Water-soluble cellulose ether solution properties

Properties. Hydroxypropylcellulose [9004-64-2] (HPC) is a thermoplastic, nonionic cellulose ether that is soluble in water and in many organic solvents. HPC combines organic solvent solubility, thermoplasticity, and surface activity with the aqueous thickening and stabilizing properties characteristic of other water-soluble cellulosic polymers described herein. Like the MCs, HPC exhibits a low critical solution temperature in water. 

MC, HPC and HPMC are water soluble ethers with good film-forming properties. In order to avoid the formation of agglomerates the dissolution of these nonionic cellulose ethers must be done in two steps dispersion and hydration. Wherever possible, they should be put into solution before other soluble ingredients are added or should be dispersed in water miscible nonsolvent such as glycerol, ethanol or propylene glycol and then add the slurry to water. The solutions of these cellulose ethers are stable at pH 2-11 and are compatible with surfactants, other water-soluble polysaccharides, and with salts. 

---