CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is HPMC
3. What is MHEC
4. HPMC vs MHEC

Overview and Key Difference

The key difference between HPMC and MHEC is that the gel temperature of HPMC is around 60 – 75 ℃ depending on the group content and different production techniques, whereas the gel temperature of MHEC is usually higher than 80 ℃.

The term HPMC stands for hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, while the term MHEC stands for methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose. These two are important as construction chemicals and can be used as thickeners, water retention agents, and air-entraining agents. Mainly, these are used in cement and gypsum-based dry mix mortar to increase bond strength, workability, and water retention.

What is HPMC

Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC for short), also known as hypromellose or hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose ether, is prepared from selection of highly pure cotton cellulose, treated in 35-40℃ alkali liquor for 0.5h, squeezed to smash cellulose, and properly aged at 35℃ to make average polymerization degree of alkali fiberobtained within the required range. Put alkali fiber into the reaction kettle, then add propylene oxide and methyl chloride in order for 5h etherification at 50-80℃, with the maximum pressure of 1.8MP. Afterwards, add an appropriate amount of hydrochloric acid and oxalic acid into 90℃ hot water for washing the materials and expanding the volume. Then use the centrifugal machine for dehydration and finally become neutral with repeated washings. It is widely used in building, chemical, coatings, pharmaceutical and military industries, respectively as a film former, binder, dispersant, stabilizer and thickener.

                                                                    HPMC

What is MHEC

The term MHEC stands for methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose. It is a gelling and thickening agent that is derived from cellulose. The chemical formula of this compound is variable because the number of unit structures per MHEC molecule can vary. Therefore, the molar mass also varies accordingly.

                                                                      MHEC

This compound is considered to be non-toxic. Therefore, it is used as a food additive. However, excessive amounts or overuse can cause irritating and harmful effects. This compound can be described as a modified cellulose polymer consisting of methyl, ethyl, and hydroxyethyl side chains.

There are some common side effects of MHEC: abdominal or stomach pain, light vaginal bleeding after the procedure, pelvic pain, slow heartbeat, etc.

This compound can be used to help improve the texture and feel of skincare and cosmetic products, but it does not provide any other benefits to the skin by means of improving the condition or the appearance of the skin.

What is the Difference Between HPMC and MHEC?

HPMC and MHEC are modified cellulose forms that are mainly used as gelling agents for thickening properties in different items. The key difference between HPMC and MHEC is that the gel temperature of HPMC is around 60 – 75 ℃ depending on the group content and different production techniques, whereas the gel temperature of MHEC is usually higher than 80 ℃.

NO. 1 Difference between MHEC and HPMC etherizing agent

This is the biggest difference between MHEC and HPMC.

So what is the etherizing agent of HEMC? It is monochlomethane and ethylene oxide. Its full name is Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose,

And what is the authorizing agent of HPMC? That is monochloromethane and propylene oxide.  Its full name is hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. it's synonyms is hypromellose.

NO. 2 Difference between MHEC and HPMC gel temperature

So the gel temperature of HEMC is higher than HPMC.  The gel temperature of HEMC mainly is around 75° to 100°. And that of HPMC is around 55° to 75°. So if you're living in somewhere some countries that is of higher temperature like India, Indonesia or Africa. These countries of a higher temperature performance environment. You should choose HEMC for your worksite, all right?

NO. 3 Difference between MHEC and HPMC price

Generally speaking, HEMC is a little more expensive than HPMC. The main difference is what you care about.

Okay, so that's all about today. Mainly we're talking about MHEC and HPMC and their difference. I hope you have some knowledge after reading this article. Feel free to contact us if you have questions about HPMC and HEMC.