Web Menu

Product Search

Language

Share

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Manufacturer

-- Steady & Reliable Manufacturer --

Brief Product Description

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is one of the most widely used cellulose ethers in the world, valued for its excellent water retention, workability enhancement, and thermal gelation properties. It is a critical additive in dry-mix mortars, tile adhesives, pharmaceutical tablets, and personal care products, delivering consistent performance across industrial and consumer applications.

Product Overview

HPMC is synthesized by first alkalizing cellulose pulp, then reacting it simultaneously with methyl chloride and propylene oxide. This dual substitution introduces both methyl (–OCH₃) and hydroxypropyl (–OCH₂CH(OH)CH₃) groups onto the cellulose backbone, producing a non-ionic, water-soluble ether with unique thermal gelling behavior.

The thermal gelation property — where HPMC solutions form a gel upon heating and redissolve upon cooling — is particularly valuable in construction applications, where it prevents over-absorption of water by porous substrates in hot conditions. For pharmaceutical applications, HPMC serves as a controlled-release matrix material and film-coating agent.

Our HPMC range covers architectural (construction) grade, pharmaceutical grade, and food/personal care grade variants, with viscosity options from 5 mPa·s to 200,000 mPa·s (2% aqueous solution, 20°C).

Specification

ParameterConstruction GradePharma GradeDaily Chemical Grade
AppearanceWhite/off-white powderWhite powderWhite powder
Viscosity (2%, mPa·s)5 – 200,0005 – 100,000400 – 50,000
Methoxy Content (%)19.0 – 30.019.0 – 30.019.0 – 30.0
Hydroxypropoxy Content (%)4.0 – 12.04.0 – 12.04.0 – 12.0
Moisture (%)≤ 5.0≤ 5.0≤ 5.0
pH (1% solution)6.0 – 8.55.0 – 8.06.0 – 8.0
Gel Temperature (°C)60 – 9060 – 9060 – 90
Ash Content (%)≤ 5.0≤ 1.5≤ 3.0

Application

  • Tile Adhesives & Dry-Mix Mortars: Improves adhesion, open time, slip resistance, and workability; prevents premature drying in hot climates.
  • Wall Putty & Renders: Enhances spreadability, reduces cracking, and improves surface finish.
  • EIFS / External Insulation Systems: Provides strong adhesion between insulation boards and base coats.
  • Pharmaceutical Tablets: Acts as a binder in wet granulation, a matrix former in sustained-release tablets, and a film-coating agent.
  • Capsule Shells: Used as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin capsules in soft and hard capsule production.
  • Personal Care: Thickener and film-former in shampoos, facial masks, and ophthalmic solutions.
  • Food Industry: Emulsifier, thickener, and fat replacer in bakery, fried foods, and low-fat products (food-grade only).

For construction applications, standard dosage is 0.2–0.5% by weight of dry mix. Higher viscosity grades (≥75,000 mPa·s) are preferred for tile adhesives requiring long open time in hot weather.

Advantages

  • Thermal gelation: Unique property to form gels at elevated temperatures, preventing water loss in hot-weather construction applications.
  • Superior water retention: Keeps mortar workable for longer, reducing cracking and improving bond strength.
  • Excellent workability: Imparts smooth, creamy consistency to mortar mixes, improving contractor efficiency.
  • Multi-industry compliance: Available in construction, pharma (USP/EP), and food-grade (FDA-compliant) variants.
  • Non-ionic & pH stable: Performs reliably across pH 3–11, compatible with most cementitious and polymer systems.
  • Delayed dissolution option: Surface-treated grades prevent pre-hydration in hot or humid mixing conditions.
  • Consistent batch quality: Tight viscosity tolerances (±10%) across production batches.
  • Q: What viscosity grade of HPMC is best for tile adhesives?
  • A: For standard tile adhesives (C1/C2 class), viscosity grades of 75,000–100,000 mPa·s are commonly used. In hot climates or large-format tile applications, 150,000–200,000 mPa·s grades provide the best open time and slip resistance.
  • Q: What is the thermal gelation temperature of HPMC?
  • A: HPMC gel temperature varies by methoxy content, typically between 60°C and 90°C. Higher methoxy content lowers the gel temperature. This property is beneficial in construction to reduce substrate over-absorption in warm environments.
  • Q: Is HPMC suitable for vegetarian or vegan capsule production?
  • A: Yes. HPMC-based capsule shells are a plant-derived, non-animal alternative to gelatin capsules, widely accepted by vegetarians, vegans, and consumers with religious dietary restrictions.
  • Q: How does HPMC improve mortar open time?
  • A: HPMC forms a thin hydration film around cement and sand particles, slowing moisture evaporation and substrate absorption. This keeps the mortar workable for 15–30 minutes longer than unmodified mixes, depending on grade and dosage.
  • Q: Can HPMC be used in gypsum-based plasters?
  • A: Yes. HPMC is compatible with gypsum and is commonly used in machine-applied gypsum plasters to control setting time, improve sag resistance, and enhance surface smoothness.
  • Q: What certifications do your HPMC products carry?
  • A: Our pharmaceutical grades are manufactured in compliance with USP, EP, and JP standards. Construction grades are tested per EN 480 / ASTM C1439 methods. Food grades comply with FDA 21 CFR and E464 (EU) specifications.

Related Tags

About Us
Zhejiang Yisheng New Material Co., Ltd.
Zhejiang Yisheng New Material Co., Ltd. is a professional enterprise engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, application, and sales of cellulose ether, located in the Shangyu Economic and Technological Development Zone, part of the Hangzhou Bay National Industrial Park. With a core concept of safety, environmental protection, and sustainable development, the company boasts an annual production capacity of 15,000 tons of cellulose ether, offering a complete range of products including HEC (hydroxyethylcellulose), HEMC (hydroxyethyl methylcellulose), and HPMC (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose). Our products serve various sectors such as oil fields, coatings, dry powder mortar, cosmetics, personal care products, medicine, and many others. Yisheng has a global presence, providing stable cellulose ethers and services to customers worldwide.
As a professional China Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Manufacturer Supplier and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Manufacturer Company, The company adheres to the principles of safety and environmental protection as the foundation of its development. It implements and further consolidates safety and environmental protection measures, striving to create green and environmentally friendly production processes, safe and effective control systems, and orderly production management. This approach lays a solid foundation for the company's sustainable development. Yisheng boasts a scientific management mechanism, a comprehensive quality management system, stringent product testing methods, advanced technology, state-of-the-art equipment, and high-quality after-sales service.
Zhejiang Yisheng New Material Co., Ltd.

+86-18067879812
Zhejiang Yisheng New Material Co., Ltd.

sarah@ys-cellulose.com
Zhejiang Yisheng New Material Co., Ltd.