Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC)

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) is a versatile, non-ionic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose; a natural polymer found in plant cell walls. It appears as a white to off-white powder and is widely used across various industries due to its excellent thickening, binding, emulsifying, and film-forming properties. HPMC is valued for its high stability, ease of use, and compatibility with other ingredients.

Uses:

1. Construction Industry:
   • Acts as a thickener, binder, and water retention agent in cement-based materials such as mortar, plaster, and tile adhesives.
   • Improves workability, adhesion, and setting time in construction applications.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry:
   • Serves as a binder, film-former, and controlled-release agent in tablet formulations.
   • Used in capsule production as a vegetarian alternative to gelatin.
3. Food Industry:
   • Functions as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in processed foods.
   • Commonly used in low-fat and gluten-free products to enhance texture and consistency.
4. Personal Care and Cosmetics:
   • Used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in creams, lotions, shampoos, and other personal care products.
   • Provides a smooth texture and improves the stability of cosmetic formulations.
5. Paints and Coatings:
   • Improves the consistency and flow of paints, providing better coverage and stability.
   • Acts as a thickener and emulsifier in water-based paints.
6. Paper Industry:
   • Used in the paper-making process to improve paper strength and as a sizing agent to enhance printability.
7. Textile Industry:
   • Acts as a thickener and film-forming agent in textile printing and dyeing processes.