The difference between hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose:
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Characteristics:
- Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose: White or white fiber-like powder or granules, belonging to various non-ionic types in cellulose mixtures. It is a semi-synthetic product, classified as a non-reactive viscoelastic polymer.
- Hydroxyethyl cellulose: A white or yellow, odorless, non-toxic fiber or solid powder, primarily derived from alkaline cellulose and epichlorohydrin etherification. It is a non-ionic soluble cellulose ether.
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Uses:
- In the coating industry, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose has good solubility as a thickener, dispersant, and stabilizer in water or organic solvents. Polyvinyl chloride, used as a paint remover for suspension polymerization of polyvinyl chloride, is widely applied in industries such as leather, paper, fruit and vegetable preservation, textiles, etc.
- Hydroxyethyl cellulose: It is almost insoluble in anhydrous ethanol, ether, and acetone; it dissolves in cold water to form a transparent or slightly turbid colloidal solution. It finds extensive applications in industries such as coatings, inks, fibers, dyeing, papermaking, cosmetics, pesticides, mineral processing, petroleum recovery, and pharmaceuticals.
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Solubility:
- Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose: Almost insoluble in anhydrous ethanol, ether, and acetone; soluble in cold water to form a transparent or slightly turbid colloidal solution.