How to Judge the Quality of Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)?

Created on 09.08
In construction and daily chemical industries, the quality of HPMC directly determines product performance and stability. You can evaluate it from the following aspects:
Wooden spoon in HPMC powder bowl, text: "How to choose HPMC correctly?"

1. Appearance & Physical Properties

  • Color & Texture: High-quality HPMC is white or off-white, light and fluffy; inferior ones are grayish and heavy.
  • Fineness: Usually 80–100 mesh. Finer powder dissolves more evenly and performs better.
  • Microscopic Observation: Good HPMC shows fibrous structure; granular or crystalline forms indicate poor quality.

2. Solubility & Solution Properties

  • Dissolution Speed: Quality HPMC disperses quickly in water without clumping. Instant type dissolves fully within 5 minutes.
  • Transparency: The solution should be clear, with high light transmittance and no flocs or sediment.

3. Functional Performance

  • Water Retention: Premium HPMC has ≥97% water retention at high temperatures, while poor products often drop below 80%.
  • Viscosity & Stability: Viscosity should meet the labeled value (variation ≤±10%), and remain stable after storage.

4. Other Key Indicators

  • Odor: Good HPMC should be odorless.
  • Moisture Content: ≤5–6%, ensuring proper solubility and storage stability.
  • Safety Standards: Pharmaceutical grade must comply with pH, heavy metals, and microbial limits.

5. Quick Identification Methods

  • Whiteness: Higher whiteness usually indicates better quality, but whitening agents must be excluded.
  • Specific Gravity: 1.26–1.31 indicates higher hydroxypropyl content and better water retention.
Hands holding cotton bolls above text about HPMC quality and various product packages.
Conclusion: Judging HPMC quality requires a comprehensive evaluation of appearance, solubility, functional indicators, and compliance with standards. Always choose suppliers with reliable test reports and proven reputation.
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