- In addition to its many uses in the food industry, HPMC is also used in many other areas. For example, in the building materials industry to regulate flow properties, in the production of cosmetics such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap, cream and lotion and in the pharmaceutical industry as a component of medicines.
- In the paint industry, for example, HEC is commonly used as a thickener to control the flow and leveling of the paint. By adjusting the concentration of HEC in the paint formulation, manufacturers can achieve the desired viscosity for brushability and sag resistance. Similarly, in the pharmaceutical industry, HEC is used as a viscosity modifier in oral suspensions and ophthalmic solutions to ensure proper dosing and administration.
- The selection of the appropriate HEC viscosity and concentration depends on the specific application requirements
- Ashland Hydroxyethyl Cellulose A Versatile Additive for Industrial Applications
Have you ever wondered what hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was? In this article I’ll cover in plain english what is it, what it’s used for and whether it’s safe to eat.

For further in-depth information please contact your local distributor.



When the formulation is applied to a substrate, the water evaporates, and HPMC forms a continuous film on the surface. This film provides adhesion, cohesion, and improved workability to the construction material. The thickening property of HPMC is a result of its long and flexible polymer chains, which entangle and interact with other particles in the formulation, leading to increased viscosity.
If you’re looking for cellulose ethers as a functional additive in your dry mortar mixes, you may be wondering about the differences between hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) and methyl cellulose (MC). Both HPMC and MC are cellulose-based polymers derived from plant cellulose. They’re non-toxic, biodegradable and non-carcinogenic. So what’s the difference between them? In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between HPMC and MC and help you decide which one is right for your needs.
(1) Construction industry: As a water-retaining agent and retarder of cement mortar, it makes the mortar pumpable. Use plaster, gypsum, putty powder or other building materials as adhesives to improve the applicability and prolong the operation time. It can be used to paste ceramic tile, marble, plastic decoration, paste reinforcing agent, and reduce the amount of cement. The water-retaining property of HPMC prevents the slurry from cracking due to drying too fast after smearing and enhances the strength.

The majority of the available studies have been performed in rats, just few of them in rabbits and dogs. Among those meeting the current criteria for toxicological testing, the no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) values for the different modified celluloses were identified most often corresponding to the highest tested level or changes in body or organ weights. For microcrystalline cellulose (E 460) the identified NOAELs in rats ranged from 3,769 mg/kg body weight (bw) per day to 9,000 mg/kg bw per day and in all cases corresponded to the highest levels of the test substance. For methyl cellulose (E 461), the dose level of 3% in rats (equivalent to 2,700 mg/kw bw per day) was selected as the NOAEL based on a decrease in body and organ weight displayed in male rats administered with the top additive level (10%, equivalent to 9,000 mg/kg bw per day and day).

