CELLOSIZE(TM) Texture E4M PRM Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

Methoxy and hydroxypropyl substituted cellulosic polymers

• Foam & lather stabilization
• Thickening
• Lubricity
• Cold water dispersible
• Allows clear formulas
• Mild for the skin
• Stable over a broad pH range (3–11)
• Good salt & electrolyte tolerance
• Synergistic conditioning behavior with UCARE™ & SoftCAT™ conditioning polymers

Although CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M PRM Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is soluble in water, it must first be thoroughly dispersed in water to prevent lumping. In some applications, dispersion can be accomplished at ambient temperatures or in cold water by using an educator funnel or high-shear mixer. However, if the powder is added directly to cold water without sufficient agitation, a lumpy solution will result. Lumping results from incomplete wetting of the individual powder particles. Only part of the powder dissolves, leading to the formation of a gelatinous membrane which shields the remaining powder from complete hydration. Several dispersion techniques commonly used are described below.

Dispersion in Hot Water

• Often called the “hot/cold” technique, this method takes advantage of the insolubility of CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M PRM Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose in hot water. Heat 1/5 to 1/3 of the total required volume of water to above 90°C, and then add the powder with agitation. Continue mixing until all powder particles are thoroughly wetted.
• For complete solubilization, the remainder of the water is then added as cold water or ice to lower the temperature of the dispersion. Once the dispersion reaches the temperature where the powder becomes soluble, the powder begins to hydrate and solution viscosity increases. In general, CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M PRM Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose must be cooled to 20 - 25°C to achieve complete hydration. Continue mixing for at least 30 minutes after reaching 20 - 25°C.
• In some applications it may be desirable to heat the entire volume of water, disperse the powder, then cool the mixture while agitating until hydration is complete. It is very important, however, to have adequate cooling after wetting with hot water to ensure complete hydration and viscosity development.

Dispersion by Dry Blending

• Dry blending involves mixing CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M PRM Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose with other dry ingredients before adding the water component. Dry blending separates the particles of CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M PRM Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose to allow thorough wet-out and complete hydration when water is added.
•  Begin by blending CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M PRM Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose with other dry powder ingredients. The suggested ratio of other dry powdered ingredients to CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M PRM Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is 7:1.
• However, this ratio may vary from 7:1 to 3:1. After blending, add the dry mix to the water with agitation. The rate of hydration will depend upon both the relative particle sizes and the rate of agitation during and after addition of the mixture to water.
• Continue agitation until the CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M PRM Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose has completely hydrated and the solution is consistently smooth.

Dispersion in Non-solvent Media

• CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M PRM Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose may also be dispersed in non-solvent media such as vegetable oil, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerine, corn syrup, and high fructose corn syrup.
• Begin by adding CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M PRM Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose to the non-solvent. A ratio of 5 to 8 parts of non-solvent to 1 part CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M PRM Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose is recommended to obtain a fluid slurry.
• Agitate the mixture until the particles of CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M PRM Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose are evenly dispersed. The dispersion of CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M PRM Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose in a non-solvent can then be added to cold water, or cold water can be added to the dispersion.
• Continue mixing until the CELLOSIZE™ Texture E4M PRM Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose powder is completely hydrated and the solution is smooth.

Product is sold in 25 kg bags.

Shelf life is 36 months. Store the product indoors in a closed container.