All grades of METHOCEL™ cellulose ethers are soluble in water but certain grades with high hydroxypropyl content are also soluble in organic solvents like IPA and Ethanol.  This unique combination of organic and water solubility plus the range of viscosity grades available make METHOCEL™ an ideal thickener for gel cleaners and sanitizers composed of solvents and solvent / water mixtures. 

 

Dissolution Procedures for METHOCEL™

Waterless Systems

When formulating METHOCEL™ into waterless systems the polymer should be dispersed into room temperature polar organic solvent like IPA or ethanol.  Once evenly dispersed, the solution should be heated moderately in order for METHOCEL™ to dissolve.  METHOCEL™ has poor solubility in organic solvents at cooler temperatures.  As temperature increases, METHOCEL™ will become more soluble in polar organic solvents and with stirring will dissolve yielding a true solution. When cooled, the solvency of METHOCEL™ returns to the initial state and becomes a partially dissolved gel.  This gel can be transparent to translucent depending on solvent and METHOCEL™ concentration.

 

METHOCEL™ should first be dispersed thoroughly in the water miscible organic solvent at 5-8 parts solvent to 1 part METHOCEL™.  Once METHOCEL™ is completely dispersed it can be mixed with cold water under moderate agitation.  The mixture should continue to be stirred until the powder is fully hydrated and a smooth solution is achieved.  Any other ingredients can now be added to the formulation.

Benefits of METHOCEL™ in Sanitizers & Cleaners

• Precise viscosity control
• Excellent cling to surfaces
• Foaming properties provide good lather characteristics
• Lubricity provides improved product flow to aid in dispensing
• USP and FDA approved grades available 
• Broad pH stability (2-12)