What is HPMC?

HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) is a nonionic cellulose ether made from natural cellulose through chemical modification (etherification). It combines water solubility, adjustable viscosity, film-forming properties, and water-retention properties, making it widely used in the building materials, pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries.

HPMC is added to cement mortar, tile adhesive, and putty powder to improve the material's water retention, preventing cracking and hollowing caused by rapid evaporation. It also enhances the mortar's adhesion and workability, making it smoother and reducing the risk of smearing.

In the pharmaceutical field, HPMC is commonly used in pharmaceutical formulations due to its safety and non-toxic properties. It can be used as a coating material for tablets to mask unpleasant drug tastes and control drug release rates, playing a key role in sustained-release capsules. Furthermore, in eye drops, HPMC increases viscosity, prolongs drug residence time on the ocular surface, and improves efficacy.

In the food industry, HPMC (food grade, code E464) is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and gelling agent. For example, in ice cream, it prevents ice crystal formation and improves mouthfeel. In vegetarian products, it can replace gelatin to meet vegan needs.

HPMC is also widely used in cosmetics (thickening and film-forming in shampoos and facial masks), ceramic glazes (as a suspension stabilizer), and pesticides (as an adhesive and sustained-release carrier). Due to its excellent water retention, film-forming properties, viscosity adjustability, and safety and environmental friendliness, HPMC has become an indispensable additive in many industries, enhancing product performance while meeting environmental and health requirements.