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Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose HPMC
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Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose HPMC, also known as hypromellose, is a semi-synthetic, non-ionic cellulose ether derived by chemically modifying cellulose through methylation and hydroxypropylation. It is a white to off-white, odorless, tasteless powder that dissolves in cold water to form clear, viscous solutions. HPMC is renowned for its thickening, film-forming, emulsifying, and controlled-release properties. It is widely used in pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetics, construction, and industrial applications due to its safety profile, versatility, and compatibility with various ingredients.
Description
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose HPMC
Primary Uses
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Used as a binder, film former, and controlled-release agent in oral solid dosage forms such as tablets and capsules.
- Employed as a viscosity enhancer and suspending agent in ophthalmic solutions, gels, and topical formulations.
- Acts as a matrix polymer in sustained-release drug delivery systems, regulating drug dissolution and absorption.
- Serves as a protective colloid and stabilizer in various pharmaceutical suspensions and emulsions.
- Food Industry
- Utilized as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in bakery products, dairy alternatives, sauces, and dressings.
- Functions as a gluten substitute in gluten-free baking, improving texture and moisture retention.
- Acts as an anti-caking agent and film former in edible coatings and wraps.
- Cosmetics and Personal Care
- Incorporated as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and film former in creams, lotions, shampoos, and sunscreens.
- Enhances product texture, improves spreadability, and stabilizes emulsions.
- Provides moisturizing and protective effects in topical formulations.
- Construction Industry
- Used as a water retention agent and thickener in cement, mortar, and plaster formulations.
- Improves workability, adhesion, and surface smoothness of building materials.
- Industrial Applications
- Functions as a thickener, binder, and stabilizer in paints, coatings, adhesives, and printing inks.
- Employed in ceramics and paper manufacturing as a binder and rheology modifier.
Secondary Uses
- Oil & Gas Industry
- Applied as a viscosifier and stabilizer in drilling fluids and fracturing gels.
- Textile Industry
- Used as a sizing agent and thickener in textile printing and finishing processes.
- Biomedical Research
- Utilized in tissue engineering and as a component in hydrogel scaffolds due to its biocompatibility.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
- Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
- Common/Trade Name: HPMC, Hypromellose
- CAS Number: 9004-65-3
- HS Code: 3912.90.00
- Molecular Formula: Variable polymer (C12H20O10)n substituted with methyl and hydroxypropyl groups
- Synonyms: Hypromellose, Methocel, Methocel E series
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: White to off-white powder
- Odor: Odorless
- Solubility: Soluble in cold water forming clear, viscous solutions; insoluble in organic solvents
- Viscosity Range: Adjustable from low to high depending on substitution and molecular weight
- pH Stability: Stable between pH 3 to 11
- Thermal Stability: Stable up to approximately 200–220 °C (degradation above this range)
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Generally regarded as safe; non-toxic, non-irritating
- Toxicity: Low acute toxicity; non-sensitizing
- Exposure Limits: No occupational exposure limits established
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and heat
- Container Type: Sealed polyethylene bags or drums
- Shelf Life: Typically 24 months under recommended conditions
- Handling Precautions: Avoid dust formation and inhalation; use dust masks if necessary
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Approved for use in pharmaceuticals (USP/NF), food (FDA GRAS), and cosmetics globally
- Listed in pharmacopoeias and cosmetic ingredient directories (INCI: Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose)
- Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions
- Ecotoxicity: Low toxicity to aquatic life
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
- Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Dust mask, gloves, and safety goggles when handling powder
- Handling Guidelines: Minimize dust generation; use in well-ventilated areas
- Storage Measures: Keep container sealed and dry
- First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop
- Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical attention if irritation occurs
- Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; consult a physician if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Rinse mouth; low toxicity but seek medical advice if large quantities are swallowed
- Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible solid; burns with a yellow flame
- Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, CO₂
- Special Precautions: Avoid inhalation of smoke; wear protective equipment
- Decomposition Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and other toxic fumes
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