Definizione, Chimica e Ruolo Industriale — un riferimento completo per formulatori nei settori delle costruzioni, farmaceutico, alimentare, della cura personale e industriale.
L'HPMC è un etere di cellulosa non ionico, solubile in acqua, prodotto modificando chimicamente la cellulosa naturale derivata dalla pasta di legno o dal linter di cotone. Offre molteplici benefici funzionali — ritenzione idrica, addensamento, formazione di film, legame e miglioramento della lavorabilità — in un unico ingrediente versatile.
L'HPMC è prodotta facendo reagire cellulosa purificata con cloruro di metile e ossido di propilene in condizioni alcaline controllate. Questo processo introduce due tipi di gruppi sostituenti sulla struttura della cellulosa, ciascuno dei quali influenza in modo diverso il profilo prestazionale del prodotto finale.
Controllare la solubilità, il comportamento di gelificazione termica e l'attività superficiale dell'etere di cellulosa.
Influenzano la capacità di ritenzione idrica, lo sviluppo della viscosità e la compatibilità con altri ingredienti.
La combinazione e il rapporto di questi due sostituenti — espressi come grado di sostituzione metilica (DS) e sostituzione molare dell'idrossipropile (MS) — determinano il profilo prestazionale del grado. La viscosità, misurata in soluzione acquosa al 2% utilizzando i metodi Brookfield o Ubbelohde, è il parametro più comunemente utilizzato per la selezione del grado, variando da meno di 100 mPa·s a oltre 200.000 mPa·s a seconda del grado.
L'HPMC è non ionico — compatibile con un'ampia gamma di additivi, tensioattivi, sali e condizioni di pH. È anche biodegradabile, inodore, insapore e privo di materie prime di origine animale, rendendolo adatto per applicazioni regolamentate e sensibili, dalla malta secca agli eccipienti farmaceutici e ai sistemi alimentari.
La tabella seguente fornisce un riferimento tecnico generale per l'Idrossipropil Metil Cellulosa. I valori esatti variano in base al grado del prodotto, al livello di viscosità, al tipo di sostituzione, alla dimensione delle particelle, al trattamento superficiale e al metodo di prova. Queste informazioni sono intese come punto di partenza per la formulazione di riferimento, non come specifica finale del prodotto.
| Voce | Riferimento Tipico |
|---|---|
| Nome del Prodotto | Idrossipropil Metil Cellulosa |
| Abbreviazione | HPMC |
| CAS No. | 9004-65-3 |
| Codice Additivo Alimentare | E464 |
| Aspetto | Polvere da bianca a biancastra |
| Tipo Ionico | Non-ionico |
| Base Molecolare | Etere di cellulosa (cellulosa naturale modificata) |
| Fonte della Materia Prima | Polpa di legno o linter di cotone |
| Solubilità | Solubile in acqua fredda; insolubile in acqua calda al di sopra della temperatura di gelificazione; forma una soluzione viscosa |
| Gelificazione termica | Gelifica al riscaldamento; si ridissolve al raffreddamento (termicamente reversibile) |
| Intervallo di Viscosità | Gradi multipli: viscosità bassa / media / alta / extra-alta |
| Misurazione della Viscosità | Tipicamente in soluzione acquosa al 2% (Brookfield o Ubbelohde) |
| Trattamento Superficiale | Opzioni trattate (idratazione ritardata) o non trattate disponibili |
| Stabilità del pH | Stabile in un intervallo di pH approssimativo di 3–11 |
| Compatibilità Ionica | Compatibile con sistemi non ionici, anionici e molti cationici |
| Funzioni principali | Addensamento, ritenzione idrica, formazione di film, legante, lavorabilità, stabilizzazione |
| Sistemi di Applicazione | Malta secca, liquido, semisolido, farmaceutico, alimentare, industriale |
| Documenti disponibili | TDS, SDS, COA, raccomandazione del prodotto disponibili su richiesta |
Importante: Questa tabella è solo un riferimento generale. Per viscosità esatta, pH, contenuto di umidità, contenuto di ceneri, distribuzione granulometrica, contenuto di metossile, contenuto di idrossipropossile e valori specifici per grado, richiedere la scheda tecnica ufficiale (TDS) o il certificato di analisi (COA) a LANDERCOLL.
LANDERCOLL HPMC è disponibile in più direzioni di grado basate sul livello di viscosità, trattamento superficiale, comportamento di dissoluzione e applicazione target. Le informazioni seguenti sono progettate come riferimento per la selezione del prodotto. La selezione finale del grado deve sempre essere confermata tramite test di formulazione e discussione tecnica diretta con il nostro team.
Idratazione ritardata — dispersione più facile, ridotta formazione di grumi, dissoluzione controllata. Preferito per sistemi di malta secca.
Sviluppo di viscosità più rapido — idratazione veloce, adatto per formulazioni a dissoluzione rapida e idratazione diretta.
Nota: Gli intervalli di viscosità sopra elencati sono riferimenti approssimativi. I gradi effettivi di LANDERCOLL HPMC devono essere selezionati in base alla formulazione, al metodo di prova, all'ambiente applicativo e alla documentazione richiesta. Contattare il nostro team per raccomandazioni specifiche sul grado.
L'HPMC è un etere di cellulosa multifunzionale. Nella maggior parte delle applicazioni, contribuisce a più di un beneficio funzionale contemporaneamente. Di seguito è riportata una panoramica strutturata delle sue funzioni primarie nei diversi tipi di sistema.
Nei sistemi a base cementizia e a base di gesso, l'HPMC forma una rete polimerica che limita fisicamente la migrazione dell'acqua. I gradi a viscosità più elevata e i dosaggi più alti forniscono una ritenzione idrica più forte — prevenendo la rapida perdita d'acqua, l'idratazione incompleta e la fessurazione superficiale.
L'HPMC si dissolve in acqua fredda formando una soluzione viscosa e pseudoplastica (che si assottiglia al taglio). La viscosità diminuisce sotto sforzo di taglio durante la miscelazione e si ripristina a riposo — supportando sia la lavorabilità che la stabilità in posa in malta secca, detergenti, cura della persona e rivestimenti.
Nei materiali da costruzione a secco, l'HPMC rende la malta più liscia, più coesiva e più facile da spalmare, cazzuolare, raschiare e rifinire. È un risultato combinato di ritenzione idrica, costruzione della viscosità ed effetti lubrificanti — particolarmente apprezzato in adesivi per piastrelle, stucco per pareti e intonaco di gesso.
Supporta il controllo del flusso, la resistenza allo scivolamento, il comportamento di livellamento e la stabilità applicativa. Impedisce alla malta di scivolare su superfici verticali, contribuisce al flusso controllato nei composti autolivellanti e mantiene una viscosità stabile in rivestimenti e detergenti.
L'HPMC forma un film continuo e flessibile dopo l'evaporazione dell'acqua — utilizzato nel rivestimento di compresse farmaceutiche, sistemi di film commestibili, integrità superficiale nelle costruzioni e rivestimenti a base acquosa selezionati come componente legante.
Supporta l'integrità strutturale nella produzione di compresse, la resistenza a verde nella ceramica e la coesione nella malta secca. Aiuta anche a mantenere una sospensione uniforme di pigmenti, cariche, polveri minerali e principi attivi in rivestimenti, detergenti e sistemi farmaceutici.
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 | Direzione del voto consigliata | Requisiti Principali di Prestazione |
|---|---|---|
| Adesivo per piastrelle | Viscosità da alta a molto alta | Ritenzione d'acqua, tempo aperto, antiscivolo, sensazione di spatolatura |
| Stucco per pareti / Rasante | Viscosità da media ad alta | Rasatura liscia, ritenzione idrica, finitura superficiale |
| Intonaco di cemento | Viscosità da media ad alta | Lavorabilità, spalmabilità, ritenzione idrica |
| Intonaco di gesso | Viscosità da media ad alta | Smooth application, water management, consistency |
| Composti autolivellanti | Low to medium viscosity | Flow control, stability, controlled water retention |
| Malta per EIFS / ETICS | High viscosity | Open time, anti-sag, adhesion-related support |
| Malta impermeabile | Viscosità da media ad alta | Workability, uniform coating, stable consistency |
| Malta da muratura | Viscosità da media ad alta | Water retention, workability, bond support |
| Malta di Riparazione | Viscosità da media ad alta | Adhesion, workability, water retention |
| Detergente Liquido | Viscosità media | Texture, viscosity, storage stability |
| Cura della Persona | Low to medium viscosity | Smooth texture, viscosity control, stability |
| Applicazioni Farmaceutiche | Suitable pharmaceutical grade | Film coating, binding, controlled release, excipient |
| Food Applications | Suitable food grade (E464) | Thickening, stabilization, texture control |
| Ceramiche | Viscosità da media ad alta | Binding, green strength, suspension |
| Rivestimenti a Base d'Acqua | Low to medium viscosity | Thickening, film formation, particle suspension |
| Industrial Adhesives | Viscosità da media ad 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.
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.
| Applicazione | Typical Reference Dosage (% by weight) |
|---|---|
| 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 | 0.05% – 0.2% |
| Malta per EIFS / ETICS | 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% |
| 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.
Cura della Casa 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
Pharmaceutical applications require suitable grade selection, pharmacopoeial compliance, and relevant documentation. Contact LANDERCOLL to discuss pharmaceutical grade availability.
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.
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.
Film formation, binding, and surface integrity in paper coating and sizing applications.
Thickening, process control, and stability in specialty fluid formulations across various industrial sectors.
Viscosity building, suspension stability, and film formation in selected agricultural product systems.
Cellulose ethers are a family of water-soluble polymers, each with distinct chemical structures and performance profiles. LANDERCOLL supplies HPMC, HEMC/MHEC, HEC, and CMC — the four most widely used in industrial formulation. Understanding the differences helps formulators select the most appropriate product.
Versatile water retention, thickening, film forming, workability, broad application compatibility.
Construction · Pharma · Food · Personal care · Detergents · IndustrialStrong 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.
Imballaggio Standard
Raccomandazioni per la Conservazione
LANDERCOLL can provide product-related documentation to support formulation evaluation, purchasing review, technical communication, regulatory submission, and internal approval processes.
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.
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.
Yes. Hypromellose is the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) and pharmacopoeial name for HPMC. It is used in pharmaceutical and food regulatory contexts. HPMC and Hypromellose refer to the same chemical substance (CAS 9004-65-3).
Yes. HPMC is approved as a food additive under the code E464 in the European Union and is recognized in food regulations in many other markets. Food applications require suitable food-grade HPMC that meets applicable purity and safety standards, and compliance with the specific food regulations of the target market is required.
Yes. Suitable pharmaceutical grades — referred to as Hypromellose — are widely used as excipients in tablet manufacturing, film coating, controlled-release systems, HPMC capsule shells, and ophthalmic formulations. HPMC is listed in the USP/NF, Ph. Eur., and JP pharmacopoeias. Pharmaceutical applications require grades manufactured and tested to pharmacopoeial standards.
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.
We aim to support customers from initial product inquiry through formulation testing, sourcing decisions, and long-term supply cooperation — with consistent product quality and responsive communication.
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.
