Key Specifications & Physical-Chemical Properties

HPMC’s performance is defined by precise technical parameters, customizable for industry needs. Standard specifications:

• CAS Number: 9004-65-3

• Chemical Formula: C₈H₁₅O₈(R)-(C₆H₇O₂(OH)ₓ(OCH₃)ᵧ(OCH₂CH(OH)CH₃)ᶻ)ₙ (structural unit)

• Molecular Weight: 10,000–1,500,000 (varies by polymerization degree)

• Appearance: White to off-white powder/granules, no visible impurities

• Solubility: Swells in cold water to form colloidal solution; insoluble in hot water/organic solvents (soluble in some polar solvents like dimethyl sulfoxide)

• pH Value: 5.0–8.0 (2% aqueous solution, 20℃)

• Viscosity Range:5–200,000 mPa·s (2% aqueous solution, 20℃), customizable

• Gelation Temperature: 50–90℃ (thermoreversible)

• Substitution Degree: Methoxy 19–24%, Hydroxypropoxy 7–12%

• Ash Content: ≤1.5%

• Density: Bulk 0.3–0.7 g/cm³; True 1.26–1.32 g/cm³

Core Advantages

HPMC is a preferred additive for its unique properties:

• Excellent Water Retention: Locks moisture, prevents drying/cracking, extends product workable time.

• Stable Chemical Properties: Acid/alkali/salt resistant (pH 2–12), non-ionic, compatible with most additives.

• Superior Thickening & Suspending: Improves solution viscosity, prevents particle sedimentation.

• Good Film-Forming: Forms transparent, flexible, water-resistant film for pharmaceuticals/food preservation.

• Safety: FDA/WHO approved, non-toxic, non-irritating, safe for food/pharmaceutical use.

• Customizable: Viscosity, substitution degree and particle size can be tailored.

Application Fields

HPMC is widely used in various industries:

1. Construction Industry

Core additive for construction materials, improving performance and efficiency:

• Dry-mixed mortar: Water-retaining/thickening agent, enhances workability and anti-cracking.

• Putty powder: Improves water retention, prevents powdering/cracking, boosts adhesion.

• Tile adhesive: Increases bonding strength, reduces hollowing/falling off.

• Gypsum products: Enhances fluidity, water retention and final product strength.

2. Pharmaceutical Industry

Widely used pharmaceutical excipient with good biocompatibility:

• Film coating: Improves drug stability, masks odors, controls release rate.

• Binder: Ensures tablet hardness and friability meet standards.

• Sustained-release matrix: Enables stable long-term drug release.

• Ophthalmic excipient: Thickens eye drops, reduces irritation.

3. Food Industry

Food additive improving texture, stability and shelf life:

• Thickener: Enhances viscosity and mouthfeel of ice cream, jams, beverages.

• Stabilizer: Maintains uniformity, prevents stratification/sedimentation.

• Film-forming agent: Extends fruit shelf life, improves candy appearance.

4. Cosmetics & Daily Chemical Industry

• Shampoos/body washes: Thickens, stabilizes foam.

• Toothpaste: Enhances viscosity, prevents abrasive sedimentation.

• Creams/lotions: Emulsifies, stabilizes texture.

5. Other Industries

• Coatings/inks: Thickens, disperses, stabilizes.

• Ceramics: Binder/suspending agent, improves plasticity.

• Petroleum drilling: Thickens drilling mud, reduces fluid loss.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Common questions about HPMC CAS 9004-65-3:

Q1: What is the difference between HPMC and MC/CMC?

A: HPMC is non-ionic; CMC is anionic. Compared to MC, HPMC has better water solubility, stability and film-forming ability, suitable for high-demand fields. CMC fits ionic compatibility needs; MC is for low-cost thickening.

Q2: How to dissolve HPMC without clumping?

A: Dilute HPMC with inert powder (1:5–1:10), slowly add to stirring cold water (≥200 rpm), stir until fully dissolved. Avoid direct addition to hot water.

Q3: What is HPMC’s shelf life and storage method?

A: Shelf life is 24 months. Store in cool, dry, well-ventilated area (RH ≤60%), sealed packaging, away from strong acids/alkalis, heat and flames.

Q4: Is HPMC safe for food/pharmaceutical use?

A: Yes. FDA/WHO approved (food additive E464), non-toxic, non-irritating, no human accumulation, naturally excreted.

Q5: Can HPMC’s viscosity and substitution degree be customized?

A: Yes. Viscosity (5–200,000 mPa·s) and substitution degree can be tailored for different industries.

Q6: What is HPMC’s packaging?

A: Standard: 25kg/bag (moisture-proof woven bag with PE liner). Custom packaging (1kg/5kg/10kg) available.

Q7: Is HPMC compatible with other additives?

A: Yes, compatible with most additives. Avoid high-concentration strong acids/alkalis to prevent performance loss.

Contact Us

For questions about HPMC (specifications, customization, pricing, samples), contact us for professional support.

• Email: lisa@aozunchem.com

• Wechat/WhatsApp: +86-186 5121 5887