Top 7 Uses of HPMC You Should Know

November 27, 2024
7:45 AM

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose(HPMC)is a versatile polymer that is now an indispensable additive in many industries. Due to its excellent water retention, thickening and stabilization properties, HPMC uses enhance the performance of products. In this post, we would like to discuss the seven main uses of HPMC, focusing on how it can be the first choice in construction, household chemicals, pharmaceuticals and more.

I. Main Uses of HPMC

1. HPMC in Tile Adhesives

Tile adhesives require precise bonding, easy application and durability, one of the key HPMC uses is in formulating tile adhesives, TENESSY® HPMC helps to realize these requirements. HPMC’s excellent water retention makes the adhesive can be used for a long time, in the construction of the tiles and substrates do not have to be pre-soaked or wet, significantly improve its bonding strength, slurry fine, uniform, can be constructed The slurry is fine, homogeneous, workable, has a long cycle time, is easy to work, and has good anti-slip properties at the same time.
In addition, TENESSY® HPMC prevents cracking and strengthens the bond between tile and substrate, ensuring a long-lasting adhesion. By improving the workability and consistency of tile adhesives, HPMC simplifies the application process and provides superior results, making it an irreplaceable ingredient in construction projects.

2. HPMC in Wall Putty

Self-leveling mortar improves construction efficiency by utilizing HPMC’s excellent water retention and good fluidity, allowing for pumping. It significantly prevents water secretion after pouring, achieves a high strength surface after drying, minimizes shrinkage rate, controls water retention, and ensures a flat and flawless surface.

TENESSY® HPMC also improves the durability of wall putty by preventing shrinkage during drying. For building and interior design professionals, these properties make HPMC an essential additive for achieving high quality finishes.

3. HPMC in Self-leveling Compounds

Among the versatile HPMC uses, its role in self-leveling compounds is notable. TENESSY’s low viscosity HPMC are widely used in cement mortar systems for self-leveling floors. Self-leveling is an advanced ground hardening construction technology, in which the entire ground is leveled by the natural gravity flow of the mortar without manual intervention.

Contractors can pump self-leveling mortar by taking advantage of the excellent water retention of HPMC and the good fluidity of the mortar. This approach improves construction efficiency and significantly prevents the secretion of water after pouring. After the mortar dries, it exhibits high surface strength, a small shrinkage rate, controlled water retention, and a smooth, flawless surface.

4.HPMC in Daily Chemical Products

The personal care industry relies heavily on the versatility of HPMC. TENESSY® HPMC is used as a thickener, stabilizer and emulsifier in products such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions and toothpastes. Its ability to improve texture, control viscosity and stabilize formulations makes it a key ingredient in the manufacture of daily care products.
For example, one of the primary uses of HPMC in shampoos is to provide the smooth, consistent texture that consumers prefer. Similarly, in lotions and creams, HPMC enhances the spreadability of the product while ensuring that the formulation remains stable over time.

5. HPMC in Waterborne Paints and Coatings

TENESSY® HPMC has similar properties to other water-soluble ethers. Manufacturers use HPMC as a film former, thickener and stabilizer in waterborne coatings to provide good abrasion resistance and adhesion to the coating film. HPMC has good viscosity storage stability and excellent dispersibility, which makes it particularly suitable as a dispersant in emulsion coatings. It can also enhance the suspension of pigments and fillers, ensure uniform color distribution, and prevent sagging or dripping during application.

In addition, TENESSY® HPMC contributes to the durability of coatings by increasing their resistance to environmental factors such as humidity and temperature fluctuations. These properties make it the first choice for manufacturers seeking to produce high-performance, environmentally friendly coatings.

6. HPMC in Pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceutical industry leverages various HPMC uses, particularly in controlled-release tablets, syrups, and gels. This ensures that the active ingredients are released in a controlled manner, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of the drug.

In addition, manufacturers use HPMC as a thickener in syrups and gels to enhance their consistency and stability. Its non-toxicity and biocompatibility make it ideal for developers to utilize in various pharmaceutical applications, including capsules and ophthalmic solutions.

7. HPMC in Detergents

Among household applications, HPMC uses in detergents focus on thickening and stabilizing liquid formulations. It ensures that the detergent has the desired consistency and that the active detergent remains evenly distributed.
In addition to enhancing the texture of the detergent, HPMC also improves cleaning efficiency by stabilizing the foam and ensuring that the formulation remains effective over time. This application emphasizes the importance of HPMC in improving the quality of everyday household products.

II.Other Applications of HPMC

Although the above are the 7 major HPMC uses, its application scope also extends to other industries:
Food industry: HPMC is used as a thickener and emulsifier for sauces, dressings and bakery products.
Ceramics: It improves the workability and strength of ceramic glazes and adhesives.
Oil drilling: In the oil industry, HPMC is used as a viscosity regulator for drilling fluids, which can improve efficiency.

III.Why is the Use of HPMC so Valued?

The popularity of HPMC in various industries can be attributed to its excellent versatility and performance.Key HPMC uses such as water retention, thickening, stabilization and biocompatibility, enable it to meet the diverse needs of various applications. In addition, HPMC is environmentally friendly, safe and easy to use, making it the first choice for manufacturers aiming to improve product quality.

IV.Conclusion

The seven major HPMC uses outlined above illustrate its indispensable role in a variety of industries. From reinforcing construction materials to improving the performance of personal care products and pharmaceuticals, HPMC continues to revolutionize product formulations. Its adaptability, combined with its unique properties, ensures its relevance in modern industrial processes.
If you want to take advantage of HPMC to build your products, understanding its diverse applications is the first step to unlocking its potential, and TENESSY, as a supplier of cellulose, can provide you with the grade of HPMC that best suits your needs.