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Properties and effects of methyl cellulose

Release time:

2023-02-01

Source:

reticulation

Methyl cellulose, also known as cellulose methyl ether, abbreviated as MC. is a long-chain substitution of cellulose, in which 27% to 32% of the hydroxyl group in the form of methoxy, the degree of substitution affects the physical properties of methyl cellulose, such as solubility. It is generally white or off-white fibrous or granular powder at room temperature; odorless and tasteless. It can be dissolved in water into a clear or slightly turbid colloidal solution.

Methyl cellulose properties:

In 80 ~ 90 ℃ in the hot water quickly dispersed, dissolved, cooled down quickly dissolved, aqueous solution at room temperature is quite stable, high temperature can be gel, and this gel can be with the temperature of the solution to transform each other. It has excellent wettability, dispersion, adhesion, thickening, emulsification, water retention and film-forming properties, as well as impermeability to grease. The film has excellent toughness, flexibility and transparency, because it is non-ionic, it can be paired with other emulsifiers, but it is easy to salt precipitation, and the solution is stable in the range of PH2-12. Insoluble in anhydrous ethanol, chloroform or ether.

Methyl cellulose role:

Methyl cellulose itself belongs to polymer surfactant, also as anionic surfactant. Its aqueous solution has the functions of thickening, bonding, film-forming, water retention, emulsification, suspension, etc. It is generally used as a retarder, polymerization dispersant and thickener. It is used as a thickener for water-soluble adhesives, such as the thickener of chloroprene latex. It can also be used as dispersant, emulsifier and stabilizer for suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride and styrene, etc. MC with DS=2.4~2.7 is soluble in polar organic solvents, and it can prevent the volatilization of solvents (dichloromethane-ethanol mixture). As an emulsifier, carboxymethyl cellulose in the form of alkali metal salts and ammonium salts is soluble in water, food grade methyl cellulose can be used as food additives.

Precautions:

Methyl cellulose powder is stable, slightly hygroscopic, should be placed in airtight containers, stored in a cool dry place for preservation.

Methyl cellulose solution is stable to dilute acid and alkali with pH value of 3~11 at room temperature, and it is easy to be destroyed by microorganisms and corrupted. Therefore, the solution should be added with preservatives or heat-pressure sterilized. The change in viscosity of the solution after autoclaving is related to the pH value of the solution. pH <4, the viscosity of the solution after autoclaving decreases by more than 20%.