What is HPMC made from

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC) originates from natural cellulose. It is a synthetic polymer produced by chemical modification of natural cellulose. Due to the special structure of natural cellulose, cellulose itself does not have the ability to react with etherifying agents. However, after treatment with swelling agents, the strong hydrogen bonds between and within the molecular chains are destroyed, releasing the activity of hydroxyl groups to form alkali cellulose with reactive ability. Then, after etherification reaction, the -OH group is converted into -OR group, obtaining HPMC.

HPMC was first invented by the US Dow Chemical Company in 1929 and patented.

Subsequently, many researchers have conducted in-depth research and improvement on the preparation process of HPMC to improve its performance and production efficiency. These research efforts have promoted the application of HPMC in various fields, including construction, pharmaceuticals, food, etc.

In China, there is also a long history of research and application of HPMC. As early as the 1950s, China began research and development work on HPMC. With the continuous progress of technology and changes in market demand, the production and application of HPMC in China have also been continuously developed and improved.

In conclusion, HPMC is an important synthetic polymer material with nearly a century of history in its preparation and application.