What are the methods for dissolving hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC)?

Mix HPMC powder with a large amount of other powdered materials using a mixer, then dissolve it in water. At this point, HPMC can dissolve without agglomerating because there is only a small amount of HPMC powder in each tiny corner which dissolves quickly upon contact with water.

Hot water dissolution method: Because HPMC is not soluble in hot water, HPMC can be uniformly dispersed in hot water at the initial stage, and then rapidly dissolved when cooled. Two typical methods are described as follows: 1) Put the required amount of hot water into a container and heat it to about 70℃. Gradually add hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose under slow stirring. HPMC floats on the water surface at the beginning and then gradually forms a slurry. Cool the slurry under stirring. 2) Add 1/3 or 2/3 of the required water to the container and heat it to 70℃. Disperse HPMC according to method 1) to prepare a hot water slurry. Then add the remaining amount of cold water to the hot water slurry, stir, and cool the mixture. Powder mixing method: Mix HPMC powder with a large amount of other powdered materials using a mixer, and then dissolve in water. At this time, HPMC can dissolve without agglomeration because each tiny corner has only a little HPMC powder, which will dissolve immediately when it encounters water. - This method is used by putty powder and mortar production enterprises. Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) is used as a thickener and water retention agent in putty powder and mortar.