HPMC HYDROXYPROPYLMETHYL CELLULOSE MODIFIED CELLULOSE

Product description, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose HPMC high-purity cellulose ether

At Quimiconsult we offer Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, commercially known as HPMC, hypromellose or as part of the general family of modified cellulose ethers, a semi-synthetic polymer derived from natural cellulose through controlled partial substitution with functional groups (methoxyl, hydroxypropyl or hydroxyethyl, depending on the specific grade). The product is a fine, yellowish-white powder that is odorless, tasteless and highly soluble in water at any temperature, and insoluble in organic solvents, with a controlled particle size in which a minimum of 85 % passes through 80 mesh (< 0.180 mm), ensuring excellent dispersibility and hydration speed.

The grade we sell at Quimiconsult is characterized by its viscosity of 3,800 to 5,000 mPa·s measured on a Brookfield RV at 20 rpm with spindle 6, equivalent to 100,000 mPa·s on the Hoppler scale, which positions it as a very high viscosity cellulose ether ideal for applications that demand high water retention, fast consistency development, low slip resistance, low mixing water demand and high thermal stability. These rheological properties make it one of the most widely used additives worldwide in formulations of trowel-applied fillers, synthetic resin renders, dispersion-based ceramic tile adhesives, high-performance mortars, controlled-release pharmaceutical systems, thick cosmetic formulations and specialized food and industrial applications.

Unlike other natural or synthetic thickeners, HPMC and modified cellulose ethers form mucilages with greater optical clarity, high purity and predictable batch-to-batch rheological behavior, thanks to highly controlled manufacturing processes with international certifications such as ISO 9001. Its nonionic nature gives it compatibility with metal salts, electrolytes and ionic organic compounds, a differentiating feature compared with anionic thickeners such as xanthan gum, carrageenan or sodium carboxymethylcellulose, which can precipitate or lose functionality in media with high ionic strength.

Synonyms, trade names and terms related to HPMC and cellulose ethers

In the industrial, construction, pharmaceutical and food markets, modified cellulose ethers are known under various names and synonyms depending on the region, application, manufacturer and product grade. The most commonly used terms include HPMC (the global industrial acronym for Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose), hypromellose (INN, or international nonproprietary name), hidroxipropil metilcelulosa (its Spanish name), HEC (hydroxyethyl cellulose, a related cellulose ether), MHEC (methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose), MHPC (methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose), modified cellulose ether, modified cellulose and etherified cellulose.

In the construction market specifically, the product is often identified by trade names such as Tylose, Walocel, Methocel, Culminal or Bermocoll, which are registered trademarks of global cellulose ether manufacturers. In pharmaceutical applications the name hypromellose USP is used and it is referenced under USP, BP, EP and JP monographs. In the food sector it is listed as additive E-464 under European regulations, and in cosmetics under the INCI nomenclature as Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose.

Likewise, in purchasing, sourcing, formulation and manufacturing it is common to find searches such as HPMC price, buy HPMC, HPMC Mexico, HPMC for construction, HPMC for mortar, HPMC for tile adhesive, HPMC for filler, high viscosity HPMC, HPMC 100000 cps, HPMC water retention, cellulose ether price, cellulose ether for construction, cellulose for mortar, mortar thickener, water-retaining additive, HPMC supplier Mexico, hypromellose USP, pharmaceutical grade HPMC or HPMC 25 kg bag. These variations are especially relevant for purchasing managers, mortar formulators, ceramic adhesive manufacturers, chemical engineers, pharmaceutical formulators and product developers who need to identify the exact grade compatible with their formulations.

Technical specifications and physicochemical properties of high viscosity HPMC

The high viscosity cellulose ether we sell at Quimiconsult meets rigorous specifications that ensure batch-to-batch reproducibility and optimal performance in critical applications.

Its most relevant functional properties include fast consistency development (the solution reaches useful viscosity within a few minutes of dispersion), low final consistency (which makes application with a spatula, trowel or tool easier), low slip resistance (improving the workability of the mortar or paste), low mixing water demand (which reduces the amount of water needed in the final formulation), very high water retention (a critical property that prevents premature dehydration of cement or gypsum, ensuring complete hydration and final mechanical strength), very high influence on the hydration of cements and gypsum, and high thermal stability that allows processing at elevated temperatures without significant degradation.

Temperature-dependent reversible solubility in water is another important functional characteristic: the cellulose ether dissolves in cold water to form a clear viscous solution, but at elevated temperatures it can gel, forming a thermoreversible gel, a property exploited in vegetable capsules, thermally stable coatings and modified-release systems. It is stable in solutions with a pH range of 3 to 11, forming part of formulations ranging from acidic (anti-acne gels with salicylic acid) to alkaline (urea creams, cleaning products, lime and cement mortars). It withstands up to 100 % alcohol without precipitating, a differentiating feature compared with other natural and semi-synthetic thickeners.

Classification of cellulose ether grades and viscosities

One of the most important things when specifying cellulose ethers is understanding that there are multiple commercial grades that differ mainly in two parameters: the degree of chemical substitution (which defines solubility, gelation temperature and thermal behavior) and viscosity (which defines body, thickness and rheological behavior). The most common grades on the market are identified by nomenclatures such as:

• HPMC E (substitution 28-30 % methoxyl / 7-12 % hydroxypropyl): ideal for pharmaceutical tablet coating and low-viscosity applications.
• HPMC K (substitution 19-24 % methoxyl / 7-12 % hydroxypropyl): ideal for controlled-release matrices in pharma.
• HPMC F: intermediate substitution, for general applications.
• HEC / MHEC / MHPC: cellulose ethers with specific substitutions for construction, where water retention and fast consistency development are critical.

In terms of viscosity, grades are typically classified as low (3-15 cps), medium (50-400 cps), high (1,000-15,000 cps) and very high (40,000-100,000 cps), and are selected according to the application: low viscosities for spray and film coating; medium viscosities for suspensions and emulsions; high viscosities for extended-release matrices and cosmetic gels; very high viscosities (such as the grade we offer, 100,000 mPa·s Hoppler / 3,800-5,000 mPa·s Brookfield) for mortars, ceramic adhesives, trowel-applied fillers, renders, self-leveling compounds and high-performance construction applications where maximum water retention and workability are required.

The grade available at Quimiconsult is a very high viscosity, delayed-solubility cellulose ether, which means the product has a short induction time on contact with water before it begins to hydrate, a desirable characteristic in pre-mixed dry formulations (dry mortars, powder adhesives) where the product needs to distribute evenly in the water before it starts developing viscosity, preventing lumps and improving industrial processing.

Industrial applications of HPMC and high viscosity cellulose ethers

High viscosity cellulose ether is one of the most versatile multifunctional additives on the market, with applications ranging from construction and building materials to the pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic and specialty industries. Below we detail the main sectors where HPMC and its analogues play a critical role in formulation and manufacturing.

Construction industry and building materials (main application of the available grade)

This is the main and highest-volume application of the high viscosity cellulose ether grade we sell. In the construction industry, HPMC is used as a critical additive in a wide range of products:

• Dispersion-based ceramic and porcelain tile adhesives: HPMC allows the adhesive to retain the moisture needed for complete cement hydration, prevents the substrate from absorbing water prematurely (which would compromise adhesion), provides the open time needed to set the tile, improves workability and provides sag resistance in vertical and wall applications.
• Trowel-applied fillers and leveling pastes: provides fast consistency development, low final consistency that makes troweling easier, low slip resistance that allows fine smoothing, and excellent water retention that prevents cracking from premature drying.
• Synthetic resin renders: acts as a rheology modifier and water retention agent, ensuring a uniform texture and optimal adhesion to the substrate.
• Pre-mixed dry mortars: masonry mortars as well as repair mortars, self-leveling compounds, cementitious coatings and spray mortars, where it improves pumpability, workability and curing.
• Plasters and joint compounds: for drywall and gypsum boards, where it provides water retention, sandability, smoothness and crack reduction.
• Cementitious powder paints and mineral coatings: as a thickener and dispersant.
• Wallpaper adhesives: as a thickener and film former.

Oral and topical pharmaceutical industry

In the pharmaceutical industry, HPMC is probably the most widely used excipient worldwide as a matrix-forming agent for controlled and extended drug release. Hydrophilic HPMC matrices allow active ingredients to be released in a sustained manner over 8, 12 or 24 hours, improving treatment adherence. In addition, HPMC is used as a film coating agent for tablets and dragées, forming a film that masks bitter tastes, protects the active from moisture and light, and improves visual appearance. In capsules, it replaces animal gelatin in the manufacture of vegetable capsules (vegcaps), the preferred option for vegetarians, vegans, kosher and halal consumers. It also works as a binder in direct compression, a thickener in syrups and suspensions, and a bioadhesive agent in buccal, sublingual and vaginal formulations.

Ophthalmic industry and eye care solutions

HPMC is the cornerstone in the formulation of artificial tears, ophthalmic solutions, eye gels and contact lens solutions, due to its exceptional optical clarity, biocompatibility with the ocular mucosa, wetting capacity and ability to prolong the contact time of the drug it carries. Concentrations of 0.3 % to 1 % in ophthalmic solutions improve corneal lubrication, relieve the sensation of dry eye and increase the bioavailability of locally applied antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and mydriatics.

Cosmetics and personal care industry

In cosmetics and personal care, HPMC works as a thickener, gel former, emulsion stabilizer, film-forming agent and sensory modifier. It is found in hair gels (hold with a non-sticky feel), moisturizing creams and lotions (oil-in-water emulsion stabilizer), peel-off face masks (forms a removable film when dry), shampoos and shower gels (viscosity modulator), liquid makeup and foundations (pigment binder), shaving products (lubricant and foaming agent), and toothpaste and mouthwashes (thickener and abrasive suspending agent).

Food industry

Under code E-464, HPMC is approved as a food additive in the European Union, by the FDA (GRAS), in the Codex Alimentarius and under most international regulations. In food it works as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, moisture retention agent and gluten substitute. Specific applications include gluten-free bakery (provides structure and elasticity similar to gluten), plant-based meat and meat analogues (binder in veggie burgers, nuggets and plant-based sausages), fried products (reduces oil absorption by up to 50 %), sauces, dressings and instant soups (cold thickener without cooking), ice cream and dairy desserts (anti-crystallization stabilizer), traditional bakery (dough improver and moisture retainer) and almond, oat and soy plant-based beverages (bodying agent and stabilizer).

Paints, coatings and inks industry

In the waterborne paints, architectural coatings, inks and pigments industry, HPMC works as a thickener, rheological agent, pigment stabilizer and viscosity modifier. It improves brush and roller application, prevents dripping and sagging, stabilizes pigment dispersion during storage and enables VOC-free (volatile organic compound) formulations. It is particularly useful in vinyl, acrylic and latex paints.

Detergents and cleaning industry

In detergents, cleaners and home care products, HPMC acts as a thickener, suspending agent and rheology modifier. It is found in gel cleaners, degreasers, mold removers, glass cleaners, liquid soaps and dishwashing detergents, where it adjusts viscosity to improve dosing, adhesion to vertical surfaces and the product's dwell time at the site of action.

Agrochemical industry

In agrochemical formulations, HPMC is used as a suspending agent, dispersant and film former in herbicides, fungicides, insecticides and biostimulants in suspension concentrate (SC), wettable powder (WP) and water-dispersible granule (WG) formats. It improves suspension stability, adhesion to the leaf after spraying and rainfastness.

Other industrial applications

The versatility of HPMC also extends to the paper and cardboard industry (surface sizing), textile industry (sizing and printing), leather industry (finishes and coatings), aerosol and spray manufacturing (viscosity modifier), tobacco industry (filters and paper), and specialized applications such as 3D bioprinting, electrophoresis gels and veterinary excipients.

Characteristics and competitive advantages of HPMC

Formulators' preference for HPMC over other thickeners and polymers is based on a unique combination of properties:

• Nonionic, compatible with metal salts (calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, aluminum) and cationic organic compounds such as quaternary ammonium compounds, avoiding the precipitation or viscosity loss typical of anionic thickeners.
• Stable over a wide pH range (3 to 11), suitable for both acidic and alkaline formulations.
• Resistance up to 100 % alcohol, a valuable differentiating feature in hydroalcoholic gels, toning solutions, perfumery and hand hygiene.
• Microbiologically inert, it is not a nutrient for microorganisms, reducing the preservative load needed.
• Biocompatible and non-toxic, with official monographs in USP, BP, EP, JP, FDA GRAS approval and EU E-464 approval.
• Very high water retention, critical in cementitious and gypsum formulations to ensure complete hydration.
• Fast consistency development and low slip resistance that improve workability in construction applications.
• High thermal stability (decomposition begins >200 °C), allowing industrial processing at temperature.
• Optical transparency that allows visually appealing products to be formulated.
• Pseudoplastic behavior ideal for easy dispensing with good surface retention.
• Film-forming capacity without the need for additional plasticizers.
• Long shelf life under proper storage conditions.

HPMC vs other thickeners and cellulose ethers: which one to choose?

A recurring question is the choice between HPMC and other thickening polymers. The main alternatives and how they compare are:

HPMC vs Methylcellulose (MC): Although both are cellulose ethers, methylcellulose contains only methoxyl groups, while HPMC adds hydroxypropyl groups. This gives HPMC greater solubility in cold water, greater optical clarity, less tendency toward non-dispersible fibers and better compatibility with alcoholic systems.

HPMC vs Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC): Both are nonionic and similar in many applications. HEC usually has better water retention in construction applications and greater enzymatic stability, while HPMC offers the unique property of reversible thermal gelation. In practice, both are widely used in construction and are chosen according to the cementitious system or specific formulation.

HPMC vs Sodium Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC): CMC is an anionic cellulose ether, more economical, but incompatible with divalent cations (calcium, magnesium) and sensitive to acidic pH. HPMC, being nonionic, is more versatile, stable in salts and alcohol, and produces clearer mucilages.

HPMC vs Xanthan Gum: Xanthan gum is of biotechnological origin (fermentation), anionic and highly pseudoplastic. HPMC offers greater salt stability, superior optical clarity, no flavor notes and higher microbiological purity.

HPMC vs Carbomer (Carbopol): Carbomers form highly transparent crystal-clear gels but require neutralization with a base, are sensitive to electrolytes and lose viscosity in the presence of alcohol >40 %. HPMC requires no neutralization, tolerates salts and alcohol, and is simpler to process at industrial scale.

Recommendations for use, dosage and preparation of HPMC solutions

Correct preparation of HPMC solutions is essential to achieve the expected rheological behavior and avoid lumps. For liquid formulations, the recommended technique is dispersion in hot water followed by cold hydration: heat the water to between 70 and 90 °C, add the HPMC with continuous agitation until it is evenly dispersed (the polymer does not hydrate at this temperature, it only disperses), then cool the mixture below 25 °C and keep stirring until the final viscosity is reached, which takes 30 minutes to 2 hours. An alternative is dispersion in glycerin, propylene glycol or another non-aqueous vehicle followed by addition to water.

In construction applications (dry mortar, ceramic adhesive), HPMC is added directly in dry form to the cement, sand and other additives, ensuring a homogeneous mix before water is added. The product's delayed solubility facilitates this method of incorporation, as dry dispersion prevents lumps when mixing with water on site.

Typical doses vary by application:

• Ophthalmic solutions: 0.3 to 1 %.
• Cosmetic gels: 1 to 3 %.
• Creams and lotions: 0.3 to 1.5 %.
• Pharmaceutical suspensions: 0.5 to 2 %.
• Controlled-release pharmaceutical matrices: 10 to 40 % on a dry basis.
• Tablet coating: 2 to 5 % of tablet weight.
• Gluten-free bakery: 1 to 3 % of flour.
• Plant-based meats: 0.5 to 2 %.
• Ceramic adhesives: 0.2 to 0.5 % of cement weight.
• Mortars and fillers: 0.1 to 0.5 % of solids weight.

It is recommended to store the product in a cool, dry place, tightly closed and away from sources of moisture, heat and direct light. The product's shelf life in its original closed container is typically 2 to 3 years.

Compatibility and formulation considerations

HPMC is compatible with most pharmaceutical actives, cosmetic preservatives, nonionic, anionic and cationic surfactants, alcohols, polyols and emulsified oils. However, some considerations are important:

• Solutions may experience viscosity loss due to enzymatic degradation in the presence of cellulases (rare, found in some plant extracts and crude raw materials), so the use of suitable preservatives is recommended.
• Strong oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide at high concentrations, concentrated peracetic acid or hypochlorite can degrade the polymer chain, reducing viscosity.
• Electrolytes at very high concentrations (>10 % sodium chloride or similar salts) can induce a salting-out effect, partially precipitating the polymer.
• High viscosity or modified types may show, after prolonged storage (>1 year), a slow loss of viscosity verifiable by measurement, without affecting functionality if the dose is adjusted.
• Adding the HPMC at the end of the formulation is generally preferable to avoid unwanted interactions during heating or processing.

HPMC storage, packaging and shelf life

The HPMC we sell at Quimiconsult is offered in 25 kg kraft bags, with smaller samples also available for formulation and validation testing. To ensure the integrity and performance of the product, it is recommended to store it in its original packaging, in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from sources of heat, moisture, direct sunlight and incompatible materials. HPMC absorbs water from humid air, so opened containers must be kept tightly closed to prevent moisture absorption that can cause lumps and make later dissolution difficult. The product's shelf life under these conditions is approximately 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture, bearing in mind that very high viscosity grades may show a slight reduction in viscosity after prolonged storage periods (>1 year), which is easily compensated for by adjusting the dose.

Safety, handling and regulatory considerations

HPMC is considered a substance of very low toxicity, with an oral LD50 in rats above 5,000 mg/kg and no significant adverse effects from inhalation, skin or eye contact under normal conditions of use. It is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, non-mutagenic, non-carcinogenic and non-teratogenic. It holds FDA GRAS approval, is included in international pharmacopoeias (USP, BP, EP, JP) and is approved as food additive E-464 in the EU.

However, as with all fine-particle organic powder products, there is a risk of dust explosion. The generation and accumulation of airborne dust should be kept to a minimum to prevent the formation of flammable dust/air mixtures. Ignition sources such as open flames, hot surfaces, sparks and static electricity must be avoided. Thermal decomposition of HPMC begins at approximately 200 °C and the ignition temperature is above 360 °C. Once ignited, the product burns quietly and fire can spread, so storage areas must have suitable extinguishing systems.

For industrial handling, standard fine-powder precautions are recommended: use of an N95 mask or similar to avoid inhalation, safety goggles to avoid eye contact, general-purpose gloves and working in ventilated areas with extraction systems. In case of a spill, collect dry while avoiding raising dust; the wetted product becomes slippery, so it is recommended to clean up spills with water immediately and mark off the area.

Certifications and regulatory compliance

The HPMC we distribute meets the main international standards applicable to cellulose ethers for industrial, construction, pharmaceutical and food use. For applicable grades, it complies with the monographs of the USP (United States Pharmacopeia), BP (British Pharmacopoeia), EP (European Pharmacopoeia), JP (Japanese Pharmacopoeia) and FCC (Food Chemicals Codex). The product is manufactured under internationally certified ISO 9001 quality management systems. In addition, batches are accompanied by a specific Certificate of Analysis (CoA) documenting the critical parameters: viscosity (Hoppler and Brookfield), moisture, ash content, pH, particle size and chemical identification. Where applicable, complementary certifications such as Kosher, Halal, Non-GMO and a declaration of non-animal origin (suitable for vegetarians and vegans) are offered. Formulators and regulatory departments can request supplementary technical documentation such as the technical data sheet (TDS), safety data sheet (SDS/HDS), allergen statement, certificate of origin and detailed specifications for their quality files.

Frequently asked questions about HPMC and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

What is HPMC and what is it used for?

HPMC, or Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, is a semi-synthetic, nonionic cellulose ether derived from natural cellulose. It is used mainly as a thickener, gelling agent, emulsion stabilizer, film-forming agent, water retainer and controlled-release matrix in the construction, pharmaceutical, ophthalmic, cosmetic, food, paint, agrochemical and detergent industries. It is one of the most versatile additives on the market, with applications ranging from ceramic adhesives and construction mortars to artificial tears, vegetable capsules and gluten-free bread.

Is HPMC suitable for mortar and ceramic adhesives?

Yes, this is one of the most important and highest-volume applications of HPMC worldwide. In mortars, trowel-applied fillers, synthetic resin renders and dispersion-based ceramic tile adhesives, HPMC acts as a water-retaining agent, workability improver, open time modifier and anti-sag agent. It allows the mortar to retain the moisture needed for complete cement hydration, prevents the substrate from absorbing water prematurely (which would compromise adhesion), and improves application with a spatula or trowel. The grade we offer at Quimiconsult, with a viscosity of 100,000 mPa·s Hoppler / 3,800-5,000 mPa·s Brookfield, is ideal for these high-performance construction applications.

How much HPMC is added to a mortar or ceramic adhesive?

The typical HPMC dose in construction formulations ranges from 0.1 % to 0.5 % of the total weight of solids (cement, sand, additives). For standard ceramic adhesives the typical dose is 0.2 to 0.4 %, in render mortars 0.15 to 0.3 %, and in trowel-applied fillers 0.2 to 0.5 %. The exact dose depends on the type of cement, sand particle size, presence of other additives and desired performance. We always recommend carrying out laboratory-scale formulation tests before scaling up to production.

Is HPMC the same as hypromellose?

Yes, they are exactly the same compound. Hypromellose is the international nonproprietary name (INN) recognized by the WHO and used in pharmacopoeias (USP, BP, EP), while HPMC is the industrial acronym for Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose, its chemical name. Both terms refer to the same polymer; the former is preferred in regulatory pharmaceutical contexts and the latter in industrial and commercial contexts.

What is the difference between HPMC and HEC?

Both are nonionic cellulose ethers. HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) contains methoxyl and hydroxypropyl groups, while HEC (Hydroxyethyl Cellulose) contains only hydroxyethyl groups. HEC usually offers better water retention in construction applications and greater enzymatic stability, while HPMC offers the unique property of reversible thermal gelation (it gels when heated and flows again when cooled), exploited in vegetable capsules and pharmaceutical applications. In the construction market and under the generic trade term "HPMC", both polymers (and their analogues such as MHEC, MHPC) are used interchangeably depending on the cementitious system and specific formulation. The product we sell at Quimiconsult covers the typical construction applications of this family.

Is HPMC plant-derived and suitable for vegans?

Yes. HPMC is made from plant-derived cellulose (typically wood pulp or cotton) through chemical modification with methyl oxide, propylene oxide or ethylene oxide, depending on the grade. It contains no animal-derived ingredients at any point in the process, so it is suitable for vegetarians, vegans, kosher and halal. This is one of the main reasons it is used in vegetable capsules as a substitute for animal gelatin.

How do you correctly prepare an HPMC solution without lumps?

For liquid formulations, the recommended technique is to disperse the HPMC in hot water (70-90 °C) with continuous agitation, since at that temperature the polymer does not hydrate but does disperse evenly. Once all the powder has been added, cool the mixture below 25 °C and keep stirring for 30 minutes to 2 hours until the final viscosity is reached. An alternative is to predisperse it in glycerin, propylene glycol or an alcohol before adding it to water. For dry construction applications (mortars, adhesives), HPMC is added directly in dry form to the cement and sand before adding water, taking advantage of its delayed solubility to prevent lumps.

Is HPMC safe for human consumption?

Yes. HPMC holds FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) approval, is approved as food additive E-464 in the European Union, is included in the monographs of the main pharmacopoeias (USP, BP, EP, JP) and has an excellent toxicological profile, with an oral LD50 above 5,000 mg/kg in rats. It is not metabolized by the human body (it passes intact through the digestive tract, behaving like soluble fiber) and has no adverse effects at the doses used in food, medicines or cosmetics.

What HPMC viscosity do I need for my formulation?

It depends on the application:

• Pharmaceutical film coating: low viscosities (3-15 cps).
• Ophthalmic solutions and pharmaceutical suspensions: medium viscosities (50-400 cps).
• Topical gels, cosmetic gels and extended-release matrices: high viscosities (1,000-15,000 cps).
• Mortars, ceramic adhesives, trowel-applied fillers and construction applications: very high viscosities (40,000-100,000 cps).

The grade available at Quimiconsult, 100,000 mPa·s Hoppler / 3,800-5,000 mPa·s Brookfield, is ideal for high-performance construction applications (its main use), as well as for thick cosmetic gels, high-consistency suspensions and high-body modified-release pharmaceutical matrices.

Can HPMC be used in vegetable capsules?

Yes, in fact HPMC is the main raw material in the manufacture of vegetable capsules (vegcaps), which are used as an alternative to animal gelatin capsules. HPMC capsules are suitable for vegetarians, vegans, kosher and halal, have lower equilibrium moisture, are less brittle in dry climates and dissolve properly in the gastrointestinal tract. This application requires specific HPMC grades with particular viscosity and substitution, generally with USP pharmaceutical certification.

Does HPMC have an expiration date?

HPMC in its original closed container, stored under proper conditions (a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct light), has a typical shelf life of 24 to 36 months from the date of manufacture. Once opened, it should be tightly sealed and preferably used within the following 12 months. Very high viscosity grades may show, after prolonged storage periods (>1 year), a slight reduction in viscosity verifiable by measurement, without significantly affecting functionality if the dose is adjusted.

Where to buy HPMC in Mexico and at what price?

At Quimiconsult we distribute HPMC with immediate availability from our warehouse in San Nicolás de los Garza, Nuevo León, serving customers throughout Mexico and Latin America. We offer packaging from laboratory samples up to 25 kg paper bags with an intermediate polyethylene layer, with complete technical documentation (CoA, TDS, SDS, certifications). The price per kilo of HPMC depends on the volume, packaging and grade requested. Request a personalized quote stating estimated volume, end application and required specifications through our website or by phone at +52 (81) 8105 0063.

Request your Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose HPMC quote

Does your company, mortar manufacturer, ceramic adhesive producer, paint formulator, pharmaceutical laboratory, cosmetic formulator, food plant or any industry that requires a multifunctional cellulose ether need to incorporate high viscosity HPMC with excellent water retention into its formulations? Contact us and we will gladly analyze your specific application, recommend the right grade, and offer you a comprehensive solution that includes technical documentation, certifications, formulation advice and timely delivery anywhere in Mexico.