Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is a white, odourless, tasteless powder created through the modification of cellulose. Cellulose is a natural polymer – long chains or structures made up of multiple molecules strung together.

Also known as Hypromellose, it is an emulsifier, thickening and suspending agent with a variety of applications from food to cosmetic uses.

An aqueous product which forms colloids when dissolved in water. When heated the solution congeals into a non-flowable but semi-flexible mass.

Hypromellose has a multiple use including but not limited to: Food, Cosmetic, Eye Drops, Contact Lenses, Tile adhesives, Cement Renders, Detergents & Cleaners, Pains & Coatings, Pharmaceutical and Gypsum products.

An ideal vegan alternative to gelatine in medicines and supplements; as a treatment for dry eye syndrome and as a gluten replacement in gluten-free bread (improves the elasticity, stability, volume and moisture retention).

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is an EU and FDA-approved food additive and is considered non-toxic to humans.

Chemical & Physical Qualities:

Physical form: powder
Assay: 90 – 99%
Ash (as NA2SO4): 1.5% Max
Methoxyl: 19 – 24%
Hydroxypropyl: 4 – 12%
Moisture as packed: 10.0% Max
Sodium Chloride: 2.0% Max
pH: 5.0 – 8.0
2% Viscosity, (LVT, 20C): 3000 - 5600 mPas
Typical 2% viscosity, (RVT, 20°C) : 4000 mPas
Gelation Temperature: 70 – 90C
Lead: 2 ppm Max
Arsenic: 3 ppm Max
Cadmium: 1 ppm Max
Mercury: 1 ppm Max
Particle Size retained on 72 Mesh: 10% Max
Total Plate Count: 5000 cfu/g Max
Yeasts & Moulds: 500 cfu/g Max
Coliforms: 100 cfu/g Max
E. coli: Absent /g
Salmonella: Absent /25g

Material Safety Data Sheets for all products are available here.