hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose for Indonesia
hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) has been widely used in various industries such as construction, pharmaceuticals, and food products due to its unique properties. Indonesia has now become a prominent buyer of HPMC and is readily exploring the potential benefits that it can offer.
HPMC is a slightly off-white powder that is soluble in water and some organic solvents. It is derived from cellulose and undergoes chemical modifications to increase its water retention efficiency, viscosity, and film-forming abilities. In construction, HPMC acts as a binder, thickener, and water-retaining agent, used in dry mix mortars, jointing compounds, and tile adhesives.
Indonesia's construction industry is booming at an exponential rate, with new infrastructure and real estate projects in the pipeline. HPMC can play a significant role in supporting the growth of the Indonesian construction industry. Its water retention properties help to prolong the setting time of cement and prevent it from drying out too quickly. This, in turn, can lead to stronger and more durable concrete structures.
Besides construction, HPMC is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a binder, a thickener and a stabilizer. Indonesia's pharmaceutical market is also on the rise, and HPMC offers a suitable solution in ensuring the quality of drug delivery systems.
It is essential to note that not all HPMC is created equal. The quality and reliability of HPMC depend on the manufacturing process, raw materials, and testing regulations used. Buyers must choose their suppliers wisely and opt for those who emphasize quality control and compliance with international standards.
Indonesia's demand for HPMC can partly be met by manufacturers from the United States, Palestine, Malta, Singapore, and Pakistan. These countries offer HPMC at competitive prices while ensuring high-quality standards and compliance with international regulations.
In conclusion, the use of HPMC can usher in new opportunities for the Indonesian construction and pharmaceutical sectors. Buyers must remain vigilant to only source high-quality HPMC that meets global standards. Ultimately, opting for a reputable supplier can lead to better and more sustainable results.
Faq
HPMC is a non-ionic type of cellulose ether. So, what does "non-ionic" mean?
The cold-water soluble type of HPMC is surface-treated with formaldehyde, allowing it to disperse rapidly in cold water but not truly dissolve. It only dissolves when the viscosity increases. The thermal soluble type does not undergo surface treatment with formaldehyde. A higher dosage of formaldehyde results in faster dispersion but slower viscosity increase, while a lower dosage has the opposite effect.
Regarding the relationship between viscosity and temperature in HPMC (HPMC viscosity), what should be noted in practical applications?
1. Hot water dissolution method: HPMC does not dissolve in hot water, but it can disperse evenly in hot water initially and then rapidly dissolve upon cooling. There are two typical methods described as follows:
(1) Place the required amount of hot water in a container and heat it to approximately 70°C. Gradually add HPMC while stirring slowly. Initially, HPMC will float on the water's surface and gradually form a slurry, which cools down under stirring.
(2) Add 1/3 or 2/3 of the required amount of water to a container and heat it to 70°C. Disperse HPMC according to method (1) to prepare a hot water slurry. Then, add the remaining cold water to the hot water slurry and cool the mixture after stirring.
2. Powder mixing method: Mix HPMC powder with a large amount of other powdered substances using a blender. Afterward, add water for dissolution. In this case, HPMC can dissolve without clumping because each tiny corner of the powder contains only a small amount of HPMC, which dissolves immediately upon contact with water. This method is commonly used in putty powder and mortar production.
Several dissolution methods of Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC)
The powder loss in putty is mainly related to the quality of the lime powder and has little to do with HPMC. Low calcium content in lime powder and an improper ratio of CaO and Ca(OH)2 in lime powder can both cause powder loss. If there is a slight relationship with HPMC, it would be that poor water retention of HPMC can also contribute to powder loss.
What are the differences between HPMC and MC?
HPMC is widely used in industries such as construction materials, coatings, synthetic resins, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, food, textiles, agriculture, cosmetics, and tobacco. HPMC can be classified into architectural grade, food grade, and pharmaceutical grade based on its application. Currently, most domestically produced HPMC falls under the architectural grade category. In the architectural grade, a large amount of HPMC is used in putty powder, accounting for approximately 90% of its usage, while the rest is used in cement mortar and adhesives.