HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) is a multifunctional chemical material that plays an important role in many industrial applications. It is a non-ionic, partially substituted cellulose ether with a variety of functional properties, including thickening, gelling, film-forming, water retention, etc., so it is widely used in the fields of building materials, pharmaceuticals, food, coatings, daily chemicals, etc. Has been widely used.

(1) Characteristics of HPMC
Before discussing its industrial applications, it is necessary to understand the key characteristics of HPMC. The following are some important physical and chemical properties of HPMC:

Thickening: HPMC can significantly increase the viscosity of liquid systems, especially in water-based systems. This makes it useful as a thickening agent in a variety of applications, especially in building materials.

Film-forming properties: HPMC has strong film-forming ability and can form uniform and transparent films. It is often used in the coating and pharmaceutical industries.

Water retention: HPMC can reduce water loss and delay water evaporation. It is often used to maintain the moisture of materials in construction and food applications.

Thermal gelability: HPMC forms gel at specific temperatures and is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.

Stability: HPMC is resistant to acids and alkalis and remains stable within a wide pH range, so it can adapt to a variety of industrial environments.

(2) Application of HPMC in various industrial fields
1. Construction industry
HPMC is most widely used in the construction field, especially in dry mortar, putty powder, tile adhesive, exterior wall insulation systems and waterproofing materials. Specific applications include:

Dry mortar: HPMC can thicken, retain water and improve construction performance in dry mortar. Its water-retaining properties enable the cement slurry to maintain appropriate moisture during use, ensuring that the hydration reaction of the cement is completed, thereby improving the bonding strength of the mortar. In addition, HPMC can enhance the viscosity of mortar, reduce mortar slippage, and improve construction efficiency.

Tile Adhesive: The bonding strength of tile adhesive is critical for a secure tile bond. The bonding force and water retention of HPMC can improve the working performance of tile adhesive, increase the fluidity during construction, and prevent hanging phenomenon.

Putty powder and exterior wall insulation system: In exterior wall insulation and putty powder, the addition of HPMC can improve water retention and construction fluidity, enhance the material’s anti-cracking performance, and ensure construction quality.

2. Pharmaceutical industry
In the pharmaceutical industry, HPMC is a commonly used pharmaceutical excipient, especially in solid preparations and controlled release preparations. Main applications include:

Drug coating: HPMC, as a non-toxic film-forming agent, can form a protective drug coating to make the tablets easy to swallow and protect the drugs from the environment. In addition, it can control the release rate of drugs and prolong their efficacy.

Sustained-release formulations: The gelling properties of HPMC allow it to play a key role in sustained-release formulations. By swelling and forming a gel in the intestine, it can regulate the drug release rate and avoid side effects caused by too rapid absorption of the drug.

3. Food industry
HPMC is used as thickener, emulsifier and stabilizer in the food industry. Its safety has been widely recognized by food safety agencies around the world. Specific applications include:

Food additive: HPMC can be used as an emulsifier, thickener and stabilizer in ice cream, baked goods, sauces and other products to improve the texture and taste of food.

Low-calorie foods: HPMC is a low-calorie fiber that can replace fat components in food, provide satiety and moisturizing effects, and is suitable for the development of low-calorie foods and weight loss products.

4. Coatings and paints
HPMC is widely used in the paint and paint industry as a thickener, stabilizer and film-forming agent. Specific advantages include:

Film-forming properties: HPMC can form a durable protective film to enhance the water resistance and abrasion resistance of the coating.

Improve the uniformity of coatings: The thickening properties of HPMC enable it to effectively control the rheological properties of coatings in coatings, avoid sagging, and improve the coating effect.

5. Daily chemical products
Among daily chemicals, HPMC is often used in toothpaste, shampoo, skin care products and other products as a thickener, moisturizer and film-forming agent. Its role in cosmetics is not only to enhance the feel of the product, but also to provide a protective film for the skin to prevent moisture loss.

(3) How to effectively utilize HPMC in industrial applications
Although HPMC is powerful and widely used, to effectively utilize HPMC in different industrial applications, you need to start from the following aspects:

Choose the right HPMC specification
HPMC has various specifications according to the degree of substitution and molecular weight. HPMC of different specifications has different characteristics such as solubility, viscosity, and gel temperature. In specific applications, the most appropriate specifications should be selected according to process requirements. For example, in coatings with high viscosity requirements, HPMC with high molecular weight and high viscosity should be selected; while in pharmaceutical coatings, HPMC varieties with lower gel temperatures need to be selected.

Control the amount added
The usage amount of HPMC directly affects the performance of the product. An appropriate amount of HPMC can significantly improve product performance, but excessive amounts may cause excessive viscosity and affect construction performance. Depending on the application field, the usual amount of HPMC added is between 0.1% and 2%. The optimal addition amount should be determined based on experiments to achieve the desired effect.

Reasonable dissolution method
The dissolution rate of HPMC in water is affected by temperature, shear force and stirring time. In order to quickly dissolve HPMC, it is usually recommended to disperse it in cold water first, and then gradually heat it up to the appropriate temperature to completely dissolve it. Avoid adding HPMC directly at high temperatures to prevent the formation of gel clumps.

Synergy with other additives
HPMC is often used together with other additives such as plasticizers and cross-linking agents to enhance the overall performance of the product. Among building materials, HPMC combined with polyvinyl alcohol, starch ether, etc. can further improve the flexibility and crack resistance of mortar.

HPMC has been widely used in construction, medicine, food, coatings and other industries due to its unique physical and chemical properties. In practical applications, by selecting appropriate specifications, controlling the amount of addition, dissolving reasonably, and using it in conjunction with other additives, the application effect of HPMC can be effectively improved, thereby reducing costs and improving product quality and performance.