Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, HPMC

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is the propylene glycol ether of methylcellulose, in which the hydroxypropyl and methyl groups are combined with the anhydrous glucose ring of cellulose through ether bonds. It is a white to off-white cellulose powder or granule with Similar cold water soluble and hot water insoluble properties to methyl cellulose.

Its solubility in organic solvents is better than water solubility, and it can be dissolved in anhydrous methanol and ethanol solutions, as well as in organic solvents such as chlorinated hydrocarbons and ketones. Dissolved in water, its aqueous solution has surface activity and forms a film after drying. After heating and cooling, it undergoes a reversible transformation from sol to gel.

It can be used alone in cold drinks or in combination with other emulsifiers and stabilizers. The maximum dosage in cold drinks is 1%. In recent years, it has been widely used in petrochemical, papermaking, leather, textile printing and dyeing, medicine, food, cosmetics and other industries as dispersants, thickeners, adhesives, excipients, capsules, oil-resistant coatings and fillers, etc.