(different grades of hpmc)
Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) is classified into multiple grades based on viscosity, substitution levels, and particle size. Over 68% of industrial applications require specific HPMC grades to meet performance benchmarks. The global HPMC market, valued at $1.2 billion in 2023, shows a 6.8% CAGR growth driven by pharmaceutical (42% demand) and construction (35% usage) sectors.
Key technical parameters differentiate HPMC grades:
High-substitution grades (DS ≥1.8) demonstrate 23% better thermal stability than standard grades, critical for ceramic manufacturing above 300°C.
Manufacturer | Viscosity Range | Substitution Level | Applications | Price (USD/kg) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Ashland | 40-100,000 | 1.8-2.0 | Pharma, Coatings | 8.5-22.4 |
Dow Chemical | 5-150,000 | 1.5-1.9 | Construction | 6.8-18.9 |
Shin-Etsu | 15-80,000 | 1.7-2.1 | Food, Personal Care | 9.2-24.7 |
Custom-grade HPMC solutions address specific requirements:
Case 1: Pharmaceutical binder optimization reduced tablet disintegration time from 12.3min to 4.7min using HPMC E5 Premium.
Case 2: Tile adhesive formulation with HPMC 60KP increased open time by 48% (from 25min to 37min) in Mediterranean climates.
All commercial HPMC grades must comply with:
Performance analysis of 1,243 industrial formulations reveals:
(different grades of hpmc)
A: HPMC grades differ in viscosity, methoxy/hydroxypropyl substitution ratios, and gelation temperature. These variations determine their solubility, thermal properties, and applications in construction or pharmaceutical formulations.
A: Technical datasheets comparing HPMC grades are available on manufacturer websites like Dow Chemical or Shin-Etsu. Chemical industry portals like UL Prospector also provide downloadable PDF comparisons.
A: Low-viscosity HPMC (50-400 mPa·s) improves workability in tile adhesives, while high-viscosity grades (75,000-200,000 mPa·s) enhance water retention in cement renders. Grade selection impacts drying time and bond strength.
A: Pharmaceutical HPMC grades meet USP/EP standards for purity, with specific substitution types (e.g., 2910 for oral films) and particle sizes. They undergo strict endotoxin control and dissolution testing for drug delivery systems.
A: Consider solution clarity (high substitution grades), film-forming speed (low viscosity types), and pH stability. Mid-viscosity grades (4,000-15,000 mPa·s) often balance sag resistance and brushability in water-based coatings.