Definition, Chemistry, and Industrial Role — a complete reference for formulators across construction, pharma, food, personal care, and industrial sectors.
HPMC is a water-soluble, non-ionic cellulose ether produced by chemically modifying natural cellulose derived from wood pulp or cotton linter. It delivers multiple functional benefits — water retention, thickening, film forming, binding, and workability improvement — within a single versatile ingredient.
HPMC is produced by reacting purified cellulose with methyl chloride and propylene oxide under controlled alkaline conditions. This process introduces two types of substituent groups onto the cellulose backbone, each influencing the final product's performance profile in different ways.
Control solubility, thermal gelation behavior, and surface activity of the cellulose ether.
Influence water retention capacity, viscosity development, and compatibility with other ingredients.
The combination and ratio of these two substituents — expressed as degree of methyl substitution (DS) and molar substitution of hydroxypropyl (MS) — determine the grade's performance profile. Viscosity, measured at 2% aqueous solution using Brookfield or Ubbelohde methods, is the most commonly referenced parameter for grade selection, ranging from below 100 mPa·s to above 200,000 mPa·s depending on the grade.
HPMC is non-ionic — compatible with a wide range of additives, surfactants, salts, and pH conditions. It is also biodegradable, odorless, tasteless, and free from animal-derived raw materials, making it suitable for regulated and sensitive applications from drymix mortar to pharmaceutical excipients and food systems.
The following table provides a general technical reference for Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose. Exact values vary by product grade, viscosity level, substitution type, particle size, surface treatment, and testing method. This information is intended as a formulation reference starting point, not a final product specification.
| Vare | Typisk Reference |
|---|---|
| Produktets navn | Hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose |
| Forkortelse | HPMC |
| CAS-nummer | 9004-65-3 |
| Fødevaretilsætningskode | E464 |
| Udseende | Hvidt til råhvidt pulver |
| Ionisk type | Ikke-ionisk |
| Molekylær basis | Celluloseether (modificeret naturlig cellulose) |
| Råmaterialekilde | Træmasse eller bomuldsrester |
| Opløselighed | Soluble in cold water; insoluble in hot water above gelation temperature; forms viscous solution |
| Termisk gelering | Gels upon heating; re-dissolves upon cooling (thermally reversible) |
| Viskositetsinterval | cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits |
| Viskositetsmåling | Typically at 2% aqueous solution (Brookfield or Ubbelohde) |
| cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits | Treated (delayed hydration) or untreated options available |
| pH-stabilitet | Stable across approximately pH 3–11 |
| cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits | Compatible with non-ionic, anionic, and many cationic systems |
| Nøglefunktioner | Thickening, water retention, film forming, binding, workability, stabilization |
| Application Systems | Drymix, liquid, semi-solid, pharmaceutical, food, industrial |
| Tilgængelige dokumenter | TDS, SDS, COA, produktanbefaling tilgængelig på forespørgsel |
Important: This table is a general reference only. For exact viscosity, pH, moisture content, ash content, particle size distribution, methoxyl content, hydroxypropoxyl content, and grade-specific values, please request the official TDS or COA from LANDERCOLL.
LANDERCOLL HPMC is available in multiple grade directions based on viscosity level, surface treatment, dissolution behavior, and target application. The information below is designed as a product selection reference. Final grade selection should always be confirmed through formulation testing and direct technical discussion with our team.
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HPMC is a multifunctional cellulose ether. In most applications, it contributes more than one functional benefit simultaneously. Below is a structured overview of its primary functions across different system types.
In cement-based and gypsum-based systems, HPMC forms a polymer network that physically restricts water migration. Higher viscosity grades and higher dosage levels provide stronger water retention — preventing rapid water loss, incomplete hydration, and surface cracking.
HPMC dissolves in cold water to form a viscous, pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) solution. Viscosity decreases under shear during mixing and recovers at rest — supporting both processability and in-place stability across drymix mortar, detergents, personal care, and coatings.
In drymix construction materials, HPMC makes mortar smoother, more cohesive, and easier to spread, trowel, scrape, and finish. It is a combined result of water retention, viscosity building, and lubrication effects — particularly valued in tile adhesive, wall putty, and gypsum plaster.
Supports flow control, sag resistance, leveling behavior, and application stability. Prevents mortar from sliding on vertical surfaces, contributes to controlled flow in self-leveling compounds, and maintains stable viscosity in coatings and detergents.
HPMC forms a continuous, flexible film after water evaporation — used in pharmaceutical tablet coating, edible film systems, construction surface integrity, and selected water-based coatings as a binder component.
Supports structural integrity in tablet manufacturing, green strength in ceramics, and cohesion in drymix mortar. Also helps maintain uniform suspension of pigments, fillers, mineral powders, and active ingredients in coatings, detergents, and pharmaceutical systems.
HPMC grade selection should always start from the application. A grade optimized for tile adhesive will not necessarily perform well in a detergent, personal care, or pharmaceutical system. The table below provides a structured reference for common application-to-grade matching.
| Anvendelse | Anbefalet klassificeringsretning | Hovedpræstationskrav |
|---|---|---|
| Fliseklæber | High to extra-high viscosity | Water retention, open time, anti-slip, troweling feel |
| Spartelmasse til vægge / Skim Coat | Medium to high viscosity | Smooth scraping, water retention, surface finish |
| Cementpuds / Gips | Medium to high viscosity | Workability, spreadability, water retention |
| Gips Puds | Medium to high viscosity | Smooth application, water management, consistency |
| Selvudjævnende forbindelser | Low to medium viscosity | Flow control, stability, controlled water retention |
| EIFS / ETICS Mortar | Høj viskositet | Open time, anti-sag, adhesion-related support |
| Vandtæt mørtel | Medium to high viscosity | Workability, uniform coating, stable consistency |
| Murermørtel | Medium to high viscosity | Water retention, workability, bond support |
| Reparationsmørtel | Medium to high viscosity | Adhesion, workability, water retention |
| Flydende vaskemiddel | Medium viskositet | Texture, viscosity, storage stability |
| Personlig pleje | Low to medium viscosity | Smooth texture, viscosity control, stability |
| Pharmaceutical Applications | Suitable pharmaceutical grade | Film coating, binding, controlled release, excipient |
| Food Applications | Suitable food grade (E464) | Thickening, stabilization, texture control |
| Keramik | Medium to high viscosity | Binding, green strength, suspension |
| Vandbaserede belægninger | Low to medium viscosity | Thickening, film formation, particle suspension |
| Industrial Adhesives | Medium to high viscosity | Binding, cohesion, process stability |
Grade direction is a starting reference. Final selection should be confirmed through laboratory testing under your specific formulation conditions, water quality, temperature range, and application method.
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| Anvendelse | Typisk Reference Dosering (% efter vægt) |
|---|---|
| Fliseklæber | 0.2% – 0.5% |
| Spartelmasse til vægge / Skim Coat | 0.2% – 0.5% |
| Cementpuds / Gips | 0.15% – 0.4% |
| Gips Puds | 0.1% – 0.3% |
| Murermørtel | 0.1% – 0.3% |
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| EIFS / ETICS Mortar | 0.2% – 0.5% |
| Vandtæt mørtel | 0.15% – 0.4% |
| Reparationsmørtel | 0.15% – 0.4% |
| Flydende vaskemiddel | 0.2% – 1.0% |
| Personlig pleje | 0.1% – 1.0% |
| Vandbaserede belægninger | 0.1% – 0.8% |
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Hjemmepleje & Rengøringsmidler
As a non-ionic polymer, HPMC is compatible with anionic and non-ionic surfactant systems commonly used in cleaning products. It builds smooth, stable viscosity that improves product appearance, pourability, and consumer perception — while helping maintain uniform suspension of insoluble components.
Typiske Anvendelser
Personlig pleje
In personal care systems, HPMC functions as a viscosity modifier, texture enhancer, and formulation stabilizer. It is water-soluble, non-ionic, and free from animal-derived raw materials — making it suitable for a wide range of rinse-off and leave-on products where smooth, consistent texture and formulation stability across temperature and storage conditions are required.
Typiske Anvendelser
Suitable pharmaceutical grades of HPMC — referred to as Hypromellose in pharmacopoeial standards — are widely used as functional excipients in solid dosage forms, film coatings, and controlled-release systems. HPMC is recognized in the USP/NF, Ph. Eur., and JP pharmacopoeias.
Only grades manufactured and tested to pharmacopoeial standards should be used. Grade selection is based on viscosity grade, substitution type, regulatory compliance, and documentation requirements.
Typiske Anvendelser
Farmaceutiske applikationer kræver passende kvalitetsvalg, farmakopeoverholdelse og relevant dokumentation. Kontakt LANDERCOLL for at drøfte tilgængeligheden af farmaceutisk kvalitet.
Discuss Pharma GradesHydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose is approved as a food additive under E464 in the European Union and is recognized in food regulations in many other markets. Suitable food-grade HPMC may be used as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, film former, and texture modifier.
Food applications require HPMC grades meeting relevant food safety standards including purity specifications, heavy metal limits, and microbiological requirements. Compliance with the specific food regulations of the target market is required.
Typiske Anvendelser
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Versatile water retention, thickening, film forming, workability, broad application compatibility.
Byggeri · Pharma · Fødevarer · Personlig pleje · Rengøringsmidler · IndustriStrong construction performance, excellent water retention, good anti-sag in drymix mortar.
Tile adhesive · Wall putty · Cement plaster · Gypsum · EIFS/ETICSExcellent rheology control in aqueous systems, strong latex compatibility for coatings.
Water-based paints · Coatings · Cleaners · Personal careThickening, binding, stabilization, texture control; cost-effective across many systems.
Food · Detergents · Ceramics · Pharma · Oilfield · PaperBoth are non-ionic cellulose ethers for drymix construction materials and can deliver similar core functions. The choice depends on specific performance targets, regional market preferences, formulation system, and cost considerations. In many markets, HEMC/MHEC is preferred for high-performance tile adhesive and plaster due to its water retention profile. HPMC remains widely used globally across a broader range of industries.
For water-based architectural coatings and latex paint systems, HEC is generally the preferred cellulose ether due to its strong compatibility with latex polymers and its well-established use in paint formulation. HPMC may be considered in specific coating systems, texture coatings, or where its film-forming or thermal gelation properties offer a formulation advantage.
Designed for drymix construction materials requiring water retention, workability improvement, open time extension, anti-sag performance, and application consistency. Surface-treated grades commonly used.
Designed for home care and cleaning systems where viscosity building, texture stability, product body, and storage stability are important. Compatible with common anionic and non-ionic surfactant systems.
Designed for personal care products where smooth texture, stable viscosity, and user-friendly application feel are required. Non-ionic and compatible with a wide range of personal care actives.
Manufactured and tested to pharmacopoeial standards (USP/NF, Ph. Eur., JP). For pharmaceutical excipient applications where binding, coating, controlled release, or film performance may be required.
Compliant with applicable food additive regulations. Designed for food systems where texture control, water management, stabilization, and formulation consistency are required.
Designed for specialty industrial systems requiring thickening, binding, suspension stability, and process control across various non-food, non-pharma applications.
LANDERCOLL HPMC is supplied in industrial packaging suitable for transportation, storage, and production handling. Cellulose ether powders are hygroscopic — proper storage conditions help maintain powder flowability, dissolution performance, and application effectiveness throughout product shelf life.
Standardemballage
Opbevaringsanbefalinger
LANDERCOLL kan levere produktrelateret dokumentation til støtte for formuleringsevaluering, indkøbsrevision, teknisk kommunikation, regulatorisk indsendelse og interne godkendelsesprocesser.
Tilgængelige dokumenter
All documentation is provided to help customers complete their internal evaluation, purchasing approval, and regulatory review processes efficiently. Contact our team to request specific documents for your application or market requirements.
Anmod om produktdokumenterTo help our team recommend the most suitable HPMC grade for your application, please include as much of the following information as possible when contacting us. A detailed inquiry allows us to provide a more accurate grade recommendation and support your evaluation more efficiently.
Product application (e.g., tile adhesive, wall putty, shampoo, tablet coating) and formulation system type (cement-based, gypsum-based, liquid, semi-solid, other).
Current HPMC grade or reference viscosity, if available. Main performance target — e.g., water retention, open time, viscosity level, texture, stability.
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Surface-treated HPMC delays hydration when it contacts water, preventing premature lump formation and allowing the powder to disperse evenly before viscosity develops — commonly preferred in drymix mortar systems. Non-surface-treated HPMC dissolves more quickly and is preferred in systems where fast viscosity development is required.
The right HPMC grade depends on your application, required viscosity level, formulation system type (cement-based, gypsum-based, liquid, semi-solid), processing conditions, dissolution behavior requirement, and final performance targets. Contact LANDERCOLL with your application details, and our team can recommend suitable grade directions and support your formulation evaluation.
Yes. HPMC is one of the most versatile cellulose ethers, used across construction, home care, personal care, pharmaceuticals, food, coatings, ceramics, and specialty industrial sectors. Different industries require different grade selections — contact LANDERCOLL to identify the most suitable grade direction for your specific application and market.
LANDERCOLL focuses on cellulose ether products — HPMC, HEMC/MHEC, HEC, and CMC. This product focus allows us to develop deeper application knowledge and provide more relevant technical support compared to general chemical distributors.
We help customers select HPMC based on real performance requirements — water retention, viscosity level, workability, open time, texture, stability, and processing behavior — rather than simply offering a product catalog.
LANDERCOLL HPMC supports customers in construction materials, detergents, personal care, pharmaceuticals, food, coatings, ceramics, and specialty industrial sectors across multiple global markets.
We provide TDS, SDS, COA, product recommendation documents, and application guides to support your evaluation, purchasing review, and internal approval processes.
Vi sigter mod at støtte kunder fra den indledende produktforespørgsel gennem formuleringstest, indkøbsbeslutninger og langvarigt leveringssamarbejde — med konsekvent produktkvalitet og responsiv kommunikation.
LANDERCOLL HPMC supports manufacturers across construction materials, detergents, personal care, pharmaceuticals, food, coatings, ceramics, and specialty industrial applications. Whether you are developing a new formulation, optimizing an existing product, or evaluating a new cellulose ether supplier, our team can help you identify the most suitable grade and provide the documentation and technical support you need.
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