Difference between HPMC and MHEC

HPMC and MHEC have similar functions in construction materials. It can be used as a dispersant, water retainer, thickener and binder, mainly in the forming of cement mortars and plaster products. These substances give tile adhesives better plasticity and flexibility. Here TANGPENG, the manufacturer of MHEC, shows you how they differ.

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Production process

The raw material for the production of HPMC can be refined cotton or wood pulp, which is partly methyl cellulose and partly polyhydroxypropyl ether. The cellulose is alkalinised and then etherified with a reaction system of propylene oxide and chloromethane.

The production of MHEC is slightly different from that of HPMC. After alkalinisation of the cellulose, it is produced by replacing propylene oxide with ethylene oxide, which replaces the hydroxyl group on the glucose ring group.

Physical and chemical properties

The methoxy on HPMC chloromethane replaces the hydroxyl group on the glucose ring group. HPMC has thermal gel properties, its solution is not ionically charged, does not interact with metal salts or ionic compounds, is highly resistant to mould, has good dispersing, emulsifying, thickening, binding, water retention and glue retention properties.

Compared to HPMC, MHEC has more hydrophilic groups in its chemical structure and is therefore more stable at high temperatures and has good thermal stability. It has a higher gel temperature compared to normal HPMC cellulose ethers, making it more advantageous in high temperature use environments.

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Application places

The gel temperature of cellulose ethers determines their thermal stability in applications. the gel temperature of HPMC is usually between 60°C and 75°C, depending on the type of other manufacturers, the component content and the different production processes. Due to the nature of the MHEC molecule, it has a higher gel temperature, usually above 80°C, and is therefore more stable at high temperatures than HPMC.

MHEC has better hydrophilicity because it has more hydrophilic groups in its structure. At the same viscosity and exact dosage, MHEC retains slightly more water than HPMC in mortars.

We also have RDP/VAE for sale. Hebei Tangpeng is a professional enterprise integrating science, technology, manufacture and trade. Our factory has a strong technological background and a professional team of talented technicians, researchers, and manufacturing experts. Supported by our laboratories, testing facilities and recognised methods, we can provide high-quality products in line with international standards. Please contact us here if you need these products and we can offer free suggeations.