How to Properly Dissolve HPMC?

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a multifunctional lubricant, foam enhancer and stabilizer, thickener, emulsion stabilizer and film former for hair and skin care products. HPMC is especially useful in surfactant systems because of its foam-enhancing properties, which aid in the formation of a cell structure that results in richer, longer-lasting foam. HPMC is highly tolerant to both salt and alcohol.

HPMC can be divided into instant type and heat-soluble type

Instant HPMC, disperses quickly in cold water and disappears in water. The liquid has no viscosity at this time, because HPMC is just dispersed in water, there is no real dissolution. After about 2 minutes, the viscosity of the liquid gradually increased to form a clear viscous gel.

Heat-soluble HPMC, agglomerates in cold water, quickly disperses and disappears in hot water, until the temperature drops to a certain temperature, and slowly becomes viscous to form a transparent viscous colloid. The reason for the agglomeration in cold water is that the outer layer of the cellulose powder immediately becomes viscous and becomes a transparent colloid when it encounters cold water. The cellulose inside is not in contact with water and is surrounded by colloids.

Thermal dissolving method of HPMC

If heat-soluble type (non-surface treated) HPMC is added directly to water, caking will occur before dissolution. However, dissolving in this way is very slow and difficult. Here we recommend three dissolution methods for end users based on different applications:

1. Hot water dissolving method:

Since HPMC is insoluble in hot water, the initial HPMC can be uniformly dispersed in hot water, and dissolved rapidly after cooling. Two typical methods are as follows:

Add hot water (85°C) to the container. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose was gradually added under slow stirring, HPMC floated on the water surface, and then gradually formed a slurry, and the slurry was stirred and cooled.

Add 1/3 or 2/3 of the required amount of hot water (85°C) to the container, gradually add HPMC to the hot water and keep stirring. Cold or ice water is then added to the hot grout to achieve the desired level. Continue stirring to cool the mixture.

2.Powder mixing method:

Mix HPMC powder with a large amount of other powdery substances, stir evenly with a mixer, and then add water to dissolve. At this point HPMC can dissolve without clumping because there is only a little HPMC in each tiny little corner. The powder dissolves immediately upon contact with water. – This method is used by putty powder and mortar manufacturers.

Dissolving method of instant HPMC

Surface treatment powders have been specially developed to prevent caking in wet mix applications such as paint and emulsion applications. Preferably, HPMC is slurried in a nonsolvating medium such as glycerol or PEG, and the slurry is added to a vigorously agitated vortex of water. Adding HPMC directly to cold water is not recommended, but must be done very slowly with vigorous stirring if necessary. A fully developed solution of suitable viscosity is prepared by stirring the solution over time.

In short, for different types of products, the correct method can be fully dissolved. If lumps appear during the dissolution process, it is due to insufficient stirring or adding the regular model directly to cold water. At this point, it should be stirred quickly. In addition, if bubbles are formed when dissolving, it can be left to stand or an antifoaming agent can be added.

If you want to know more about HPMC, such as our price and service and application, please contact us .