Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), a derivative of natural cellulose, has revolutionized modern construction through its unique hydrophilic properties. Unlike synthetic polymers, this bio-based additive creates a reversible gel network in cementitious matrices, enabling 95%+ water retention at 40°C (ASTM C1579 testing). Field trials in Dubai’s 2023 infrastructure projects demonstrated HPMC-enhanced mortars maintained workability for 45+ minutes in 45°C ambient conditions – a 50% improvement over conventional formulations.
The specification of HPMC
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
Technical Breakthroughs in Mortar Engineering
Qingdao ACTA’s R&D team achieved breakthroughs in three critical performance dimensions:
1. Rheological Control
Viscosity Customization: Offering 9 viscosity grades from 10,000 mPa·s (for rapid-setting grouts) to 150,000 mPa·s (self-leveling compounds)
Anti-Sag Performance: Tile adhesives formulated with 0.3% HPMC achieved <0.5mm vertical deformation under 2kg/cm² load (EN 1348 testing)
Workability Window: Extends open time by 30-50% through controlled hydration kinetics
2. Durability Enhancement
Shrinkage Mitigation: 3D network formation reduces drying shrinkage by 60% (ASTM C157)
Chloride Resistance: Zeolite-modified concrete showed 17% lower water absorption after 28 days (ASTM C1202)
Freeze-Thaw Endurance: Micro-air entrainment (0.1-0.3% by volume) maintained 92% relative dynamic modulus after 300 cycles (ASTM C666)
3. Application-Specific Formulations of HPMC
Application
Optimal Dosage
Key Performance Indicators
Self-Compacting Concrete
0.2-0.5%
6,000 psi compressive strength @ 28 days
Tile Adhesives
0.2-0.5%
>95% water retention, >30min open time
Wall Putty
0.1-0.3%
25% reduced cracking in harsh environments
Cold Mix Asphalt
0.4%
25% segregation resistance (EN 13108-21)
Qingdao ACTA’s Manufacturing Excellence
As Asia’s largest HPMC producer (50,000 tons/year capacity), ACTA combines:
Advanced Etherification Process:
Proprietary alkali-catalyzed reaction achieves substitution degrees of 1.2-1.5 DS
Particle size distribution optimized for <30-second cold water dissolution
Quality Assurance:
ISO9001/ISO22000 certified facilities
Heavy metal limits: As <3ppm, Pb <2ppm (exceeding FDA 21 CFR 172.878)
Microbial control: <10³ CFU/g total plate count
Sustainability Leadership:
15% raw material substitution with industrial by-products (fly ash/slag)
22% lower carbon footprint vs. imported alternatives (LCA verified by SGS)
Compliance with LEED v4.1 and BREEAM standards
Global Application Validation
UAE: Reduced labor costs by 40% in precast SCC production for Expo 2020 Dubai
Germany: Achieved B3 fire rating in HPMC-modified spray plaster systems
Indonesia: 25% longer service life in marine infrastructure through chloride resistance
Brazil: Enabled 3D-printed concrete structures with >80MPa compressive strength
Why Discerning Buyers Choose ACTA
Technical Support:
24/7 application engineering assistance
Free sample testing with comprehensive COAs
Custom formulation development (3-5 week lead time)
Supply Chain Reliability:
20kg multi-wall paper bags with PE liners
24-month shelf life at 25°C
98%+ order fulfillment rate since 2018
Certification Portfolio:
European Pharmacopoeia 10.0 compliance
HALAL/KOSHER certification for food-grade variants
NSF/ANSI 61 certification for potable water applications
Next-Generation Innovations
ACTA’s pipeline includes:
Nanocellulose Composites: 20% tensile strength increase in pilot trials
Smart Concrete Additives: Embedded sensors for real-time crack detection
Biodegradable Packaging: 100% recycled materials by 2026
Request Your Technical Assessment Kit
Experience the ACTA difference with:
500g samples of any viscosity grade
Comparative testing protocols vs. current suppliers