Methyl cellulose

CAS Number: 9004-67-5

Methyl cellulose is a chemically modified cellulose ether where some hydroxyl groups of cellulose are replaced with methoxy (–OCH₃) groups. This modification changes the solubility and functional properties of natural cellulose.

 

It is non-toxic, non-ionic, water-soluble, and widely used in industrial, pharmaceutical, food, and construction applications.

 

✅ What It Is

 

Methyl cellulose is:

 

A white to off-white powder

 

Soluble in cold water, forming clear to slightly opaque gels/solutions

 

Thermo-gelling (turns into a gel when heated and becomes liquid when cooled)

 

Stable, with excellent film-forming and thickening capabilities

 

Chemically inert and compatible with most other ingredients

 

✅ Key Functional Properties

 

Thickening / viscosity building

 

Film formation

 

Water retention

 

Suspension and emulsification aid

 

Binding and adhesion

 

Stabilization

 

Thermo-gelation (unique behavior of methyl cellulose)

 

⭐ Main Uses of Methyl Cellulose (CAS 9004-67-5)

1. Construction Materials

 

Very widely used in construction chemicals:

 

Tile adhesives

 

Cement-based mortars

 

Gypsum-based plasters

 

Self-leveling compounds

 

EIFS/ETICS adhesives

 

Putty powders and wall coatings

 

Benefits:

 

Improves workability

 

Enhances water retention

 

Prevents sagging

 

Improves adhesion and open time

 

Enhances consistency and spreadability

 

2. Food Industry (Food Grade MC – E461)

 

Used as:

 

Thickener

 

Stabilizer

 

Emulsifier

 

Fat replacer

 

Coating agent

 

Examples:

 

Ice cream

 

Bakery fillings

 

Gluten-free baked goods

 

Vegan meats (MC helps gel/texture creation)

 

Edible films

 

3. Pharmaceutical Industry

 

Used as:

 

Binder in tablets

 

Film-coating agent

 

Controlled-release matrix material

 

Suspending agent in syrups

 

Drug delivery formulations

 

Safe, non-toxic, and widely approved internationally.

 

4. Personal Care & Cosmetics

 

Used in:

 

Lotions and creams

 

Shampoo and conditioner

 

Toothpaste

 

Eye drops (as a lubricant)

 

Gel-based cosmetics

 

Provides thickness, smooth texture, and stability.

 

5. Paints, Coatings & Adhesives

 

Used as:

 

Thickener

 

Rheology modifier

 

Binder

 

Anti-sagging agent

 

Improves application performance and viscosity stability.

 

6. Paper, Textiles & Other Industries

 

Paper coating formulations

 

Textile printing pastes

 

Ceramic extrusion aids

 

Detergents

 

Oil drilling fluids (as a viscosifier)