1. Pharmaceutical Industry One of the most significant uses of HPMC 4000 is in the pharmaceutical sector, where it is employed as a binder in tablet formulations, a film-coating agent, and a controlled-release encapsulating agent. It aids in achieving the desired release profile of active ingredients, ensuring efficacy and patient compliance.
In the daily chemical industry such as toothpaste, soap, lotion and cosmetics, and ointment, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose acts as a thickener, dispersing agent, binder and stabilizer to increase the density, lubrication, and mercerized appearance of products. SidleyCel™ Hydroxyethyl Cellulose products are applicable to personal care and cosmetics, with purity over 95%. The reliable quality and high stability have been recognized by customers.
HEC is designed to offer enhanced solubility and viscosity control in aqueous solutions. When it comes to alcohols, HEC displays limited solubility in ethanol. The solubility of HEC in this organic solvent can be influenced by its hydroxyethyl substitution degree; generally, as the degree of substitution increases, the solubility in ethanol may slightly improve, but it remains significantly lower than in water. This limited solubility is primarily attributed to the hydrophilic nature of the hydroxyethyl groups, which favor interaction with polar solvents like water over non-polar or slightly polar solvents like ethanol.
One of the primary uses of HPMC is in the pharmaceutical industry. It serves as a critical excipient in the formulation of oral tablets, capsules, and controlled-release drug delivery systems. HPMC's film-forming properties allow it to create protective coatings on tablets, enhancing stability and masking unpleasant tastes. Moreover, in controlled-release formulations, HPMC controls the release of active ingredients, ensuring that medication is released over an extended period. This can lead to improved patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes.
Understanding Hydroxyethyl Cellulose