Controlling, modifying and lubricating
Cellulose ethers are good for suspending solids because they are efficient thickeners. They can be used to control rheology, modify water retention, or provide lubrication. Good viscosity stability within the pH range of 4 to 11 allows them to be used both with alkaline and acidic ingredients. They are fairly resistant to microorganisms and their film-forming properties are useful in topical applications.
METHOCEL™ Premium products are used in oral and topical liquid pharmaceuticals:
- Excellent thickeners used to produce desired viscosity in liquid medications
- Thickening properties in both aqueous and organic solutions
- Can also be used in hydroalcoholic systems
- Surfactancy properties of METHOCEL™ helps it control stability
- Suspension agent in products like liquid medications
- Water retention properties useful in bulk laxatives
METHOCEL™ also is used as a protective colloid and acts as a demulcent in applications such as ophthalmic solutions.
ETHOCEL™ premium products provide the unique advantage of insolubility in water but are soluble in organic solutions, so they can be used with water-sensitive materials.