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
3-year performance warranty registration
Contact Our Specialists:
Email: wangpengfei@actabiotechnology.com
WhatsApp: +86-18263653583
24/7 Chat: www.actabiotechnology.com/
References
ASTM International. (2023). Standard Test Methods for Shrinkage of Mortar (C1579).
SGS Group. (2024). Life Cycle Assessment of Qingdao ACTA HPMC Production.
Dubai Municipality. (2023). Expo 2020 Construction Materials Report.
European Pharmacopoeia Commission. (2024). 10.0 Edition Cellulose Derivatives Monograph.