Application of HPMC in construction and personal care products

1. Overview of HPMC

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a water-soluble polymer compound obtained by chemical modification of natural cellulose. Its molecular structure contains two functional groups, hydroxypropyl and methyl, which give it good solubility, adhesion, film-forming, water retention and stability. Due to these excellent properties, HPMC has been widely used in the construction industry and personal care products.

2. Application of HPMC in construction

Dry-mixed mortar

The application of HPMC in dry-mixed mortar is the most typical. In dry-mixed mortar, HPMC plays the role of modifier and thickener, which can effectively improve the construction performance and final use effect of mortar. The specific effects are as follows:

Thickening effect: HPMC can thicken the viscosity of mortar, so that it has better suspension during construction, avoids the precipitation of aggregates in mortar, and ensures the smoothness of construction.

Water retention: HPMC can effectively control water evaporation and reduce water loss during the hydration process of cement, thereby improving the water retention and adhesion of mortar, and enhancing the strength and durability of mortar.

Improve construction performance: By improving the operability of mortar, HPMC improves the ductility and stability of mortar during construction, making it easier for construction workers to operate for a long time.

Adhesives and coatings

In building adhesives and coatings, HPMC, as a thickener and stabilizer, can improve the adhesion, fluidity and wear resistance of coatings. Especially in some special environments, the application of HPMC can effectively increase the service life of the product.

Enhanced adhesion: HPMC can enhance the adhesion of coatings to substrates such as walls and floors, ensuring the firmness of coatings.

Improved rheological properties: HPMC improves the rheological properties of coatings, avoids dripping or bubbles in coatings, and improves construction efficiency and uniformity of coatings.

Waterproof materials

The important role played by HPMC in building waterproof materials is mainly reflected in its thickening and water retention functions, which can effectively prevent the coating from drying and cracking, and improve the material's anti-permeability. Its use in liquid waterproof coatings can effectively improve the thickness, coating uniformity and adhesion of waterproof coatings.

3. Application of HPMC in personal care products

Application in cosmetics

HPMC is widely used in cosmetics and skin care products, especially in lotions, creams, shampoos, shower gels and other products. Its main function is to act as a thickener, emulsifier, suspending agent and stabilizer.

Thickener: HPMC can effectively increase the viscosity of lotions and gel products, improve their use experience, and control the fluidity of products to avoid liquid leakage.

Stable emulsification: In emulsion products, HPMC can effectively stabilize the oil-water emulsion system, prevent water-oil stratification, and maintain the uniformity and stability of the emulsion.

Moisturizing effect: HPMC can form a thin film on the skin surface, enhance the skin's moisturizing ability, reduce water loss, and thus improve the effect of skin care products.

Shampoo and shower gel

HPMC is often used as a thickener and suspending agent in shampoo and shower gel to improve the product experience:

Thickening effect: It can increase the viscosity of shampoo and shower gel, making it easier to apply and reducing waste.

Improving foam stability: HPMC can stabilize foam, prevent foam from dissipating too quickly, and prolong the cleaning effect.

Skin mildness: HPMC has a mild nature and is less irritating to the skin, so it has important applications in sensitive skin care products.

Oral care products

In oral care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash, HPMC is mainly used as a thickener and suspending agent to improve the texture and performance of the product. It can effectively increase the viscosity of toothpaste, making it easier to apply, while enhancing the taste of mouthwash and the stability of suspended particles.

Drug carriers and preparations

Another important application of HPMC in personal care products is as a drug carrier, especially in sustained-release drug preparations. Due to its good water solubility, HPMC can control the release rate of drugs and prolong the duration of drug efficacy.

HPMC is widely used in the construction industry and personal care products due to its excellent water solubility, thickening, adhesion and film-forming properties. In the construction industry, HPMC is mainly used in dry-mixed mortar, adhesives, coatings and waterproof materials, etc., which improves the construction performance and use effect of building materials; in personal care products, HPMC is widely used in cosmetics, shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste and other products as a thickener, emulsifier and moisturizer, etc., which improves the texture, stability and use effect of the product. With the continuous development of technology, the application of HPMC in these fields will be further expanded.