Name:
Other Names:
CAS No:
H.S Code:
Product Identity
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (H.P.M.C)
Cellulose ether
9004-65-3
391290000
Product Description
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is a semisynthetic, viscoelastic cellulose ether. It can dissolve in various organic solvents and water-organic solvent mixtures but does not gel when heated. Derived from cotton and wood, HPMC is non-toxic to humans.
Once dried, HPMC is hygroscopic but maintains stability. Its solutions are stable at a pH of 4-8 (in a 1% solution at 25°C). The viscosity of the solution decreases as temperature rises. HPMC can reversibly shift from a solution to a gel state with heating and cooling, with gelation temperatures ranging from 50 to 90°C depending on the grade and concentration.
HPMC’s aqueous solutions have anti-enzyme properties and stable viscosity over time. However, they are prone to microbial contamination, so preservatives are needed for storage. In ophthalmic eye drops, for instance, benzalkonium chloride is often added as a preservative.
Chemical/ Physical Analysis
Items | Viscosity | Remarks |
E4 | 3-4 Cps | E2910 |
E5 | 4-5 Cps | E2910 |
E15 | 13-15 Cps | E2910 |
E4M | 3000-5600 Cps | E2910 |
K100 | 90-120 Cps | K2208 |
K4M | 3000-5000 Cps | K2208 |
K100M | 80000-120000 Cps | K2208 |
Applications
- HPMC is mainly used as film-forming agent for film coating, gelling agent (gelling temperature is 60 degrees) and emulsifier, suspending agent and stabilizer for ointment.
- HPMC is used as a binder for pharmaceutical tablets, and the dosage is generally 1%-5%.
- HPMC can also be used as a thickener for eye drops at a concentration of 0.45%-1%.
Packaging
HPMC is available in 25kg fiber drums, 20KG cartons, Poly lined with pallets.