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.
| Voce | Riferimento Tipico |
|---|---|
| Nome del prodotto | Idrossipropil metilcellulosa |
| Abbreviazione | HPMC |
| Numero CAS | 9004-65-3 |
| Codice additivo alimentare | E464 |
| Aspetto | Polvere da bianca a biancastra |
| Tipo Ionico | Non ionico |
| Base Molecolare | Eter di cellulosa (cellulosa naturale modificata) |
| Fonte della materia prima | Polpa di legno o cotone linter |
| Solubilità | Soluble in cold water; insoluble in hot water above gelation temperature; forms viscous solution |
| Gelificazione termica | Gels upon heating; re-dissolves upon cooling (thermally reversible) |
| Intervallo di viscosità | Più livelli: viscosità bassa / media / alta / extra-alta |
| Misurazione della viscosità | Typically at 2% aqueous solution (Brookfield or Ubbelohde) |
| Trattamento superficiale | Treated (delayed hydration) or untreated options available |
| Stabilità del pH | Stable across approximately pH 3–11 |
| Compatibilità ionica | Compatible with non-ionic, anionic, and many cationic systems |
| Funzioni Chiave | Thickening, water retention, film forming, binding, workability, stabilization |
| Application Systems | Drymix, liquid, semi-solid, pharmaceutical, food, industrial |
| Documenti disponibili | TDS, SDS, COA, raccomandazioni sul prodotto disponibili su richiesta |
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.
| Applicazione | Indicazioni raccomandate sulla qualità | Requisiti principali di prestazione |
|---|---|---|
| Adesivo per piastrelle | High to extra-high viscosity | Water retention, open time, anti-slip, troweling feel |
| Stucco per pareti / Rasante | Viscosità da media a alta | Smooth scraping, water retention, surface finish |
| Intonaco di cemento | Viscosità da media a alta | Workability, spreadability, water retention |
| Intonaco di gesso | Viscosità da media a alta | Smooth application, water management, consistency |
| Composti autolivellanti | Viscosità da bassa a media | Flow control, stability, controlled water retention |
| EIFS / ETICS Mortar | Viscosità alta | Open time, anti-sag, adhesion-related support |
| Malta impermeabile | Viscosità da media a alta | Workability, uniform coating, stable consistency |
| Malta da muratura | Viscosità da media a alta | Water retention, workability, bond support |
| Malta di Riparazione | Viscosità da media a alta | Adhesion, workability, water retention |
| Detergente Liquido | Viscosità media | Texture, viscosity, storage stability |
| Cura della persona | Viscosità da bassa a media | 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 |
| Ceramica | Viscosità da media a alta | Binding, green strength, suspension |
| Rivestimenti a Base d'Acqua | Viscosità da bassa a media | Thickening, film formation, particle suspension |
| Industrial Adhesives | Viscosità da media a alta | 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.
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| Applicazione | Dosaggio di riferimento tipico (% in peso) |
|---|---|
| Adesivo per piastrelle | 0,2% – 0,5% |
| Stucco per pareti / Rasante | 0,2% – 0,5% |
| Intonaco di cemento | 0.15% – 0.4% |
| Intonaco di gesso | 0.1% – 0.3% |
| Malta da muratura | 0.1% – 0.3% |
| Composti autolivellanti | cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits |
| EIFS / ETICS Mortar | 0,2% – 0,5% |
| Malta impermeabile | 0.15% – 0.4% |
| Malta di Riparazione | 0.15% – 0.4% |
| Detergente Liquido | 0.2% – 1.0% |
| Cura della persona | 0,1% – 1,0% |
| Rivestimenti a Base d'Acqua | 0.1% – 0.8% |
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Assistenza Domestica e Detergenti
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.
Applicazioni Tipiche
Cura della persona
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.
Applicazioni Tipiche
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.
Applicazioni Tipiche
Le applicazioni farmaceutiche richiedono una selezione di qualità adeguata, conformità alle farmacopee e documentazione pertinente. Contattare LANDERCOLL per discutere la disponibilità di qualità farmaceutica.
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.
Applicazioni Tipiche
Food applications require suitable grade selection and compliance with applicable food regulations in the target market.
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Costruzione · Farmaceutico · Alimentare · Cura personale · Detergenti · IndustrialeStrong 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.
Alimentare · Detergenti · Ceramica · Farmaceutico · Campi petroliferi · CartaBoth 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.
Imballaggio standard
Raccomandazioni per la conservazione
LANDERCOLL può fornire documentazione relativa al prodotto per supportare la valutazione della formulazione, la revisione degli acquisti, la comunicazione tecnica, le pratiche regolatorie e i processi di approvazione interna.
Documenti disponibili
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.
Richiedi Documenti del ProdottoTo 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.
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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.
Il nostro obiettivo è supportare i clienti dall'iniziale richiesta di prodotto fino ai test di formulazione, alle decisioni di approvvigionamento e alla cooperazione di fornitura a lungo termine — con qualità del prodotto costante e comunicazione reattiva.
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.
