Methyl cellulose (MC)

Properties and Applications

Methyl cellulose (MC) is the most important commercial cellulose ether. It is also the simplest derivative where methoxy groups have replaced the hydroxyl groups. The most important properties of this nonionic polymer are its water solubility and its gelation when exposed to heat. Although soluble in water, films made from methyl cellulose usually retain their strength and do not become tacky when exposed to humidity. Polymer films made of methyl cellulose have excellent strength (60 - 70 MPa) and low elongation (5 - 15 %) at room temperature (75°F) but their strength decreases rapidly with increasing temperature. MC also has excellent UV, oil, and solvent resistance.

The main application of methyl cellulose is water-soluble films used for packaging products that dissolve in water like medical capsules, bubble bath, tooth pastes, detergent powders, rat poison and bread dough. Other important uses of methyl cellulose include ceramic tile adhesives and grout formulations, wallpaper adhesives, shampoos, cosmetics and a number of other products where thermal gelation, viscosity adjustment, and water solubility is required. 

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