HPMC Viscosity Grades Guide: How to Choose the Right Grade

TENESSY HPMC viscosity ranges from 10 to 80,000 mPa·s (2%, 20°C, Brookfield RV) or 10 to 200,000 mPa·s (2%, 20°C, NDJ-1), with 12 specific grades across two series — NH Series (construction) and NS Series (daily chemicals). Choosing the right grade depends on your application: NH Series for construction applications like tile adhesive, wall putty, and self-leveling mortar; NS Series for daily chemical products like detergents, cosmetics, and cleaners.

HPMC Viscosity-test

This guide explains HPMC viscosity measurement, TENESSY grade selection by application, and formulation considerations to help you choose the optimal grade for your product.

How HPMC Viscosity Is Measured

TENESSY HPMC viscosity is measured using two methods:

Method 1 — Brookfield RV Viscometer:

  • Concentration: 2% HPMC in water (weight/weight)
  • Temperature: 20°C
  • Range: 10–80,000 mPa·s

Method 2 — NDJ-1 Viscometer:

  • Concentration: 2% HPMC in water (weight/weight)
  • Temperature: 20°C
  • Range: 10–200,000 mPa·s

Important: Different viscometers produce different readings for the same solution. Always compare viscosities measured under the same conditions with the same instrument type. TENESSY provides standardized viscosity specifications on every Certificate of Analysis.

TENESSY HPMC Grade Overview

TENESSY manufactures HPMC in two series, each designed for specific application domains:

NH Series — Construction Grades (Non-instant)

NH Series HPMC is non-instant type, more suitable for mortar applications. Mortar containing large particles such as sand and gravel can be better dissolved by stirring.

Grade

Designated Applications

NH200PC

Ceramic tile adhesive, surface decorative mortar, polyphenyl particle mortar, wall panel

NH150PC

Ceramic tile adhesive, waterproof mortar, plastering mortar, wall panel

NH100PC

Interior/exterior wall putty powder, ceramic tile adhesive, bonding mortar

NH2000

Interior/exterior wall putty powder, gypsum-based mortar

NH1500

Interior/exterior wall putty powder, gypsum, diatom mud powder coatings

NH1200

Ceramics, cement extrusion

NH1000

Ceramics, cement extrusion, road repair mortar

NH400Z

Ceramics, cement extrusion, road repair mortar

NH200T

Cement-based self-leveling mortar, road repair mortar

NS Series — Daily Chemical Grades (Surface-treated)

NS Series is surface-treated HPMC with good dispersibility, rapid dissolution in water, and no agglomeration. More suitable for fluid applications like building adhesives and cosmetics.

Grade

Designated Applications

NS200PC

Daily chemical products, styling products, liquid admixtures, construction glue

NS150PC

Daily chemical products, lotions, gels, disinfectants, conditioners

NS100PC

Daily chemical products, bath gel, facial cleanser

HPMC Technical Specifications

Parameter

Specification

Appearance

White or light yellow powder

Viscosity

10–80,000 mPa·s (2%, 20°C, Brookfield RV) / 10–200,000 mPa·s (2%, 20°C, NDJ-1)

Hydroxyethoxy

7.0–12.0%

Methoxy

28.0–30.0% / 19.0–24.0%

Mesh

98% pass 100 mesh

pH Value

6.0–8.0

Moisture

≤5.0%

Gel Temperature

54–64°C (60°C) / 70–90°C (75°C)

CAS Number

9004-65-3

Application-Specific Grade Selection Guide

Tile Adhesive

Tile Type

Recommended Grade

Rationale

Standard ceramic tile adhesive

NH200PC or NH150PC

Both designated for ceramic tile adhesive; NH200PC also for surface decorative mortar

Waterproof mortar tile adhesive

NH150PC

Specifically designated for waterproof mortar

Bonding mortar

NH100PC

Designated for bonding mortar

Wall Putty and Skim Coat

Application

Recommended Grade

Rationale

Interior/exterior wall putty

NH100PC, NH2000, NH1500

All three grades designated for putty powder

Gypsum-based mortar

NH2000

Specifically designated for gypsum-based mortar

Diatom mud powder coatings

NH1500

Specifically designated for diatom mud powder coatings

Self-Leveling and Specialized Applications

Application

Recommended Grade

Rationale

Cement-based self-leveling

NH200T

Specifically designated for self-leveling mortar

Road repair mortar

NH1000, NH400Z, NH200T

Multiple grades designated for road repair

Ceramics and cement extrusion

NH1200, NH1000, NH400Z

Designated for ceramics and cement extrusion

Wall panels

NH200PC, NH150PC

Both designated for wall panel applications

Daily Chemicals and Cleaners

Product Type

Recommended Grade

Rationale

Bath gel, facial cleanser

NS100PC

Specifically designated for bath gel and facial cleanser

Lotions, gels, disinfectants, conditioners

NS150PC

Specifically designated for these product types

Styling products, liquid admixtures

NS200PC

Specifically designated for styling products

Construction glue

NS200PC

Also designated for construction glue

Explore: Daily Chemical Applications →

NH vs NS Series: Which to Choose?

Factor

NH Series (Non-instant)

NS Series (Surface-treated)

Dissolution type

Non-instant — dissolves through stirring

Surface-treated — rapid dispersion, delayed dissolution

Best for

Mortar, putty, construction materials

Fluid applications, cosmetics, liquid detergents

Mixing with aggregates

Excellent — works well with sand/gravel mortars

Not typically used in mortar

Cold water dispersibility

Requires stirring to dissolve

Disperses rapidly without lumping

Agglomeration risk

Higher if not properly mixed

Low — designed to prevent lumping

Rule of thumb: Choose NH Series for construction and building applications. Choose NS Series for daily chemical, cosmetic, and liquid product applications. The surface treatment on NS Series ensures rapid dissolution in cold water without agglomeration — critical for liquid product manufacturing.

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