Hypromellose (HPMC), a semi-synthetic cellulose ether, is a versatile polymer widely used in pharmaceuticals, construction, food, and cosmetics due to its solubility, film-forming properties, and biocompatibility. Qingdao ACTA Biotechnology, a leader in HPMC production, offers high-purity, competitively priced HPMC with international certifications and tailored technical solutions. This article details its specifications, applications, and performance data, backed by real-world examples and industry benchmarks.
Product Specifications of Hypromellose
Qingdao ACTA’s HPMC meets stringent quality standards, ensuring compliance with global regulations. Key specifications include:
TEST ITEMS
60RT15
75RT4000
ASE15
ASK4M
GDE15
GDK4M
MH-400G
Appearance
White to slightly off-white fibrous or granular powder.
White to slightly off-white fibrous or granular powder.
White to slightly off-white fibrous or granular powder.
White to slightly off-white fibrous or granular powder.
White to slightly off-white fibrous or granular powder.
White to slightly off-white fibrous or granular powder.
White to slightly off-white fibrous or granular powder.
Identification(A) to (C)
Conforms
Conforms
Conforms
Conforms
Conforms
Conforms
Conforms
Solubility
Conforms
Conforms
Conforms
Conforms
Conforms
Conforms
Conforms
Methoxy (%)
28.5
22.2
29.34
21.24
28.4
22.6
23.4
Hydroxypropoxy (%)
7.8
8.5
8.8
7.64
8.3
8
10.2
Viscosity(mPa.s)
103.3
102.4
14.28
5140
5140
5140
4680
pH (1% in Water)
6.5
6.56
6.12
6.42
6.5
6.8
7.5
Loss on Drying (%)
3.7
3.8
3.2
1.93
2.1
2.6
3.5
Residue on Ignition (%) /Sulfated ash (%)
0.88
0.82
0.78
0.65
0.92
0.68
1.2
Total Aerobic Microbial Count
≤10³ cfu/g
≤10³ cfu/g
≤10³ cfu/g
≤10³ cfu/g
≤10³ cfu/g
≤10³ cfu/g
≤10³ cfu/g
Total Combined Yeasts/Molds Count
≤10² cfu/g
≤10² cfu/g
≤10² cfu/g
≤10² cfu/g
≤10² cfu/g
≤10² cfu/g
≤10² cfu/g
Arsenic
≤3 mg/kg
≤3 mg/kg
≤3 mg/kg
≤3 mg/kg
≤3 mg/kg
≤3 mg/kg
≤3 mg/kg
Lead
≤2 mg/kg
≤2 mg/kg
≤2 mg/kg
≤2 mg/kg
≤2 mg/kg
≤2 mg/kg
≤2 mg/kg
Mercury
≤1 mg/kg
≤1 mg/kg
≤1 mg/kg
≤1 mg/kg
≤1 mg/kg
≤1 mg/kg
≤1 mg/kg
Cadmium
≤1 mg/kg
≤1 mg/kg
≤1 mg/kg
≤1 mg/kg
≤1 mg/kg
≤1 mg/kg
≤1 mg/kg
Key Applications and Performance Data of Hypromellose
1. Pharmaceutical Industry
Tablet Binder
Dosage: 1–3% w/w
Performance: Increases tablet hardness by 15–20% vs. microcrystalline cellulose (MCC).
Recommended Viscosity: 15–100 mPa·s.
Controlled-Release Matrix
Dosage: 15–30% w/w
Performance: Achieves zero-order drug release over 24h (R²=0.98) with viscosity grades of 4,000–100,000 mPa·s.
Vegetarian Capsules
Dosage: 10–20%
Performance: Gelatin-free, dissolves in <15 minutes (viscosity: 10,000–25,000 mPa·s).
Ophthalmic Lubricants
Dosage: 0.3–2.5% w/v
Performance: Extends corneal residence time by 40%.
2. Construction Industry
Tile Adhesives & EIFS
Role: Thickener, water retention agent, and rheology modifier.
Benefits: Enhances workability, extends open time by 30–50%, and improves adhesion strength by 15–25%.
Cement Renders
Performance: Reduces cracking risk by 20% and increases water retention efficiency by ≥90%.
3. Food Industry
Bakery & Dairy
Function: Stabilizer and emulsifier.
Example: In gluten-free bread, HPMC traps air bubbles, increasing loaf volume by 25%.
4. Cosmetics
Moisturizers & Creams
Performance: Forms a WVTR <0.5 g/m²/day film, enhancing skin hydration by 30%.
Competitive Advantages of Qingdao ACTA Biotechnology
Technical Expertise: Over 20% of staff are engineers, with R&D focused on customized solutions.
Quality Assurance: Certifications include ISO9001, ISO22000, KOSHER, HALAL, and BRC.
Global Supply Chain: Exports to Europe, Americas, Asia, and Africa with fast delivery times (≤15 days).
Sustainability: Eco-friendly production methods validated by institutions like Qingdao Energy Institute.
Real-World Case Studies
Case 1: A European pharmaceutical company achieved 98% drug release accuracy over 24h using ACTA’s HPMC (50,000 mPa·s).
Case 2: A Middle Eastern construction firm saved 30% costs with ACTA70000 for concrete adhesives.
Why Choose Qingdao ACTA Biotechnology?
Qingdao ACTA Biotechnology has established itself as an industry benchmark in the HPMC sector through its technological prowess, quality assurance systems, global operational capabilities, and commitment to sustainability. Below, we delve into its core competitive advantages across five dimensions—technical expertise, quality certification, supply chain efficiency, cost competitiveness, and customer testimonials—supported by concrete data and case studies.
I. Technical Drivers: Industry-Leading R&D and Customization Capabilities
1. Professional R&D Team and Investment
Over 20% of staff are R&D professionals, each with over five years of experience in cellulose ether research spanning polymer chemistry, pharmaceutical engineering, and construction materials.
In 2024, R&D investment reached 8% of revenue, surpassing the industry average (5%), focusing on breakthroughs such as low-viscosity HPMC for sustained-release drug delivery and high-viscosity HPMC for 3D-printed construction materials.
2. Tailored Solutions
Customizable parameters include viscosity (14.28–75,000 mPa·s), particle size distribution (D50: 20–200μm), and degree of substitution (DS: 1.8–2.2). Examples:
ACTA70000 (65,000–75,000 mPa·s) for Middle Eastern clients: Optimized hydroxypropoxy content (9.8–10.2%) boosted concrete bond strength by 25%.
Low-residue HPMC (microbial limit ≤10² cfu/g) for European pharmaceutical firms: Met stringent sterile formulation requirements.
II. Quality Assurance: Global Certifications and Rigorous Controls
1. International Certification Portfolio
Holds ISO9001 (Quality Management), ISO22000 (Food Safety), KOSHER, HALAL, BRC (Global Food Safety), and ISO 13485 (Medical Devices) (certified in 2024), ensuring end-to-end compliance.
2. Advanced Testing and Transparency
Equipped with HPLC and GPC for precision analysis, achieving batch-to-batch viscosity variability of ≤3% (industry average: ±5%).
Each lot includes a Certificate of Analysis (COA) disclosing:
Viscosity (measured at 25°C ±0.1°C), pH (1% solution, ±0.1 accuracy), and moisture loss (≤3.8%, below USP’s ≤5.0% threshold).
III. Supply Chain Efficiency: Global Network and Rapid Delivery
1. Worldwide Infrastructure
Regional warehouses in Germany (Düsseldorf), USA (New Jersey), and Indonesia (Jakarta), coupled with Qingdao’s production hub, enable localized inventory and agile distribution.
2024 exports reached 12,000 tons, serving 60+ countries: 35% in Europe (construction-grade HPMC) and 30% in Asia (pharmacopeia-grade HPMC).
2. Speed and Cost Advantages
Average lead time for standard orders (1–20 tons): ≤15 days globally, 40% faster than industry norms.
China-Europe Railway (Qingdao-Duisburg) reduces shipping costs by 20% and halves delivery time versus ocean freight.
IV. Cost Competitiveness: Scalable Production and Lean Management
1. Capacity and Cost Control
Annual capacity of 30,000 tons, with unit costs 15% below industry averages, thanks to:
Proprietary continuous etherification process cutting energy use by 18%.
Centralized cotton linter procurement (50,000 tons/year) enhancing bargaining power by 12%.
2. Pricing and Value
Construction-grade HPMC (e.g., ACTA50000) priced 25% lower than international peers (e.g., Dow Chemical) with 100% performance compliance.
Pharmacopeia-grade HPMC (e.g., E5, E15) dual-certified by USP-NF and Ph.Eur., priced 18% below imported alternatives.
V. Customer Testimonials: Real-World Performance
1. Pharmaceutical Sector
Case 1: A German drugmaker achieved a 24-hour release profile (R²=0.98) with ACTA HPMC (4,000 mPa·s), exceeding industry R²≥0.95 standards.
Case 2: An Indian firm reduced capsule disintegration time to 12 minutes (from 18 minutes) using ACTA HPMC (15,000 mPa·s), cutting costs by 30%.
2. Construction Sector
Case 3: A UAE company extended concrete open time to 90 minutes (from 60 minutes) and increased compressive strength by 18% with ACTA70000.
Case 4: A Brazilian client met ANSI A118.4 anti-slip standards for tile adhesive using ACTA HPMC (5,000 mPa·s), boosting application speed by 40%.
VI. Sustainability: Eco-Friendly Practices and Social Responsibility
1. Green Technology Investments
2024 upgrades to waste gas treatment systems reduced VOC emissions to 8 mg/m³ (national standard: ≤60 mg/m³).
Wastewater recycling efficiency reached 92%, 30% above industry averages.
2. Industry Recognition
Awarded Qingdao “Green Factory” and China Cellulose Ether Industry “Carbon Neutrality Pioneer”.
98% of clients in 2024 endorsed ACTA’s “environmental compliance” and “long-term partnership value”.