Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), also known as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose ether, is a nonionic cellulose derivative. It appears as a white or off-white powder and is soluble in water and some organic solvents. Its aqueous solution exhibits high transparency and surface activity, with its gelation temperature varying depending on its methoxy group content.

This substance is a core dispersant in the suspension polymerization production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). By reducing the interfacial tension between the monomer and water and regulating the resin particle morphology to improve processing performance, it can replace traditional dispersants and form composite systems with polyvinyl alcohol. HPMC is also used in the building materials industry as a water-retaining agent for cement mortar and tile adhesives, as a thickener and stabilizer in the coatings industry, and in the pharmaceutical industry for tablet coatings and sustained-release formulations. Its technical specifications include a methoxy group content of 28-30%, a hydroxypropoxy group content of 7-10%, and a solution viscosity range of 3-50 mPa·s, making it suitable for a variety of applications, including building materials, chemicals, and daily chemicals.

Product Applications

This is industrial-grade HPMC, primarily used as a dispersant in the production of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is a key additive in the suspension polymerization preparation of PVC. It also serves as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, excipient, water-retaining agent, and film-forming agent in the production of other products, including petrochemicals, coatings, building materials, paint removers, agricultural chemicals, inks, textile printing and dyeing, ceramics, papermaking, and cosmetics. Its application in synthetic resins results in products with regular, loose particles, a suitable apparent specific gravity, and excellent processing properties, essentially replacing gelatin and polyvinyl alcohol as dispersants. Furthermore, in the construction industry, it is primarily used in mechanized construction processes such as wall masonry, plastering, and caulking. In decorative applications, it is particularly useful for bonding tiles, marble, and plastic decorations, achieving high bond strength while reducing cement usage. In the coatings industry, its use as a thickener ensures a glossy, smooth finish, prevents powder shedding, and improves leveling properties.