Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether widely used in pharmaceuticals, construction, food, and cosmetics due to its diverse properties, such as water solubility, film formation, thickening, and stability. It is also known as hypromellose in pharmaceutical applications. Healthmove is a Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose Powder supplier and you can get price here!

Data Sheet

General Information
Product Name	Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)
HS Code	39129000
CAS Number	9004-65-3
Standard	CP、USP、BP、EP
Packing Specification	25kg/ drum
Storage Condition	Room temperature, Sealed
Product Character	White fibrous or granular powder. No odor. No odor. It is almost insoluble in anhydrous ethanol, ethyl ether and acetone, swelling into a clarified or slightly turbidized colloidal solution in cold water

Grades of HPMC

Viscosity:

• Low-viscosity grades for sprayable formulations and granulation.
• High-viscosity grades for thickening and controlled-release applications.

Degree of Substitution (DS):

Proportions of methoxy (-OCH₃) and hydroxypropoxy (-OCH₂CH(OH)CH₃) groups influence solubility and gelation properties.

Physicochemical Property
Density	1.39±0.1g/cm3
Molecular Formula	C18H38O14
Refractive Index	N/A
Boiling Point	N/A
Vapor Pressure	N/A
Molecular Weight	478.49
Fusing Point	N/A
Flash Point	N/A
Viscosity	Available in a wide range of viscosities, typically measured in 2% aqueous solutions.
Thermal Gelation	Forms gels at elevated temperatures. Gelation temperature varies depending on the degree of substitution.
pH Stability	Functions effectively across a wide pH range (3.0–11.0).

Comparison with Other Cellulose Derivatives
Property	HPMC	HPC	MC (Methyl Cellulose)
Solubility	Soluble in water and organic	Soluble in water and alcohols	Soluble in water
Thermal Gelation	Yes	No	Yes
Film-Forming Ability	Excellent	Excellent	Moderate
pH Stability	3.0–11.0	3.0–9.0	5.0–8.0

Features

• Biocompatibility and Safety: Non-toxic, non-irritant, and approved for pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic use.
• Thermal Gelation: Unique property beneficial in formulations requiring temperature-dependent viscosity changes.
• Wide Viscosity Range: Customizable for diverse applications.
• Moisture Retention: Excellent for construction and personal care formulations.
• Versatility: Functions as a binder, film-former, thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier.

Applications

Pharmaceutical Industry

• Tablet Binder and Coating Agent: Provides binding during tablet compression and forms protective film coatings.
• Controlled and Sustained Release: Used in hydrophilic matrix systems for controlled drug delivery.
• Capsule Shells: An alternative to gelatin for vegetarian capsules.
• Suspension Stabilizer: Prevents sedimentation in liquid formulations.

Food Industry

• Thickener: Improves texture in sauces, soups, and dressings.
• Fat Replacer: Used in low-fat or calorie-controlled food products.
• Emulsion Stabilizer: Enhances stability in dairy and non-dairy beverages.

Construction Industry

• Cement and Mortar Additive: Improves workability, water retention, and adhesion in plasters, renders, and tile adhesives.
• Self-Leveling Compounds: Enhances viscosity and flow properties.
• Paints and Coatings: Acts as a thickener and stabilizer.

Cosmetics and Personal Care

• Thickener: Improves the viscosity of creams, lotions, and gels.
• Film Former: Provides flexibility and durability in hair and skin care products.
• Stabilizer: Prevents phase separation in emulsions.