Solubility in Water and Some Organic Solvents: Soluble in cold water. Its maximum concentration depends solely on viscosity; solubility varies with viscosity, increasing with lower viscosity.
Salt Resistance: As a non-ionic cellulose ether and not a polyelectrolyte, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is relatively stable in aqueous solutions in the presence of metal salts or organic electrolytes. However, excessive addition of electrolytes can cause gelation and precipitation.
Surface Activity: Due to its surface-active properties, the aqueous solution of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose can act as a colloidal protectant, emulsifier, and dispersant.
Thermogeling: When heated to a certain temperature, the aqueous solution of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose becomes opaque, gels, and forms a precipitate. However, upon continuous cooling, it returns to its original solution state. The temperature at which this gelation and precipitation occur depends primarily on the properties of the lubricant, suspending agent, protective colloid, and emulsifier.
Mold Resistance: It exhibits good mold resistance and good viscosity stability during long-term storage.
pH Stability: The viscosity of the aqueous solution of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) for construction is almost unaffected by acids or alkalis, and its pH value remains relatively stable within the range of 3.0 to 11.0.
Shape Retention: Due to the unique viscoelastic properties of the highly concentrated aqueous solution of HPMC for construction compared to aqueous solutions of other polymers, its addition can improve the shape retention of extruded ceramic products.
Water Retention: The hydrophilicity of HPMC for construction and the high viscosity of its aqueous solution make it a highly efficient water-retaining agent.
Other Properties: Thickener, film-forming agent, binder, lubricant, suspending agent, protective colloid, emulsifier, etc.
