Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC)

Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC) is a nonionic, water-soluble cellulose ether derivative. It is widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries due to its multifunctional properties, including film-forming, thickening, binding, and stabilizing capabilities. Healthmove is a Hydroxypropyl Cellulose powder supplier and you can get price here!

Data Sheet

General Information
Product Name	Hydroxypropyl Cellulose（HPC）
HS Code	39129000
CAS Number	9004-64-2
Standard	CP、USP、BP
Packing Specification	20kg/ drum、20kg/ bag
Storage Condition	Room temperature, Sealed
Product Character	White or white like amorphous or crystalline powder. Soluble in methanol or ethanol, almost insoluble in acetone or trichloromethane

Grades of HPC

Hydroxypropyl Cellulose is available in various grades, differing primarily in:

Viscosity

• Low-viscosity grades for binding and film-coating.
• High-viscosity grades for thickening and controlled-release applications.

Particle Size

• Fine powders for quick dispersion.
• Granular forms for direct compression.

Physicochemical Property
Density	1.3±0.1g/cm3
Molecular Formula	C36H70O19
Refractive Index	1.532
Boiling Point	891.2±65.0℃ at760mmHg
Vapor Pressure	0.0±0.6mmHg at 25℃
Molecular Weight	806.93
Fusing Point	N/A
Flash Point	492.8±34.3℃
Particle Size	Fine powder or granules with customizable particle size.
Viscosity	Varies depending on the grade, typically measured in solutions of specific concentrations.
Thermal Stability	Stable up to approximately 190°C. Decomposes above 250°C.

Comparison with Other Cellulose Derivatives
Property	HPC	HPMC	MCC
Solubility	Water and organic solvents	Primarily water	Insoluble in water
Film-Forming Ability	Excellent	Excellent	Poor
Thickening Efficiency	Moderate	High	Low
Use in Controlled Release	Yes	Yes	Limited

Features

• Water and Organic Solvent Solubility: Dissolves in a wide range of solvents, enhancing versatility.
• Biocompatibility and Safety: Approved for pharmaceutical and food use.
• Film Flexibility: Produces strong and flexible films for coatings.
• Thermal Reversibility: Unique solubility behavior facilitates applications requiring thermal processing.

Applications

Pharmaceutical Industry

• Tablet Binder: Provides excellent binding properties for tablet compression.
• Film Coating: Forms protective, flexible films that improve tablet durability and control drug release.
• Controlled-Release Formulations: Used in hydrophilic matrix systems to achieve sustained or extended drug release.
• Dispersant and Stabilizer: Enhances the stability of suspensions and emulsions.

Food Industry

• Thickener: Improves the texture and consistency of sauces, dressings, and other food products.
• Stabilizer: Prevents phase separation in food emulsions.
• Low-Calorie Binder: Acts as a fat replacer in diet foods.

Cosmetics and Personal Care

• Film-Former: Used in hair styling gels and sprays for flexible hold.
• Thickener: Improves the viscosity of creams and lotions.
• Stabilizer: Stabilizes emulsions and suspensions in personal care products.

Industrial Applications

• Adhesives: Enhances viscosity and tackiness in industrial adhesives.
• Coatings: Used in protective coatings due to its film-forming properties.
• Oilfield Applications: Functions as a thickener and stabilizer in drilling fluids.