What Does
Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC) Mean?
Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is a chemical substance with the chemical formula C3H7O that is an ether of cellulose. It presents as a white to light cream powder. It is formed when some of the hydroxyl groups in the successive glucose units have been hydroxypropylated.
Hydroxypropyl cellulose is mostly used as a constituent in pharmaceutical products, and care must be taken to avoid the corrosion of process vessels during its production.
Corrosionpedia Explains Hydroxypropyl Cellulose (HPC)
Some properties of hydroxypropyl cellulose:
- Density: 0.5 g/mL at 25°C
- pH range: 5.0 – 8.5
- Water solubility: Soluble in polar organic solvents, in water at room temperature, methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol and other organic solvents
- Stability: Stable. Not compatible with strong oxidizing agents. It is also combustible.
The proper evaluation of these properties is vital when hydroxypropyl cellulose is used for various applications as an emulsifier, stabilizer, film former (in corrosion prevention coatings), and as a binder in ceramics and glazes.