Difference Between Surface Treated and Non-surface Treated HPMC

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) is a synthetic polymer derived from natural cellulose through chemical modification. 

As a cellulose derivative, cellulose ether differs from fully synthetic polymers. Its primary material is cellulose, a natural high-molecular compound. 

Due to the unique structure of cellulose, it doesn't naturally react with etherifying agents. However, by treating it with a swelling agent, the strong hydrogen bonds 

within and between the cellulose molecular chains are broken, allowing the active hydroxyl groups to be released. This transforms the cellulose into alkali cellulose, 

which has the ability to undergo further reactions. The cellulose ether is then produced by replacing the —OH group with an —OR group through the reaction with an etherifying agent.

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) is a white or slightly yellowish powder that is odorless, tasteless, and non-toxic. It dissolves in a mixture of 

cold water and organic solvents to form a transparent, viscous solution. The aqueous solution exhibits surface activity, high transparency, strong stability, 

and its solubility in water is unaffected by PH. Surface-treated HPMC has thickening and anti-freeze properties, making it useful in products such as detergents, 

laundry detergents, shampoos, and shower gels. It also provides water retention and excellent film-forming properties for hair and skin. With the rising costs of raw materials, 

the use of cellulose (as an anti-freeze thickener) in washing and daily chemical applications can help significantly reduce costs while achieving optimal performance.

Industrial grade HPMC is available in various grades, including construction-grade and surface-treated grades. Surface-treated HPMC is commonly used in shampoos, 

dishwashing liquids, laundry detergents, and other products to adjust viscosity. Construction-grade HPMC is typically used in materials like mortar, putty, 

and diatomaceous mud, with viscosity generally exceeding 100,000, classifying it as a high-viscosity product. Surface-treated HPMC typically requires a viscosity of 

around 200,000, which is similar to the viscosity of mortar.

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