Everything You Should Know Before Contacting a Thickener (Hypromellose) Supplier in the Philippines

Introduction

The science behind the process of thickening starts when a solid-liquid mixture is separated into a dense slurry, which consists of most of the solids and an overflow of water in the leaching process. This separation has a gravitational driving force, leading the phase differences to increase in density. For example, thickening agents in sedimentation are applied to both the product and tailings streams to recover water, recycling the water in the process.

There are many kinds of thickening agents that you can use for your business, and the key to properly selecting one is determining how you will use it in your products. This way, you can avoid wasting your money on various thickening agents.

One of the most common thickening agents is hypromellose. Aside from utilizing it for optical purposes, this ingredient can be used in various industries. If you require hypromellose for your products, you can contact Wills International Sales Corporation. We are a thickener (hypromellose) supplier in the Philippines that can help you with your production needs.

What Is a Thickener (Hypromellose)?

Hypromellose, also known as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, is a semisynthetic, inert, and viscoelastic polymer that creates a colloid solution once it has been dissolved in water. The properties of this compound can vary greatly, depending on the molecular weight, percentage of hydroxyl groups, and viscosity measurements.

In terms of physical appearance, hypromellose is a solid powder with a slightly off-white color that you can form into granules. When dissolved in water, it immediately creates colloids and may react firmly with oxidizing agents.

Hypromellose is found in many commercial products, including food additives, excipients, and lubricants. This is due to the compound’s ability to act as a thickening agent, solubility enhancer, and binder in granulation processes and modified release formulations.

The Properties of a Thickener (Hypromellose)

To further understand how you can adequately utilize hypromellose, you need to know its different properties.

Viscosity

The viscosity grade of hypromellose can range from 100 to 100,000 cP, with hypromellose 2910 qualities being the commonly used. This is because hypromellose chains swell faster as long as there’s an increase in polymer viscosity. The pores of this compound can block up quickly and inhibit further liquid uptake, leading to a turbid gel formation.

When hypromellose is used for oral drug delivery, the high viscosity level can result in slower drug diffusion and release rates. However, an advantage to using a high-viscosity polymer is the rapid hydration and formation of the gel, preventing drug dose dumping.

This scenario was observed by James Ford and Karen Mitchell in 1995. According to their analysis, the gel layer thickness was similar despite the apparent differences in polymer viscosity grade. However, if you use hypromellose 2208, the viscosity grade might be slightly affected in matrices.

Hydration

Hypromellose is capable of taking up and retaining large amounts of water in amorphous regions once exposed to water vapor. This can affect its physical and chemical properties, increasing hypromellose particle size despite the dependence of water absorption on the surface area of the polymer particles.

However, because of the hypromellose’s thermal properties, hydration is directly influenced, significantly affecting the gel characteristics. When the temperature increases, the hydrating water will start to lose, leading to the decrease of relative viscosity and polymer to polymer interactions of methoxy substituents.

Compression and Compaction

The mechanical properties of hypromellose are directly affected by particle size, moisture content, compression force, compression speed, viscosity grade, and substitution type. However, if one is determined to know hypromellose’s compression and compaction properties, they can use the Heckel equation. This allows them to quickly assess the rearrangement and pack of hypromellose particles, as well as their deformation once they are turned into drug tablets.

According to a 1996 study, the relationship between the hypromellose mechanical properties, particle size, tensile strength, and viscosity grade can be complex. This is because there’s a reduction in the tensile strength when using different hypromellose viscosity grades.

Knowing all about the properties of hypromellose can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time encountering the compound. If you’re still confused about hypromellose and its features, you can get in touch with Wills International Sales Corporation. As a thickener (hypromellose) supplier in the Philippines, we can help you learn how to utilize this ingredient further.

The Different Applications of Thickener (Hypromellose)

Hypromellose can be used in a wide variety of applications, depending on your industry. You can incorporate this compound in the following:

Food Emulsifier

Hypromellose can act as a polysaccharide additive, which you can use for frosting, coating, and gluten-free baking. In addition, it can function as:

  • Stabilizer – Hypromellose can help preserve emulsions and foams, which is critical for the development of dough during baking.
  • Thickener – Because of its viscosity, hypromellose can help in thickening the components during the aqueous phase.
  • Fat-Replacer – Its hydration properties make it an efficient lubricant, maintaining the creamy mouthfeel.
  • Gluten-Substitute – You can use hypromellose as a substitute for gluten by combining it with carboxymethylcellulose in your baked goods.
  • Coating Agent – This compound is suitable for creating a film and barrier formation for coating or icing.
  • Water Retainer – Hypromellose can regulate water balance during freezing and thawing of food products, helping extend their shelf life.

 

Hypromellose can also be considered a non-fermentable soluble dietary fiber, which provides various health benefits. This includes reducing the total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, decreasing the risk factors of type 2 diabetes, and aiding intestinal movements. In fact, studies have found that substituting gluten with hypromellose helps in diet management for patients, especially those infected with celiac disease.

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