KIMA CHEMICAL CO.,LTD.
KIMA CHEMICAL CO.,LTD.

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), also known as hypromellose, is a non-ionic cellulose ether made from natural polymer such as refined cotton or wood pulp through a series of chemical processes.HPMC is methyl cellulose ether derivatives polymer. HPMC cellulose is an odorless, non-toxic, tasteless white powder that can be dissolved in hot and cold water to form a transparent viscous solution.HPMC hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has the properties of thickening, binding, dispersing, emulsifying, film-forming, suspending, adsorbing, gelling, surface active, water retention and protecting colloid. HPMC cellulose is widely used as a thickener for dry-mixed mortars, tile adhesives, water-based paints, wall putty for interior and exterior walls, thermal insulation mortar series, pharmaceutical excipient, food ingredient, PVC, detergent, ceramics, Personal care & home care, textile etc.

HPMC cas no: cas 9004-65-3

HPMC Grades

HPMC Grades

What Is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Used For?

What Is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Used For?

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) Uses


Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is mainly derived from refined cotton/wood pulp, which is alkalized to obtain cellulose, and then added with propylene oxide and methyl chloride for etherification to obtain cellulose ether.


HPMC Cellulose act as thickener, water retaining agent, dispersant, stabilizer, emulsifier, binder, excipient, film former in various industries. HPM cellulose is widely used in construction dry-mixed mortar, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, ceramics, paper, synthetic resin, leather, food and cosmetics and other industries.


KimaCell® Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) has the advantages of wide application, small unit usage, good modification effect, and environmental friendliness. HPMC products can significantly improve and optimize product performance in the field of its addition, which is conducive to improving resource utilization efficiency and product added value. Environmentally friendly additives that are essential in various fields.


Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose HPMC



1. HPMC In Pharmaceutical

In the field of medicine, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is an important pharmaceutical excipient, which can be used in drug sustained and controlled release preparations, vegetable capsules, tablet coatings, suspending agents, tablet binders, tablet disintegrants and other application scenarios.


Pharmaceutical Supplement



2. Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose In Food

Food grade Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a recognized safe food additive. It can be used as a food thickener, stabilizer and moisturizer to thicken, retain water, and improve taste. It is widely used in developed countries, mainly for baked food, collagen Protein casings, whipped cream, fruit juices, sauces, meat and other protein products, fried foods, etc. China, the United States, the European Union, and many other countries allow HPMC to be used as a food additive.

The proportion of food-grade Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) used in food production in China is relatively low. The domestic market is still in the stage of application and promotion, coupled with the high price of food-grade HPMC, HPMC is used in fewer fields in food production in my country. However, with the improvement of income, the scale of the food industry is expected to maintain steady growth in the long run. Moreover, with the improvement of people's awareness of healthy food, the penetration rate of HPMC as a health additive will gradually increase. The consumption of HPMC in the food industry expected to grow further.


3. HPMC For Construction

In Construction drymix mortar industry, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is used as a water-retaining agent and retarder for cement mortar to make the mortar pumpable. HPMC Used as a binder in plaster, plaster, putty powder or other building materials to improve spreadability and prolong work time. HPMC can be used as paste tile, marble, plastic decoration, paste reinforcement, and can also reduce the amount of cement. The water-retaining performance of HPMC prevents the slurry from cracking due to drying too quickly after application, and enhances the strength after hardening.


Drymix Mortar


Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Benefits


Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) offers a wide range of benefits across different industries. HPMC versatile nature as thickener, stabilizer, film-former, and water-retaining agent makes it an indispensable ingredient in pharmaceuticals, food products, cosmetics, and construction materials. Whether it's providing controlled drug release in pharmaceutical formulations, improving texture and stability in food products, enhancing the performance of cosmetic formulations, or optimizing the properties of construction materials, HPMC plays a vital role.HPMC offers numerous benefits due to its unique properties, making it a valuable ingredient in many products.

  • Pharmaceutical Benefits:

a. Controlled Drug Release: HPMC is commonly used as a matrix former in oral solid dosage forms, such as tablets and capsules. It provides controlled drug release, ensuring a steady and sustained release of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) over an extended period. This feature is particularly beneficial for drugs that require a slow release pattern to maintain therapeutic efficacy.

b. Film Coating: HPMC forms a uniform and smooth film when applied to tablets or capsules, offering protection against environmental factors such as moisture, light, and air. It also improves the appearance, swallowability, and stability of the dosage form.

c. Mucoadhesive Properties: HPMC can adhere to the mucosal surfaces, enhancing the contact time and improving drug absorption. This property is useful in the development of various oral and ocular drug delivery systems.


  • Food Benefits:

a. Thickening and Stabilization: HPMC acts as a thickening and stabilizing agent in food products. It imparts viscosity, texture, and creaminess to sauces, dressings, and dairy products. It prevents phase separation and maintains the homogeneity of food formulations.

b. Fat Replacement: HPMC can be used as a fat replacer in low-fat food products. It mimics the mouthfeel and texture of fats, providing a desirable sensory experience while reducing the calorie content.

c. Water Retention: HPMC has the ability to retain water, thereby preventing moisture loss and maintaining the juiciness and freshness of food products. It is particularly useful in baked goods, where it improves shelf life and texture.


  • Cosmetics Benefits:

a. Thickening and Emulsifying Agent: HPMC cellulose is widely used in cosmetic formulations, such as creams, lotions, and shampoos, due to its excellent thickening and emulsifying properties. It improves the stability and consistency of cosmetic products, allowing for better spreadability and ease of application.

b. Film-Forming: When applied to the skin or hair, HPMC cellulose forms a protective film that helps to retain moisture, reducing water loss and maintaining hydration. It also enhances the longevity of cosmetic products on the skin or hair surface.

c. Suspending Agent: HPMC can suspend solid particles in cosmetic formulations, preventing their settling or sedimentation. This property is particularly useful in suspensions, scrubs, and exfoliating products.


  • Construction Benefits:

a. Cement and Mortar Additive: HPMC acts as a thickener and water-retaining agent in cement-based products, such as mortars, tile adhesives, and renders. It improves workability, adhesion, and sag resistance, while reducing cracking and shrinkage.

b. Improved Open Time: Open time refers to the duration during which a construction material remains workable after application. HPMC extends the open time of adhesives, allowing for easier positioning and adjustment of tiles, wallpapers, and other materials.

c. Water Resistance: HPMC enhances the water resistance of construction materials, making them more durable and resistant to moisture-related damage. It improves the overall performance and lifespan of buildings and structures.



Overall, the hydroxypropyl methylcellulose benefits are vast and diverse. Its multifunctional properties make it an essential ingredient in a wide range of products, providing improved performance, stability, and user experience. As research and technology continue to advance, HPMC celluloseis likely to find even more applications in various industries, further demonstrating its value and versatility.


How Do You Use Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose?

How Do You Use Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose?
  • How Do You Use Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose?
    First Method

    Dry mixed with all powder additives

    Due to the good compatibility of HPMC, it can be conveniently mixed with cement, stone talc, pigments and achieve the desired performance.

    The main using steps:

    1. Mix with HPMC and all other ingredient first,till fully dry mixing HPMC product with other powdered materials (such as cement, gypsum powder, ceramic clay, etc.),

    2. Add an appropriate amount of water, knead and stir until the compound product is completely dissolved.


  • How Do You Use Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose?
    Second Method

    Preparation of HPMC transparent Solution

    This use method is to put Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose product into water to form transparent HPMC solution, and then add it to the finished product formula.

    The main using steps are:

    1. Add a certain amount of boiling water to a stirred vessel with high shear stress;

    2. Turn on the stirring at low speed, and slowly sieve the HPMC product into the stirring container;

    3. Continue stirring until all particles are soaked;

    4. After the HPMC product is fully wetted, let it stand for natural cooling to dissolve, and then fully stir before use. It should be noted that the antifungal agent must be added to the mother liquor as soon as possible.

    5. It must be slowly sifted into the mixing container, do not add a large amount of HPMC product that has formed lumps directly into the mixing container.

    6. Then add other ingredients in the formula.


HPMC Manufacturing Process

What Is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Used For?

The manufacturing process of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) involves several steps to modify cellulose, a natural polymer derived from plant sources. The process includes chemical treatment and reaction to introduce hydroxypropyl and methyl groups onto the cellulose backbone. Let's explore the manufacturing process of HPMC in detail.


  • Cellulose Extraction:

The process begins with the extraction of cellulose from plant-based sources. Common sources include wood pulp, cotton, or other fibrous plant materials. The cellulose is typically obtained through a series of mechanical and chemical treatments, which involve breaking down the plant material and removing impurities to obtain a purified cellulose material.



  • Alkali Treatment:

Once the cellulose is extracted, it undergoes an alkali treatment to remove hemicellulose and lignin components. This treatment involves the immersion of cellulose in an alkaline solution, such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), to break down the non-cellulosic materials. The result is purified cellulose with a higher degree of purity.



  • Etherification:

The next step is the etherification process, where hydroxypropyl and methyl groups are introduced onto the cellulose backbone. This is achieved through a series of reactions involving the cellulose and appropriate reagents.


a. Alkali Activation: The purified cellulose is suspended in an alkali solution, typically sodium hydroxide, to activate the cellulose and make it more reactive.


b. Hydroxypropylation: The activated cellulose is then treated with propylene oxide (PO) or a similar compound. The hydroxypropyl group from the PO reacts with the cellulose hydroxyl groups, leading to the attachment of hydroxypropyl groups onto the cellulose backbone.


c. Methylation: Following the hydroxypropylation step, the cellulose with attached hydroxypropyl groups undergoes methylation. This involves the reaction of the hydroxypropylated cellulose with methyl chloride or a similar methylating agent. The methyl group from the methylating agent reacts with the remaining hydroxyl groups on the cellulose, resulting in the introduction of methyl groups onto the cellulose backbone.



  • Neutralization and Washing:

After the etherification process, the reaction mixture is neutralized to stop further reactions and adjust the pH. Acidic or basic solutions are added to neutralize any excess alkali or acid present in the mixture. The neutralized mixture is then washed thoroughly to remove any residual reagents or by-products, ensuring a purified HPMC product.



  • Drying and Milling:

The final step in the HPMC manufacturing process involves drying and milling the obtained HPMC product. The product is typically dried using hot air or vacuum drying methods to remove moisture and obtain a dry powder. The dried HPMC is then milled to achieve the desired particle size and uniformity, resulting in a fine powder ready for packaging and distribution.


It's worth noting that the specific manufacturing process of HPMC may vary slightly among different manufacturers and their proprietary methods. However, the general principles and steps involved in the process remain consistent.



In conclusion, the manufacturing process of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) involves the extraction of cellulose from plant sources, followed by alkali treatment, alkali activation, hydroxypropylation, methylation, neutralization, washing, drying, and milling. This process results in the production of HPMC, a versatile compound with various applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, and construction.


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