based mortars, grouts, and plasters. It also acts as a lubricant during the extrusion of gypsum-based materials.

Benefits of HPMC

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) is a versatile cellulose ether that offers several benefits across various industries. Next, we will explore the benefits across various industries. Let me explain how they can enhance the performance and sustainability of products.

1. Non-Toxic and Safe

One of the most significant benefits of HPMC is its non-toxic and safe nature. HPMC is derived from natural cellulose and is widely used in food and pharmaceutical products. Various regulatory authorities, such as the FDA and the European Food Safety Authority have approved it, which underscores its safety for human consumption.

In the pharmaceutical industry, HPMC is used as a binder, disintegrant, and coating agent for tablets and capsules. It is also used as a stabilizer and viscosity modifier in liquid dosage forms, such as syrups and suspensions. HPMC is preferred over other cellulose ethers due to its low toxicity and compatibility with other excipients.

In the food industry, HPMC is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in various products, such as sauces, dressings, and ice cream. It is also used as a coating agent for confectionery products and as a bulking agent in low-calorie foods.

HPMC is non-toxic with a safe nature. It’s an ideal ingredient in various products, particularly when in contact with human skin.

2. Versatile

Another significant benefit of HPMC is its versatility. HPMC is a highly customizable ingredient that can be modified to suit different product requirements. Its physical properties, such as viscosity, gelation, and film-forming ability, can be modified by adjusting the degree of substitution, molecular weight, and other parameters during production.

HPMC is preferred over other cellulose ethers in the pharmaceutical industry due to its low viscosity and high solubility. These properties enable the formulation of drugs with improved bioavailability, solubility, and stability. HPMC is also compatible with various active ingredients, making it an ideal excipient in drug delivery systems.

In the food industry, HPMC is used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in various products. HPMC is a versatile ingredient. According to viscosity and gelation properties, it is commonly used in many products. It is particularly useful in sauces and dressings because it helps create a smooth and consistent texture. Besides, HPMC is also used as a fat substitute. Mimicking the texture and taste of fatty foods in low-calorie baked goods.

HPMC is a useful ingredient in the construction industry. It can thicken, bind, and retain water in cement-based mortars, grouts, and plasters. HPMC also helps extrude gypsum-based materials by acting as a lubricant. It can improve the workability, adhesion, and durability of construction materials because of their viscosity and binding properties.

Overall, the versatility of HPMC makes it an attractive ingredient in various products and applications. Its physical properties can also be adjusted to meet specific product requirements.

3. Enhanced Performance

HPMC can enhance the performance of products by improving their viscosity, stability, and other properties.

In the pharmaceutical industry, HPMC is used as a binder, disintegrant, and coating agent for tablets and capsules. It improves the tablet hardness, disintegration time, and dissolution rate of drugs, leading to improved bioavailability and efficacy.

HPMC is also used as a stabilizer and viscosity modifier in liquid dosage forms, such as syrups and suspensions. It improves liquid dosage forms’ stability and shelf life by preventing sedimentation and flocculation.

In the food industry, HPMC is also used to improve the texture and stability of products. It is used as a thickener and emulsifier in products like ice cream, sauces, and dressings, giving them a smooth and consistent texture. HPMC is also a coating agent for confectionery products. Candies, to be specific. It gives them a glossy appearance and improves their shelf life.

In the construction industry, HPMC is used to improve cement-based materials’ workability, adhesion, and durability. As a water retention agent, it prevents rapid water loss during curing. And it improves the strength and durability of the final product. HPMC also acts as a thickener and binder, improving the workability and adhesion of the mortar or grout.

Overall, HPMC can enhance the performance of products in various industries, leading to improved efficacy, stability, and durability.

4. Sustainable

HPMC is a sustainable ingredient that can help companies reduce their environmental footprint. HPMC is derived from natural cellulose, which is a renewable resource. It’s a more sustainable option for manufacturing HPMC. It requires less energy and fewer resources than synthetic ingredients.

In the food industry, HPMC can be used as a fat replacer in low-calorie foods, reducing the fat required in the product. Animal fats and oils normally cause a significant environmental impact. Therefore, it helps reduce the environmental impact of food production.

In the construction industry, using HPMC can lead to more sustainable construction practices. HPMC improves the workability and adhesion of cement-based materials. It reduces the amount of material required and minimizes waste. Eventually, it can lead to more efficient and sustainable construction practices.

Want more information on how to make HPMC solution? Feel free to contact us.

5. Cost-Effective

HPMC is a cost-effective ingredient that can help companies reduce their production costs. HPMC is widely available and can be purchased in large quantities at a reasonable cost. Its versatility and customizable properties make it an ideal ingredient in various products, leading to cost savings in production.

In the pharmaceutical industry, using HPMC can lead to cost savings in drug development and production. HPMC is a highly compatible and customizable excipient, making it an ideal ingredient in drug delivery systems. Its low viscosity and high solubility make it an attractive option for improving drug bioavailability and efficacy.

In the food industry, the use of HPMC can lead to cost savings in product development and production. HPMC is a highly customizable ingredient that can be modified to suit different product requirements. Its viscosity and gelation properties make it an ideal ingredient in products that require a smooth and consistent texture. HPMC is also a fat replacer in low-calorie foods, reducing the cost of expensive animal fats and oils.

In the construction industry, the use of HPMC can lead to cost savings in material production and construction. Ultimately, it can drive more efficient and cost-effective construction practices.

Conclusion & WOTAI

HPMC is a versatile ingredient that offers several benefits across various industries. Its non-toxic and safe nature makes it an ideal ingredient in products that come in contact with human skin or are ingested. Its versatility and customizable properties make it an attractive option for various products and applications. Overall, HPMC is a valuable ingredient that can enhance the performance and sustainability of products across various industries.

WOTAI is confident to provide our consumers with the best quality HPMC products. We have a very professional team of customized consulting services to help you find the best solution. If you have more questions about HPMC or other related raw materials, we are always available to answer your questions and satisfy your needs.

The general ratio for adding HPMC to achieve desired viscosity in hand soap or dish detergent is between 0.1% to 1% by weight. However, the exact ratio may vary depending on the product’s specific formulation.

For more precise recommendations, WOTAI has experts who can customize a formula based on specific product requirements. Please feel free to consult us for further assistance.

We support 30% TT plus 70% payment before delivery.

Once the order is placed, we immediately send you a sales contract and a PI for confirmation.

After we received your 30% advance payment, it will take about 5-7 working days to manufacturing/stocking the products. At the same time, we will book the voyage for your shipping.

We will send you the stocking videos after the stock is ready. At this point, we’ll collect the balance from you.

Once payment is confirmed, we will share the loading pictures and shipping details. For example, the BL NO., container number, and your consignment details.

Within 7 days of the BL date, we will share the BL invoice, certificate of origin, pack list, or other documents via DHL/Fedex as per your request.

If you wish to pack goods in a container without using pallets to save costs, we recommend using our 3-layer waterproof packaging bags to ensure the quality of your goods. However, please note that loading and unloading goods can be more challenging.

Without pallets, there is no waterproof film, which may result in moisture damage. 

Additionally, sealed bags of powder may leak during transport. Also, we must consider the weight limit imposed by the shipping company. 

• A small container has a weight limit of 20 tons, while a high cube container has a weight limit of 28 tons. 
• Within the weight limit, a small container can hold 14 tons of HPMC (kgs gross weight, 560 bags)
• A high cube container can hold 27 tons of HPMC (net weight kgs, bags). 

We will dry the container before shipment to ensure the quality of the goods. Moreover, we also provide complimentary marine insurance at the same time.

The production process in China differs from that of Europe, America, and other regions. Our cellulose ether is made from refined cotton, while Europe and America mainly use wood pulp. However, the quality of our product is not compromised, and it still performs exceptionally well.

If you have further questions about HEC, please feel free to contact us, and we welcome your sample testing at any time.

We recommend adding 1 kilogram of calcium formate for every ton of dry tile adhesive powder at room temperature. When the temperature is below 5°C (41°F), we suggest increasing the amount to 2-3 kilograms. You may further increase as the temperature continue to drop. However, the specific recipe may vary depending on your actual situation.

*Please note that this is a general guideline, and it is always recommended to consult with a WOTAI professional. Contact us today for free samples. We will help you analyze and determine the best possible solutions!

Calcium formate acts as an accelerator in cement, influencing both the setting and hardening time by accelerating the formation of tricalcium aluminate silicate. Depending on the dosage, calcium formate can significantly modify the initial workability of the wet mortar.

Cellulose, on the other hand, functions as a water-retaining and thickening agent. It can extend the open time of the mortar. However, it does not simply make the mortar “dry slowly.” The primary role of cellulose ethers is to provide sufficient water retention for plastering. This allows the cement to solidify and develop strength before drying. The dissolved cellulose ethers in the mortar matrix largely determine its rheological properties, which, in turn, affect the workability of rendering.

WOTAIchem’s high-quality superplasticizers are also known as water reducers. It does not affect the initial setting time of cement. Our superplasticizers are designed to enhance the flowability of concrete. It is crucial to consider the setting time during construction, ensuring that the initial setting time is not excessively short nor the final setting time unnecessarily long.

The initial setting time for Portland cement should not be earlier than 45 minutes. And the final setting time should not be later than 390 minutes. Similarly, the initial setting time for ordinary cement should not be earlier than 45 minutes. And the final setting time should not be later than 600 minutes. If the cement’s setting time deviates from these specifications, it may be considered unsuitable for use.

Contact us to discuss your requirements of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose uses in construction. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.