HPMC VS CMC: 7 Differences You Need to Know!

09 Sep.,2024

 

HPMC VS CMC: 7 Differences You Need to Know!

Melacoll&#;-09-13 13:29

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If you don't distinguish HPMC and CMC, there are 7 differences you need to know. HPMC vs CMC: their differences mainly focus on Definition, Solubility, Water Retention, Ph Stability, Enzymatic Resistance, Price and Application.

No.1 HPMC VS CMC: different definition

HPMC is prepared by reacting alkali cellulose with chloromethane and propylene oxide. This process mainly take place on etherification of workshop.  Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a cellulose derivative formed by the reaction of alkali and chloroacetic acid.

N0.2 different solubility

HPMC dissolves easily in cold water and may be difficult to dissolve in hot water. But CMC is easy to dissolve in hot and cold water, and the solubility of HPMC in cold water is higher than CMC.

No.3 different water retention

HPMC has better water retention than CMC. This is their big difference.

No.4 different PH stability

Melacoll&#; HPMC remains stable in the range of pH 3~11. However, PH has a great effect on CMC, it is mainly used in gypsum rather than cement.

In a strongly alkaline environment, CMC&#;s viscosity will be lost. But HPMC will speed up its dissolution rate and increase its viscosity.

No.5 different enzymatic resistance

HPMC has better resistance to enzymes than CMC, so HPMC solution is less easily degraded by enzymes.

No.6 different price

HPMC price is evidently higher than CMC.

No.7 different application

CMC mainly apply to the food industry, toothpaste, diet pills, water-based coatings, detergents, and others. CMC proved to be a viable and superior alternative to HPMC as a goniometer solution.  The most common applications of HPMC include tile adhesive, paints and coatings, gypsum products, putty, food, cosmetics, detergents, and eye drops, among others.

This  is 7 difference between HPMC and CMC. However, whatever any products, their impact is important. If you want to know HPMC and MHEC difference, please click here.

Which is better, CMC or HPMC?

Comparing CMC (carboxymethylcellulose) and HPMC (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose) is not necessarily a question of one being "better" than the other. Both are widely used in a variety of industries and applications, and each technology has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the specific requirements of the application.

 

Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC):

 

1. Performance:

CMC is a water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose.

It usually comes in powder form.

It is stable over a wide pH range.

Forms a viscous solution when dissolved in water.

 

2. Application:

CMC is widely used in the food industry as a thickener, stabilizer and binder in products such as ice cream, sauces and baked goods.

It is also used in pharmaceuticals as a binder in tablet formulations and in personal care products such as toothpaste and cosmetics.

In the textile industry, CMC is used as a sizing agent and in the production of synthetic fibers.

 

3. Advantages:

Excellent water retention properties, making it suitable for applications requiring humidity control.

Effective thickener and stabilizer.

Non-toxic and safe for use in food and medicine.

Cost effective compared to some other thickeners.

 

4. Disadvantages:

Limited thermal stability, which may limit its use in high temperature applications.

May not be suitable for applications requiring high definition or transparency.

 

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC):

 

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1. Performance:

HPMC is a semi-synthetic polymer derived by introducing hydroxypropyl and methyl groups.

It is available in various viscosity grades.

Like CMC, it is water-soluble and forms a clear solution.

HPMC can exhibit thermogelling behavior, meaning that it forms a gel when heated and returns to a solution when cooled.

 

2. Application:

HPMC is commonly used as a thickener, binder, film-forming agent, and emulsifier in pharmaceuticals, especially in controlled-release formulations.

It is used in building materials such as cement products to improve workability and water retention.

In the food industry, HPMC is used as a thickener and stabilizer in products such as baked goods, beverages and dairy products.

It is also used in personal care products such as lotions, creams and shampoos to improve texture and stability.

 

3. Advantages:

Versatile and can be used in a variety of applications including pharmaceutical, food, construction and personal care.

Better thermal stability compared to CMC, making it suitable for applications involving heat treatment.

Provides excellent film-forming properties, which is advantageous in coatings and pharmaceutical tablet formulations.

Provides a high degree of transparency in aqueous solutions, making it suitable for products requiring transparency.

 

4. Disadvantages:

Typically more expensive than CMC, which may affect its cost-effectiveness in some applications.

Although generally considered safe, it may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

 

Compare:

 

1. Application scope:

CMC and HPMC have overlapping applications in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals and personal care. However, HPMC has a wider range of applications due to its superior thermal stability and transparency.

 

2. Performance:

In terms of thickening and stabilizing properties, both CMC and HPMC are effective. However, HPMC can provide better performance in applications requiring thermal stability and transparency.

 

3. Cost:

CMC is generally more cost-effective than HPMC. However, the choice between the two may also depend on the specific requirements of the application and the desired performance characteristics.

 

4.Safety:

Both CMC and HPMC are considered safe for consumption and use in a variety of applications. However, people with allergies or sensitivities should use caution, especially HPMC.

 

5. Environmental considerations:

Both CMC and HPMC are derived from cellulose, a renewable resource. However, the manufacturing process and any associated environmental impacts may differ between the two.

 

Whether CMC or HPMC is "better" depends on the specific requirements of the application. CMC may be favored for its cost-effectiveness and water retention properties, while HPMC may be favored for its superior thermal stability, transparency, and broader applications. Ultimately, the selection should be based on factors such as performance requirements, cost considerations, and environmental impact.

For more information, please visit hpmc vs cmc.