What is Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Made Of?

HPMC is a derivative of cellulose, a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. Through a series of chemical processes, cellulose is modified by propylene oxide and chloromethane to form hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Although synthetic, HPMC retains the essence of cellulose, making it biodegradable and essentially a part of nature.

Classifications of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

Industrial use:

HPMC is widely used in construction materials to improve workability, water retention, and adhesion of cement and gypsum products. It can also be used as a thickener and emulsifier in paints.

Food applications:

HPMC can modify the texture of food products and can be used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier for food products, including ice cream, sauces, and baked goods.

Medical Uses:

HPMC can be used as a capsule excipient, providing a vegetarian alternative to gelatin capsules. In addition, HPMC is used as a lubricant in the production of eye drops to improve their efficacy.

Daily Chemicals:

HPMC is used as a thickener in products such as laundry detergents. It ensures that detergents maintain a stable viscosity.

The above is QingQuan’s introduction to the composition of HPMC. I hope it can help you further understand the use of HPMC.