TCS Industries Limited (China-sourced API supplier) supplies Hypromellose (HPMC) –- Film Former, Binder & Controlled Release Polymer CAS 9004-65-3 for pharmaceutical B2B procurement — COA, MSDS, and technical documentation available on request.
> Overview
| Product Name | Hypromellose (HPMC) –- Film Former, Binder & Controlled Release Polymer |
|---|---|
| Structural Formula |  |
| CAS Number | 9004-65-3 |
| Molecular Formula | Cellulose 2-hydroxypropyl methyl ether polymer |
| Molecular Weight | Grade-dependent (typ. 10,000–1,500,000 g/mol) |
| InChIKey | Not applicable (polydisperse polymer) |
| SMILES | Available on request where applicable |
| Appearance | White to off-white fibrous or granular powder |
| Purity / Grade | By agreed specification and batch COA |
| Storage | Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place |
Hypromellose (CAS 9004-65-3, also known as HPMC or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose) is a non-ionic cellulose ether produced by treating cellulose with methyl chloride and propylene oxide. The degree of methoxyl substitution (19–30%) and hydroxypropoxyl substitution (4–12%) determines the grade and functional properties. HPMC is a versatile pharmaceutical polymer excipient, used for film coating, controlled-release matrices, binder, thickener, and vegetarian capsule shells.
TCS Industries Limited, a Hong Kong-based trading and sourcing company, supplies Hypromellose in multiple substitution types and viscosity grades for pharmaceutical and food procurement programs.
> Applications
Film coating and controlled-release matrix
HPMC is the standard polymer for immediate-release film coating of tablets (Opadry equivalents). Low-viscosity grades (3–15 cP) are used for coating; high-viscosity grades (4,000–100,000 cP) are used in hydrophilic matrix controlled-release tablets. In matrix tablets, HPMC hydrates and forms a gel barrier that controls drug diffusion and erosion release. Siepmann et al. (J Control Release, 2012, 161:446–460) modeled drug release mechanisms from HPMC matrix tablets including diffusion, swelling, and erosion contributions.
Binder, thickener, and capsule shell
HPMC serves as a wet granulation binder (2–5% solution), ophthalmic demulcent (0.2–1.0% in artificial tears), thickener in topical gels and suspensions, and the shell material for vegetarian/halal capsules (replacing gelatin). In food applications (E464), it is used as a thickener and emulsifier.
> Sourcing & Supply
TCS Industries Limited supports development, qualification and commercial purchasing discussions for Hypromellose (HPMC) –- Film Former, Binder & Controlled Release Polymer with buyers in South America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada.
- Evaluation and commercial quantities: 5 kg samples for formulation trials; 25 kg drums for production. Multiple substitution types (2208, 2906, 2910) and viscosity grades (3–100,000 cP) in pharmaceutical and food grades available.
- Pallet quantities and production campaigns: repeat supply is coordinated against packaging, lead time, annual demand and destination-market import requirements.
> Quality & Documentation
Key specification parameters include methoxyl content (19.0–30.0%) and hydroxypropoxyl content (4.0–12.0%) — defining substitution type (e.g., 2208, 2906, 2910), apparent viscosity (2% aqueous solution at 20 °C: 3–100,000 mPa·s depending on grade), loss on drying (≤5.0%), residue on ignition (≤1.5%), heavy metals (Pb ≤10 ppm), pH, and microbial limits. White to off-white powder. Meets USP-NF, Ph.Eur. (Hypromellosum), and JP. COA and MSDS are standard.
> Packaging
HPMC is a white to off-white, free-flowing powder, slightly hygroscopic. Standard packaging includes 25 kg fibre drums with PE liner. Store at room temperature in dry conditions (≤65% RH). Shelf life is typically 36 months. Labels and documents are checked before dispatch.
> Pricing & MOQ
Pricing is quoted by specification, packaging and destination. Common commercial discussions use 25 kg bag/drum formats, pallet quantities and production-campaign planning; smaller samples may be reviewed for qualified formulation teams.
> Regulatory & Compounding Context
Hypromellose is monographed in USP-NF (Hypromellose), Ph.Eur. (Hypromellosum), JP, and FCC. Approved as a food additive in the EU (E464). GRAS in the US. Listed in the FDA IID for oral, ophthalmic, topical, nasal, and other dosage forms. No ADI specified. No special import permits.
> Alias Index
- Chemical class: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose ether
- CAS Number: 9004-65-3
- INN: Hypromellose
- EU food additive: E464
- Pharmacopoeial name: Hypromellosum (Ph.Eur.)
- Substitution types: 2208 (K-series), 2906 (F-series), 2910 (E-series)
- Brand equivalents: Methocel (Dow), Pharmacoat (Shin-Etsu), Benecel (Ashland)
- Commercial request terms: HPMC USP, hypromellose E5, Methocel E5 equivalent, film coating polymer pharma, TCS Industries Limited
> FAQ
What do the HPMC substitution type numbers mean?
The four-digit code indicates methoxyl and hydroxypropoxyl content ranges. 2910 (E-type): 28–30% methoxyl, 7–12% hydroxypropoxyl — used for film coating. 2906 (F-type): 27–30% methoxyl, 4–7.5% hydroxypropoxyl — used for matrix tablets. 2208 (K-type): 19–24% methoxyl, 7–12% hydroxypropoxyl — used for controlled-release matrices.
What documents are available for Hypromellose (HPMC) –- Film Former, Binder & Controlled Release Polymer orders?
COA and MSDS are standard for commercial discussions. COO, packing list, invoice and other import-support documents can be arranged according to order scope.
Can TCS Industries Limited support Hypromellose (HPMC) –- Film Former, Binder & Controlled Release Polymer supply to South America?
Yes. We support B2B buyers in Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Uruguay, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname, subject to route and document review.
Do you support Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico and Canada?
Yes. These destinations can be reviewed for project supply, import documents, packaging and logistics planning before quotation.
What viscosity grade is used for film coating?
Low-viscosity grades: E3 (3 cP), E5 (5 cP), E6 (6 cP), and E15 (15 cP). E5 and E6 are most common for aqueous film coating. Higher viscosity (E50, E4M) produces thicker films and is used for controlled-release applications. Specify substitution type and viscosity at inquiry.
Is HPMC used for vegetarian capsules?
Yes. HPMC is the shell material for vegetarian (non-gelatin) capsules. HPMC capsules are suitable for vegetarian, halal, and kosher products. They have lower moisture content than gelatin capsules, making them preferred for moisture-sensitive APIs. Capsule-grade HPMC requires specific thermal gelation properties.
Can you arrange samples before commercial purchasing?
Samples or evaluation quantities may be reviewed for qualified buyers after target specification, application and destination-market requirements are clarified.
How is Hypromellose (HPMC) –- Film Former, Binder & Controlled Release Polymer packaged for export?
Packaging is confirmed by quantity and material properties. Typical options include foil bags, HDPE containers, fibre drums, 25 kg bags or palletized export packaging.
Can buyer-defined specifications be reviewed?
Yes. Send the specification, methods, impurity limits and required documents. TCS can review feasibility before confirming quotation and lead time.
What payment terms are normally used?
Standard payment is 100% T/T before dispatch unless a different arrangement has been approved for an established commercial account.
What lead time should buyers expect?
Lead time depends on stock, batch size, document scope and destination. Available stock can move faster; made-to-order or pallet programs require longer planning.
How does HPMC control drug release in matrix tablets?
HPMC hydrates on contact with GI fluids, forming a viscous gel layer around the tablet. Drug release occurs by diffusion through the gel and erosion of the outer gel layer. Release rate is controlled by HPMC viscosity grade, loading level (20–40%), and tablet geometry. Higher viscosity grades produce slower release.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Evaluation and research orders (≤10 kg) are shipped with COA, MSDS, and certificate of origin. Bulk commercial orders (>10 kg) qualify for volume pricing with a full technical documentation package available on request.
> Request a Quote
If your team already has a target application, estimated quantity, destination market, or documentation requirements, send those details so the commercial response can be prepared more efficiently.