Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose CAS No. Explained: Applications & Vendors

Understanding Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose CAS No.

Having spent a good chunk of my career in industrial materials — especially in areas touching cement, coatings, or even food products — I’ve learned that a little thing like the hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose cas no. can unlock the mysteries behind product quality and supplier reliability. This chemical identifier, while sounding a bit dry, is the shorthand that lets everyone in the supply chain talk fluently about the same compound.

For the uninitiated, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) is a cellulose ether widely used as a thickening agent, emulsifier, and binder. It’s ubiquitous — from the wallpaper paste that helps houses breathe right, to the mortar mix that keeps brick layers sane. And behind all that is the CAS number, which is essentially the universal social security number for chemicals. For HPMC, it’s 9004-65-3.

Oddly enough, despite its very technical background, it’s become a kind of “go-to” ingredient in so many industries because of how versatile it is. You’ll find it in pharmaceuticals, food additives, paints, and, of course, the construction industry — where it influences workability and water retention.

Why the Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose CAS Number Matters

Knowing the CAS number isn't just trivia — it's practical. When sourcing HPMC, specifying 9004-65-3 ensures everyone understands the exact chemical structure. It avoids costly confusion like ordering a different cellulose ether by mistake (and trust me, not all cellulose derivatives behave the same). Plus, regulatory compliance often hinges on accurate CAS identification.

Many engineers I talk to are surprised at how many test methods exist to characterize HPMC. Viscosity, molecular weight distribution, substitution degree — they all matter. And these affect final product performance. It took me a while in the field to appreciate that these nuances are what separate a good batch from one that causes headaches at the job site.

Key Specifications of Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose

Property	Typical Range	Remarks
CAS Number	9004-65-3	Universal identifier
Appearance	White to off-white powder	Typical physical form for handling
Viscosity (2% aqueous solution, 20°C)	50–10,000 mPa·s	Varies by grade, affects thickening
Moisture Content	≤5%	Important for storage & handling
PH in 1% solution	5.0–8.5	Suitability in various formulations

Comparing Major Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose Vendors

I’ve had hands-on experience working with several suppliers and noticed distinct differences that go beyond pricing. Support responsiveness, batch consistency, and customization options truly set providers apart. Not all HPMCs are created equal.

Vendor	Grade Variety	Typical Application Focus	Customization	Notes
SSHB HPMC	Extensive (50–10,000 mPa·s)	Construction, Pharmaceuticals, Food	High Tailored to client needs	Reliable supply chain Excellent technical support
Supplier B	Limited	Construction only	Moderate	Price competitive Slower support response
Supplier C	Moderate	Pharma and Food	Low	Good quality Less flexible MOQ

One story I recall is from a construction site where our team swapped to SSHB’s HPMC during a particularly humid summer. The mortar sets held firm even when conditions tested water retention to the limit. Fine details like consistent viscosity and moisture content saved the day — honestly, stuff that you don’t think about until it matters.

In real terms, if you’re sourcing HPMC, having a vendor that understands the nuances of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose cas no. 9004-65-3 and can customize grades to your exact needs means less stress and fewer surprises down the line.

Final Takeaway

To sum up, the CAS number is more than just a code — it’s the foundation of trust in the industrial supply chain. Choosing the right hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose isn’t just about buying a powder; it’s about locking in quality, consistency, and technical support. And if you ask me, those things add up to real peace of mind in any project.

So next time you specify or order, keep the CAS handy, ask about grades and testing, and don’t discount the quieter vendors who get the details right.

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References & Personal Notes:

1. Personal industry experience spanning 15+ years in polymer additives and construction chemicals.
2. Data sheets and technical bulletins from SSHB HPMC, Supplier B, Supplier C (2019–2023).
3. Regulatory and CAS number info from Chemical Abstracts Service and related industrial supply platforms.