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.
| Item | Referensi Umum |
|---|---|
| Nama Produk | Hidroksipropil Metil Selulosa |
| Singkatan | HPMC |
| No. CAS | 9004-65-3 |
| Kode Bahan Tambahan Makanan | E464 |
| Penampilan | Serbuk putih hingga putih pudar |
| Tipe Ionik | Non-ionik |
| Dasar Molekuler | Eter selulosa (selulosa alami yang dimodifikasi) |
| Sumber Bahan Baku | Serat kayu atau serat kapas |
| Kelarutan | Soluble in cold water; insoluble in hot water above gelation temperature; forms viscous solution |
| Gelasi Termal | Membentuk gel saat dipanaskan; larut kembali saat didinginkan (dapat dibalik secara termal) |
| Rentang Viskositas | Beberapa tingkat: viskositas rendah / sedang / tinggi / sangat tinggi |
| Pengukuran Viskositas | Biasanya pada larutan air 2% (Brookfield atau Ubbelohde) |
| Perlakuan Permukaan | Diperlakukan (penundaan hidrasi) atau opsi tanpa perlakuan tersedia |
| Stabilitas pH | Stabil di kisaran pH 3–11 |
| Kesesuaian Ionik | Kompatibel dengan sistem non-ionik, anionik, dan banyak kationik |
| Fungsi Utama | Thickening, water retention, film forming, binding, workability, stabilization |
| Application Systems | Drymix, liquid, semi-solid, pharmaceutical, food, industrial |
| Dokumen Tersedia | TDS, SDS, COA, rekomendasi produk tersedia atas permintaan |
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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| Aplikasi | Rekomendasi Arah Kelas | Persyaratan Kinerja Utama |
|---|---|---|
| Perekat Ubin | Viskositas tinggi hingga sangat tinggi | Retensi air, waktu buka, anti-selip, sensasi saat dioleskan dengan sekop |
| Dempul Dinding / Lapisan Skim | Viskositas sedang hingga tinggi | Pengikisan halus, retensi air, hasil akhir permukaan |
| Render Semen / Plester | Viskositas sedang hingga tinggi | Kemudahan kerja, penyebaran, retensi air |
| Plester Gipsum | Viskositas sedang hingga tinggi | Aplikasi halus, pengelolaan air, konsistensi |
| Senyawa yang dapat meratakan sendiri | Viskositas rendah hingga sedang | Flow control, stability, controlled water retention |
| Mortar EIFS / ETICS | Viskositas tinggi | Waktu terbuka, anti-sag, dukungan terkait adhesi |
| Mortar Tahan Air | Viskositas sedang hingga tinggi | Kemampuan kerja, pelapisan seragam, konsistensi stabil |
| Mortar Masonry | Viskositas sedang hingga tinggi | Water retention, workability, bond support |
| Mortar Perbaikan | Viskositas sedang hingga tinggi | Adhesion, workability, water retention |
| Deterjen Cair | Viskositas sedang | Texture, viscosity, storage stability |
| Perawatan Pribadi | Viskositas rendah hingga sedang | 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 | Viskositas sedang hingga tinggi | Binding, green strength, suspension |
| Pelapis Berbasis Air | Viskositas rendah hingga sedang | Thickening, film formation, particle suspension |
| Industrial Adhesives | Viskositas sedang hingga tinggi | 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.
HPMC dosage depends on formulation design, raw material quality, target performance, ambient temperature, water quality, substrate type, and production process. The following ranges are general starting points for laboratory evaluation — not fixed usage standards.
For tile adhesive: 0.2%–0.5% is a widely referenced industry starting range. However, final dosage must be confirmed through laboratory testing and on-site performance evaluation, as substrate porosity, tile size, ambient temperature, and cement type all affect the optimal dosage.
| Aplikasi | Dosis Referensi Tipikal (% berdasarkan berat) |
|---|---|
| Perekat Ubin | 0.2% – 0.5% |
| Dempul Dinding / Lapisan Skim | 0.2% – 0.5% |
| Render Semen / Plester | 0.15% – 0.4% |
| Plester Gipsum | 0.1% – 0.3% |
| Mortar Masonry | 0.1% – 0.3% |
| Senyawa yang dapat meratakan sendiri | 0.05% – 0.2% |
| Mortar EIFS / ETICS | 0.2% – 0.5% |
| Mortar Tahan Air | 0.15% – 0.4% |
| Mortar Perbaikan | 0.15% – 0.4% |
| Deterjen Cair | 0.2% – 1.0% |
| Perawatan Pribadi | 0.1% – 1.0% |
| Pelapis Berbasis Air | 0.1% – 0.8% |
| Food / Pharma / Specialty | Depends on grade, regulation, and formulation design |
These dosage ranges are general starting points. Adjust based on testing results under your specific formulation, raw materials, and application conditions.
Construction is the largest and most established application area for HPMC globally — a critical additive for water retention, workability, open time, and anti-sag performance.
In drymix mortar systems, HPMC functions simultaneously as a water-retaining agent, rheology modifier, and workability enhancer. Without HPMC, cement-based and gypsum-based mortars tend to lose water too quickly to the substrate, resulting in poor hydration, weak bond strength, surface cracking, and difficult application.
Water retention, open time extension, anti-slip behavior, and troweling feel. High to extra-high viscosity grades, 0.2%–0.5% dosage. Surface-treated grades commonly preferred.
Scraping smoothness, water retention, surface finish quality. Medium to high viscosity, 0.2%–0.5% dosage.
Controlled water retention without over-retarding set time. Smooth spreading, consistent texture, reduced surface defects. Medium to high viscosity grades.
Cement render, masonry mortar, self-leveling compounds, EIFS/ETICS, waterproof mortar, repair mortar, insulation mortar, joint fillers.
Perawatan Rumah & Deterjen
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.
Aplikasi Tipikal
Perawatan Pribadi
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Aplikasi Tipikal
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.
Aplikasi Tipikal
Aplikasi farmasi memerlukan pemilihan grade yang sesuai, kepatuhan farmakope, dan dokumentasi yang relevan. Hubungi LANDERCOLL untuk membahas ketersediaan grade farmasi.
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.
Aplikasi Tipikal
Food applications require suitable grade selection and compliance with applicable food regulations in the target market.
Discuss Food GradesHPMC can be used in selected water-based coatings and specialty industrial systems where thickening, film formation, binding, suspension control, and process stability are required. In architectural coatings, HEC is more commonly used as the primary cellulose ether thickener; however, HPMC can be suitable in specific coating formulations and industrial systems.
Key performance benefits include viscosity control and thickening, film formation and surface integrity, binding and cohesion in ceramic and industrial systems, suspension stability for pigments and fillers, and process consistency in extrusion and forming operations.
Selected architectural and decorative systems where HPMC's film-forming or thermal gelation properties offer a formulation advantage.
Decorative and texture coatings requiring stable viscosity, film formation, and consistent application behavior.
Binding, cohesion support, and process stability in adhesive and sealant formulations.
Green body forming, extrusion, pressing — binding, green strength, and suspension support before firing.
Viscosity control and rheology management in textile printing formulations.
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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.
Kemasan Standar
Rekomendasi Penyimpanan
LANDERCOLL dapat menyediakan dokumentasi terkait produk untuk mendukung evaluasi formulasi, tinjauan pembelian, komunikasi teknis, pengajuan regulasi, dan proses persetujuan internal.
Dokumen Tersedia
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.
Permintaan Dokumen ProdukTo 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.
Testing method or standard used, if applicable. Required quantity — sample, trial, or commercial volume.
Destination country or target market. Documentation requirements (TDS, SDS, COA, food/pharma compliance documents). Timeline for evaluation or sourcing decision.
HPMC (CAS 9004-65-3) is used as a multifunctional cellulose ether additive across many industries. Its primary functions include water retention, thickening, workability improvement, film formation, binding, and formulation stabilization. Most widely used in drymix construction materials, and also in detergents, personal care, pharmaceutical excipients, food systems (E464), coatings, ceramics, and specialty industrial applications.
In tile adhesive, HPMC improves water retention to support cement hydration, extends open time to give installers more working time, provides anti-slip behavior to prevent tiles from sliding on vertical surfaces, and improves troweling feel and application consistency. High to extra-high viscosity grades are typically used, at dosages of 0.2%–0.5% of the dry mix weight.
Tile adhesive commonly uses high to extra-high viscosity HPMC, typically in the range of 50,000–200,000 mPa·s (measured at 2% aqueous solution). The exact viscosity grade depends on the formulation type, tile size and weight, required open time, anti-slip performance target, and application conditions. Final grade selection should be confirmed through formulation testing.
The typical reference dosage for HPMC in tile adhesive is 0.2%–0.5% by weight of the dry mix. This range is widely referenced in the drymix mortar industry as a starting point. However, the optimal dosage depends on the specific formulation, cement type, filler quality, target open time, water retention requirement, and application conditions. Final dosage must be confirmed through laboratory and field testing.
In wall putty and skim coat, HPMC improves water retention to prevent rapid drying, enhances scraping smoothness and surface finish quality, improves spreading behavior and workability, and helps maintain consistent product texture during application. Medium to high viscosity grades are typically used at dosages of 0.2%–0.5%.
HPMC uses hydroxypropyl groups while HEMC uses hydroxyethyl groups on the cellulose backbone, affecting water retention profile, dissolution behavior, and performance in specific applications. Both are used in tile adhesive, wall putty, and plaster. HPMC is more widely used across multiple industries including pharma, food, and personal care, while HEMC/MHEC is particularly established in European drymix construction markets.
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