Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)
<!--[if !supportLists]-->• <!--[endif]-->Product Name: Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)
INCI Name: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose
Pharmaceutical Name: Hypromellose
CAS Number: 9004-65-3
EINECS Number: 618-388-0
HS Code: 39123100
Appearance: White to off-white free-flowing powder or fibrous powder
Odor: Odorless, tasteless
pH Value (2% aqueous solution): 5.5 - 8.0
Storage Conditions: Cool, dry place <30°C, sealed bags, protect from moisture
Shelf Life: 24 months
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose, HPMC, CAS 9004-65-3, Hypromellose, cellulose ether, water retention agent, tile adhesive thickener, putty powder additive, construction mortar
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)-CAS 9004-65-3
Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) is the most widely used cellulose ether globally, produced by reacting natural cellulose with both methyl chloride and propylene oxide under alkaline conditions. This dual substitution creates a unique polymer with exceptional water retention, thickening efficiency, and thermally reversible gelation properties.
As the undisputed gold standard water retention agent for dry-mix construction mortars, HPMC is found in over 90% of all tile adhesives, putty powders, and cementitious mortars worldwide. Its ability to lock water in fresh mortar ensures complete cement hydration, dramatically improving bond strength, reducing cracking, and extending open working time. Beyond construction, HPMC serves as a pharmaceutical tablet coating and binder, food thickener (E464), paint rheology modifier, and personal care thickener - truly the most versatile cellulose ether across all industries.
Key Benefits
✅ Industry gold standard water retention agent for mortars✅ Extends open time - longer working window for tile adhesive
✅ Dramatically improves bond strength - no hollow tiles
✅ Reduces cracking and shrinkage - better finish quality
✅ Excellent thickening efficiency across all viscosity grades
✅ Thermally reversible gelation - unique property
✅ Fully nonionic - compatible with wide pH range (3-11)
✅ Good salt and electrolyte tolerance
✅ Cold water soluble - easy to process
✅ Forms clear, tough, flexible films
Applications
Personal Care & Cosmetics (5%):
• Shampoos & Body Washes: 0.2-1.0% - thickener, foam stabilizer
• Hair Styling Products: 0.5-2.0% - film-forming, hold
• Creams & Lotions: 0.1-0.5% - co-thickener, stabilizer
• Toothpaste: 0.5-2.0% - binder, texture
Food Industry (5%):
• Bakery Products: 0.1-0.5% - moisture retention, texture
• Dairy Products: 0.05-0.3% - thickener, stabilizer
• Beverages: 0.05-0.2% - suspension, mouthfeel
• E Number: E464
Other Industrial Applications (2%):
• Detergents: 0.1-0.5% - anti-redeposition agent
• Textile Printing: 0.5-2.0% - thickener
• Paper Coatings: 0.1-0.5% - rheology modifier
• Oil Drilling: 0.1-0.5% - fluid loss control
Construction & Building Materials (70% of global consumption):
• Tile Adhesives: 0.2-0.6% - water retention, open time, slip resistance
• Putty Powder: 0.2-0.5% - water retention, workability, crack resistance
• Cement Mortar & Plaster: 0.1-0.3% - water retention, workability
• Thermal Insulation Mortar: 0.3-0.8% - water retention, bonding
• Self-leveling Compounds: 0.1-0.3% - rheology control, anti-settling
• Gypsum Plaster & Joint Compound: 0.1-0.5% - water retention, workability
• Masonry Mortar: 0.05-0.2% - water retention, plasticity
• EIFS / ETICS Systems: 0.3-0.8% - base coat and adhesive
Certificate Of Analysis (COA)
Test Item | Specification | Test Result | Test Method |
Product Identification | |||
Product Name | HPMC K100000 | HPMC K100000 Construction Grade | —— |
CAS Number | 9004-65-3 | 9004-65-3 | —— |
Grade Type | K-Type (Low Methoxyl) | K-Type | —— |
Surface Treatment | Surface Treated (S-Type) | Surface Treated | —— |
Physical Properties | |||
Appearance | White to off-white powder | White free-flowing powder | Visual |
Odor | Odorless | Odorless | Olfactory |
Bulk Density | 0.25-0.70 g/cm³ | 0.42 g/cm³ | Gravimetric |
Particle Size (100 mesh) | ≥98.5% passing | 99.3% passing | Sieve |
Particle Size (80 mesh) | ≥95% passing | 98.1% passing | Sieve |
Viscosity | |||
Viscosity (2% soln, 20°C) | 80000-120000 mPa·s | 96500 mPa·s | Brookfield |
Viscosity Accuracy | ±20% | Within spec | —— |
Chemical Properties | |||
Methoxyl Content | 19.0-24.0% | 21.8% | GC / Titration |
Hydroxypropoxyl Content | 4.0-12.0% | 8.2% | GC / Titration |
pH Value (2% Solution) | 5.5-8.0 | 6.8 | pH Meter |
Moisture Content | ≤5.0% | 3.1% | Karl Fischer |
Ash Content | ≤5.0% | 2.4% | Gravimetric |
Gelation Temperature | 70-90°C | 78°C | Visual |
Water Insolubles | ≤0.5% | 0.15% | Filtration |
Safety & Impurities | |||
Heavy Metals (as Pb) | ≤20 ppm | <10 ppm | ICP-MS |
Arsenic (As) | ≤2 ppm | <0.5 ppm | ICP-MS |
Performance Tests | |||
Water Retention (90min) | ≥95% | 97.2% | Filter paper method |
Final Conclusion | —— | PASSED - EXCEEDS SPECIFICATION | —— |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Document Request Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Document Request
Q: What is the recommended dosage of HPMC in tile adhesive?
A: Industry standard dosages for dry-mix mortars:
Product | Typical HPMC Dosage | Key Function |
Cementitious Tile Adhesive | 0.2 - 0.6% | Water retention, open time, slip resistance |
Tile Adhesive (C2TE grade) | 0.4 - 0.6% | Extended open time >20 min |
Wall Putty (Interior) | 0.2 - 0.4% | Smoothness, workability |
Wall Putty (Exterior) | 0.3 - 0.5% | Water retention, crack resistance |
Cement Plaster | 0.1 - 0.3% | Water retention, workability |
Gypsum Plaster | 0.1 - 0.3% | Workability, setting time |
Thermal Insulation Mortar | 0.3 - 0.8% | Bonding, water retention |
Cost Optimization Tip: |
• Higher viscosity HPMC = you can use LESS
• Example: K200000 at 0.3% = same performance as K100000 at 0.5%
• Always calculate cost per ton of product, not cost per kg of HPMC
Note: Exceeding 0.6% can cause delayed cement setting and strength loss.
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