Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is available in different grades with specific characteristics and applications. Here are the different grades of HPMC in the context of construction, pharmaceuticals, food, and detergent industries:
Construction HPMC is primarily used in cement-based products, such as dry mixed mortars, tile adhesives, gypsum renders, and self-leveling compounds.
Construction Grade HPMC | Viscosity (NDJ, mPa.s, 2%) | Viscosity(Brookfield,mPa.s,2%) |
320-480 | 320-480 | |
48000-72000 | 24000-36000 | |
80000-120000 | 40000-55000 | |
120000-180000 | 55000-65000 | |
180000-240000 | 70000-80000 |
Some key features of construction grade HPMC include:
· Improved workability: HPMC enhances the workability of cementitious materials, allowing for easier mixing, spreading, and application.
· Water retention: It helps in retaining water in the formulation, preventing rapid drying and ensuring proper hydration of cement.
· Increased adhesion: HPMC enhances the adhesion of cement-based materials to substrates, improving bonding strength.
·Sag resistance: It reduces sagging or slumping of vertical or overhead applications, maintaining the desired shape and preventing material wastage.
·Crack resistance: HPMC improves the flexibility and cohesion of cementitious materials, reducing the risk of cracking and enhancing durability.
Pharmaceutical-grade HPMC is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry for various applications, including controlled drug release systems, film coating, and mucoadhesive formulations.
Pharmaceutical Grade HPMC | Viscosity(cps) | Remark |
4.0-6.0 | Hypromellose 2910 | |
4.8-7.2 | ||
12.0-18.0 | ||
3200-4800 | ||
40-60 | Hypromellose 2906 | |
80-120 | Hypromellose 2208 | |
3200-4800 | ||
80000-120000 |
Some key characteristics of pharmaceutical-grade HPMC include:
Controlled drug release: HPMC acts as a matrix former, enabling the controlled and sustained release of drugs from oral solid dosage forms.
Film-forming properties: It forms a smooth and protective film when applied to tablets or capsules, improving stability, appearance, and swallowability.
Mucoadhesive properties: HPMC enhances the contact time of drugs with mucosal surfaces, facilitating absorption and improving therapeutic efficacy.
Food grade HPMC is used in the food industry as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. It offers several advantages.
Food grade HPMC | Viscosity(cps) | Remark |
4.0-6.0 | Hypromellose E464 | |
4.8-7.2 | ||
12.0-18.0 | ||
3200-4800 | ||
40-60 | Hypromellose E464 | |
80-120 | Hypromellose E464 | |
3200-4800 | ||
80000-120000 |
Some key characteristics of food-grade HPMC include:
· Thickening and stabilization: HPMC imparts viscosity, texture, and stability to food products such as sauces, dressings, and dairy items.
· Fat replacement: It can serve as a fat replacer, providing a desirable mouthfeel and texture in low-fat food formulations.
· Water retention: HPMC helps retain moisture in food products, maintaining freshness, juiciness, and preventing water loss.
· Film-forming properties: It forms a protective film on food surfaces, extending shelf life and enhancing appearance.
Detergent grade HPMC is specifically designed for use in laundry and cleaning products.
Detergent Grade HPMC | Viscosity (NDJ, mPa.s, 2%) | Viscosity (Brookfield, mPa.s, 2%) |
80000-120000 | 40000-55000 | |
120000-180000 | 55000-65000 | |
180000-240000 | 70000-80000 |
Some key characteristics of detergent grade HPMC include:
·Thickening and stabilization: HPMC enhances the viscosity and stability of liquid detergents, preventing phase separation and maintaining consistency.
·Suspension properties: It helps suspend solid particles in detergent formulations, preventing settling or sedimentation.
·Compatibility with other ingredients: HPMC is compatible with a wide range of detergent ingredients, allowing for formulation versatility.
· Improved flow properties: It improves the flow characteristics of powdered detergents, enabling better dispensing and dissolution in water.
PVC Grade HPMC (Hydrocel HPMC):
PVC grade HPMC is specially designed in the PVC industry as a processing aid and stabilizer. HPMC products have properties that make them suitable for certain PVC applications, such as improving the processing characteristics or enhancing the performance of PVC compounds.
PVC grade HPMC | Viscosity(cps) |
40.0-60.0 | |
40.0-60.0 | |
80.0-120.0 |
Some key features pf PVC grade HPMC include:
·Thermoplastic behavior: HPMC enhances the processability of PVC by improving melt flow and reducing processing temperature.
·Impact modification: HPMC improves the impact resistance and toughness of PVC compounds.
·Stabilization: HPMC contributes to the thermal and UV stability of PVC products, prolonging their lifespan.
It's important to note that the specific requirements and performance characteristics of each industry may vary, and the selection of the appropriate grade of HPMC should consider factors such as viscosity, molecular weight, and other formulation requirements. Manufacturers and formulators should consult with HPMC suppliers or industry experts to choose the most suitable grade for their specific applications within the construction, pharmaceutical, food, detergent, or PVC industries.