Shenyang Xingzhenghe

Product Knowledge

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) for Construction

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Publication date : 2026-03-25

1. Product Overview

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether produced from natural高分子 materials through alkalization and etherification processes. The product appears as a white or off-white fibrous powder, odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic.

HPMC exhibits good water solubility, dissolving in cold water to form a transparent viscous solution. Its viscosity remains stable across a wide pH range. As a multifunctional additive, HPMC plays important roles in thickening, water retention, adhesion, dispersion, and suspension in construction, coatings, ceramics, and other industries.

CAS No.: 9004-65-3
Packaging: 25 kg/bag (inner polyethylene film bag, outer woven or kraft paper bag)

2. Physical and Chemical Properties

PropertySpecification
AppearanceWhite or off-white fibrous, granular, or powder solid
Fineness98%-100% passes 80 mesh sieve
Methoxy Content19%-32%
Hydroxypropoxy Content4%-12%
pH (1% solution)4.0-8.0
Loss on Drying≤5.0%
Ash Content≤5.0%
Gelation Temperature60-75℃

Key Characteristics:

  • Water Solubility and Thickening: Dissolves quickly in cold water, forming transparent viscous solutions with significant thickening effects

  • pH Stability: Viscosity remains stable in the pH range of 3.0-11.0

  • Surface Activity: Exhibits emulsifying, protective colloid, and stabilizing properties

  • Salt Resistance: As a non-ionic polymer, it remains relatively stable in aqueous solutions of metal salts or organic electrolytes

  • Water Retention: Maintains good water retention when added to mortars, plasters, and coatings

  • Film-Forming Properties: Forms strong, flexible, transparent films with good oil and ester resistance

3. Main Applications

1. Construction Industry (Primary Application)

Construction-grade HPMC is an essential functional additive in dry-mix mortars, putty powders, tile adhesives, and related products.

Cement-Based Products:

  • Tile Adhesives: Improves bond strength, enhances slip resistance, extends open time

  • Wall Putty: Provides good water retention and smooth workability, prevents cracking

  • Self-Leveling Mortar: Provides excellent flow properties while maintaining water retention and bond strength

  • General and Masonry Mortars: Improves workability and pumpability

Gypsum-Based Products:

  • Gypsum Plaster: Provides good lubricity and plasticity for smoother application

  • Gypsum Putty and Joint Fillers: Improves flow and water retention, enhances adhesion to substrates

Key Functions in Construction Applications:

  • Water Retention: Extends open time, prevents rapid water evaporation, ensures adequate cement hydration

  • Thickening: Increases mortar viscosity and sag resistance

  • Lubricity: Improves workability for smoother application

  • Crack Resistance: Reduces shrinkage cracking, enhances structural durability

2. Coatings and Paints

In water-based coatings, HPMC is used as a thickener and rheology modifier:

  • Improves leveling and spatter resistance

  • Enhances coating uniformity and smoothness

  • Acts as a protective colloid to help suspend pigments and prevent settling

3. Personal Care and Household Products

HPMC is widely used as a thickener, emulsifier, and foam stabilizer in household and personal care products:

  • Detergents: Used in dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, shampoos to increase viscosity and foam stability

  • Personal Care: Used in skincare products, body washes, toothpaste to improve texture and user experience

4. Ceramic Industry

In ceramic manufacturing, HPMC serves as an additive for:

  • Plasticizer and lubricant for ceramic body extrusion

  • Suspension agent for glazes to prevent settling

  • Improving green strength of ceramic bodies

5. Other Applications

  • PVC Production: Dispersant in suspension polymerization for PVC manufacturing

  • Textile Printing: Thickener and dispersant in textile printing pastes

  • Inks: Rheology modifier for printing inks

4. Characteristics of Construction-Grade HPMC

The main difference between construction-grade HPMC and food-grade or pharmaceutical-grade HPMC lies in the requirements for purity and hygiene standards. Construction-grade products focus more on performance and cost-effectiveness.

PropertyImpact on Application
Water Retention

Prevents rapid mortar water loss, ensures adequate cement hydration, improves

 bond strength

ThickeningIncreases mortar viscosity and sag resistance, facilitates thick-layer application
WorkabilityImproves mortar lubricity and plasticity, increases construction efficiency
Open TimeExtends working time for easier adjustment during application

Construction-grade HPMC is typically available in viscosity ranges from 400 to 200,000 mPa·s (2% aqueous solution at 20°C), with different viscosities suited to different application requirements.

5. Selection Guidelines

Viscosity Selection by Application

ApplicationRecommended ViscosityDescription
Tile Adhesives100,000-200,000 mPa·s

High viscosity provides good slip

resistance and bond strength

Wall Putty50,000-100,000 mPa·s

Medium viscosity ensures smooth

 workability and water retention

Thermal Insulation Mortar100,000-200,000 mPa·s

High viscosity enhances bond strength

 and film formation

Self-Leveling MortarLow viscosity

Ensures excellent flow and self-leveling

 properties

General MortarLow to medium viscosity

Improves workability and construction

 efficiency

Consider Construction Conditions

In high-temperature, dry environments, products with higher water retention should be prioritized.

6. Packaging and Storage

Packaging Specifications:

  • 25 kg/bag, inner polyethylene film bag with outer woven or composite kraft paper bag

  • Custom packaging available upon request

Storage Requirements:

  • Store in a cool, well-ventilated, dry warehouse

  • Avoid direct sunlight and rain exposure

  • Protect from moisture; keep packaging sealed

7. Contact Us

For more product information or technical guidance on construction-grade HPMC, please contact:

Shenyang Xingzhenghe Chemical Co., Ltd.

Tel: 024-23509232 / 13889850231
Email: sales01@xzhch.com
Address: No.33 Nan'er Road, Heping District, Shenyang, China


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