What is HPMC?

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a white, odorless, tasteless powder made by cellulose modification. Cellulose is a natural polymer - a long chain or structure consisting of multiple molecules strung together. When dissolved in water, it forms a water-based product that is colloidal. When heated, the solution coagulates into a non-flowable but semi-flexible substance.

Chemical and physical qualities of HPMC.

Physical form: Powder

Content: 90 - 99%

Ash (in NA2SO4): 1.5% max.

Methoxy: 19 - 24%

Hydroxypropyl: 4 - 12%

Package Moisture: 10.0% Max.

Sodium Chloride: 2.0% Max.

pH: 5.0 - 8.0

2% Viscosity, (LVT, 20°C): 3000 - 5600 mPas

Typical 2% viscosity, (RVT, 20°C): 4000 mPas

Gel temperature: 70 - 90 °C

Lead: 2 ppm max.

Arsenic: 3 ppm max.

Cadmium: 1 ppm max.

Mercury: 1 ppm max. retained on 72 mesh max.

Particle size: 10%

Maximum total plate count: max 5000 cfu/g

Yeast and mold: max 500 cfu/g

Coliform: max 100 cfu/g

E. coli: not present /g

Salmonella: not present /25g

What are the uses of HPMC?

HPMC has a variety of uses including but not limited to food, cosmetics, eye drops, contact lenses, tile adhesives, cement primers, detergents and cleaners, pain relievers and coatings, pharmaceuticals, and plaster products.

HPMC is used as a raw material for coatings and has medium strength, medium moisture and oxygen barrier, elasticity, transparency and grease resistance. It is also used as a tablet binder and extended-release tablet matrix.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is an EU and FDA-approved food additive and is considered non-toxic to humans.