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What is HPMC?

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a versatile and widely used chemical compound, derived from cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. HPMC is a non-ionic cellulose ether that is soluble in water and is used in a wide array of industries due to its unique properties such as film-forming, thickening, and water retention. As a white, odorless powder, HPMC has applications in pharmaceuticals, food processing, construction, and various other sectors.

In its raw form, HPMC is typically produced by modifying cellulose through etherification, a process that involves reacting cellulose with propylene oxide and methyl chloride. The result is a compound that combines the natural benefits of cellulose with the enhanced solubility and versatility provided by the hydroxypropyl and methyl groups.

One of the remarkable features of HPMC is its ability to form stable gels in water, making it ideal for applications that require controlled release, thickening, or stabilizing properties. As a water-soluble compound, it plays a crucial role in numerous formulations and formulations, including those for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial applications.

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HPMC Applications

HPMC's versatility makes it an essential ingredient in many industries, with applications that range from pharmaceuticals to construction materials.

Pharmaceutical Applications:In the pharmaceutical industry, HPMC is widely used as a binder, disintegrant, and controlled-release agent in tablet formulations. It helps to control the release of active ingredients in medications, ensuring that they are gradually absorbed by the body over a sustained period. HPMC is also utilized in the production of capsules, where it acts as a coating material due to its ability to form a smooth, stable film. Its role in improving the bioavailability of drugs makes it indispensable in modern pharmaceutical formulations.
Food and Beverage Industry:HPMC is commonly used in food products as a stabilizer, thickener, and emulsifier. It helps improve the texture and consistency of various food products, including sauces, dressings, ice cream, and gluten-free baked goods. By adding HPMC to food formulations, manufacturers can enhance the viscosity and maintain the desired texture, even under varying temperature conditions.
Cosmetics and Personal Care:The cosmetic industry also benefits from the unique properties of HPMC, utilizing it in lotions, shampoos, and creams. HPMC is used for its water retention properties, creating smooth textures and preventing separation in personal care products. It also acts as a stabilizer in emulsions and as a binder in cosmetic powders.
Construction Industry:One of the most prominent industrial uses of HPMC is in the construction sector, where it is included in cement, tile adhesives, plaster, and other building materials. HPMC enhances workability, improves water retention, and helps increase the adhesion of these materials to surfaces. It also contributes to the extended open time of adhesives, allowing more flexibility during the application process.
Agriculture:HPMC is used as a coating agent for fertilizers and pesticides. By forming a controlled-release barrier, it helps to deliver these substances over an extended period, reducing the frequency of application and improving the efficiency of the chemicals.

How to Dissolve HPMC in Water

Dissolving HPMC in water is a relatively simple process, but it does require some attention to detail to ensure proper dissolution and avoid clumping. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to dissolve HPMC in water:

Add HPMC to Water Gradually:Start by slowly adding the HPMC powder to the water. It is essential to do this gradually to prevent the formation of lumps. Avoid adding the entire amount of powder at once, as this could cause the powder to clump together, making it harder to dissolve.
Stir Continuously:After adding the HPMC powder, stir the mixture continuously. This helps distribute the powder evenly in the water, which facilitates a smoother dissolution. Use a slow-speed mixer or a mechanical stirrer to avoid air bubbles.
Use Warm Water (Optional):While HPMC can dissolve in cold water, using warm water can help speed up the dissolution process. Make sure the water is not too hot, as this could degrade the HPMC. Typically, water temperatures between 40°C and 50°C are ideal for faster dissolution.
Let it Hydrate:Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes. HPMC needs time to fully hydrate, and this may take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the grade and viscosity of the HPMC. Stir occasionally to ensure uniform hydration.
Adjust Viscosity:Once dissolved, the viscosity of the HPMC solution can be adjusted by varying the concentration. If a thicker solution is desired, more HPMC can be added. Conversely, for a thinner solution, simply reduce the amount of HPMC.

Following these steps will result in a smooth, lump-free HPMC solution that can be used for its intended application.

HPMC by Hebei Jingzuan Chemical Technology Co., Ltd.

Hebei Jingzuan Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality HPMC products. With a strong reputation for producing premium-grade hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, the company serves a wide array of industries, from pharmaceuticals to construction, offering reliable and efficient chemical solutions.

As a trusted supplier, Hebei Jingzuan Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. is committed to delivering the finest HPMC products that meet the highest industry standards. The company’s HPMC is produced through a rigorous process that ensures excellent quality, consistent performance, and cost-effectiveness. Hebei Jingzuan’s products are recognized for their superior water solubility, excellent binding properties, and enhanced stability, making them ideal for both small-scale and large-scale industrial applications.

In addition to HPMC, Hebei Jingzuan Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. offers a wide range of chemical products, providing solutions that cater to diverse customer needs. The company’s dedication to research and development ensures that their products continually evolve to meet the demands of modern industries.

HPMC FAQs

What industries use HPMC?

HPMC is used across various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, cosmetics, construction, and agriculture. Its versatility makes it a go-to ingredient in formulations where thickening, stabilizing, or controlled release is necessary.

How is HPMC different from other cellulose derivatives?

HPMC differs from other cellulose derivatives like methylcellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose due to its enhanced water solubility and its ability to form stable films. This makes it particularly useful in applications requiring controlled release, emulsification, and water retention.

What are the main benefits of using HPMC in pharmaceuticals?

In pharmaceuticals, HPMC is used for its ability to act as a binder, disintegrant, and controlled-release agent. It ensures that drugs are gradually released into the system, improving bioavailability and offering patients sustained therapeutic effects.

Can HPMC be dissolved in cold water?

Yes, HPMC can dissolve in cold water. However, using warm water (between 40°C to 50°C) can accelerate the dissolution process, ensuring a smoother, quicker hydration.

How do I store HPMC?

HPMC should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Proper storage conditions help maintain the quality and stability of the product over time.

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HPMC - Everything you need to know

If you look into our products, sooner or later you are bound to come across the word hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, or HPMC for short. But what does HPMC mean?

What is HPMC?

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a cellulose derivative that is made from natural cellulose. During production, the structure is modified in such a way that the properties of the cellulose change, including its solubility. Cellulose is naturally insoluble in water. This is in contrast to HPMC. HPMC is able to bind liquids and form gels at higher temperatures. This property makes it particularly interesting for the food industry. Due to its versatile properties, it can be used in foods as an emulsifier, stabilizer, filler and gelling and thickening agent.

Note: Cellulose is actually an indigestible plant fiber and the main component of plant cell walls, which consists of chains of several hundred to ten thousand glucose molecules. However, the glucose it contains cannot be utilized by humans and is therefore indigestible.

Use of HPMC

In the EU, HPMC is known as a food additive under the number E 464 and is approved for all foods. HPMC is used, for example, in the production of desserts, ice cream, baked goods, cookies, various sauces, ketchup, mayonnaise and fish products. HPMC is also frequently used in light products to give them the creaminess that would otherwise come from the fat content. Another advantage in this context is that the calorific value of the food is not increased.

What else is HPMC used for?

In addition to its many uses in the food industry, HPMC is also used in many other areas. For example, in the building materials industry to regulate flow properties, in the production of cosmetics such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap, cream and lotion and in the pharmaceutical industry as a component of medicines.

HPMC capsules for food supplements

HPMC now plays an important role in vegan food supplements. HPMC is processed into vegetable capsule shells and tablets can also be coated with this substance. HPMC has been used for vegetarian and vegan food supplements since 1998 and is used all over the world. All our capsule products are also made from HPMC.

HPMC

HPMC capsules vs. gelatine capsules

For a long time, the only material used to make capsule shells was gelatine. Gelatine is obtained from the skin and bones of various animal species, especially pigs and cattle. Due to strict regulations on the use of gelatine caused by emerging diseases such as TSE (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy), which includes BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy), the search for a substitute for gelatine was encouraged.

Plant-based capsules have also been available on the market since 1998. With HPMC, consumers have a completely safe, plant-based product at their disposal, so that vegans or vegetarians and people who abstain from gelatine due to their religion also have an alternative to gelatine capsules.

HPMC capsules can withstand high temperatures and high humidity and have a low inherent moisture content. This makes the capsule shells suitable for storing moisture-sensitive ingredients. They therefore protect their contents from all kinds of fluctuations, such as temperature fluctuations and humidity. HPMC capsules can therefore be stored well in all climate zones. In contrast, gelatine capsule shells have a lower water content. They therefore quickly become brittle at low humidity.

Despite the many advantages of HPMC capsules, gelatine capsules are still the most commonly used type of capsule in the pharmaceutical industry. One reason for this is probably the lower price.

Is HPMC vegan?

As HPMC is a derivative of natural cellulose, HPMC is vegan. This means that people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet or do not eat gelatine due to their religion can take HPMC capsules without hesitation.

Why take capsule products?

The advantage of capsule products is probably obvious: plant extracts, vitamins & minerals, amino acids or other micronutrients can be portioned according to need. The daily portion of a particular product can thus be easily achieved by specifying the number of capsules per day, without the hassle of weighing. In addition, the ingredients are packaged to protect them from light and, unlike powder or tablet products, are virtually tasteless.

How dangerous is HPMC?

HPMC is considered safe for human consumption. As HPMC is excreted undigested by the body like a water-soluble dietary fiber, it can be consumed without concern or restriction. Normally there is a so-called ADI value (acceptable daily intake) for the tolerability of food additives. This value indicates the daily dose that is considered medically safe for a lifelong daily intake. The ADI value is set by the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). There is no restriction on the maximum quantity for HPMC, i.e. no ADI value.

A laxative effect may only occur if very high quantities are ingested.

Are HPMC capsules enteric-coated?

HPMC capsules are not enteric-coated, which means that they dissolve in the stomach and release the ingredients.

Although enteric-coated capsules can also be made from HPMC, they are also coated with synthetic substances that can withstand stomach acid. The idea behind such capsules is that they dissolve in the small or large intestine and release the ingredients there. This is useful if, for example, the acidic environment of the stomach would destroy the active ingredients. However, the intake of such capsules should always be discussed with the treating doctor, as the application must be carefully observed.