How to Use METHOCEL™
METHOCEL™ polymers are very hygroscopic and must be completely dispersed in solution prior to hydration and thickening to avoid forming lumps. Proper dispersion can be carried out in a few different ways. These methods are covered in the sections below or can be seen in this
video.
Dispersion in Hot Water
This method, also called the hot/cold technique, takes advantage of the fact that METHOCEL™ thickeners are insoluble in hot water and highly soluble in cool water. METHOCEL™ is first dispersed by mixing with one-third of the total required volume of water heated to 90°C. Once all the METHOCEL™ particles are wetted and dispersed, the remaining volume of cold water or ice is added. Once the dispersion temperature reaches the point where METHOCEL™ is soluble, the particles hydrate and viscosity increases.
Dry Blending
Dry METHOCEL™ powders can be mixed with other dry ingredients prior to adding them to the water component. Dry blending ensures METHOCEL™ particles are separated and can be completely wetted out and hydrated when water is added. The recommended ratio of dry ingredients to METHOCEL™ powder varies from 3:1 to 7:1.
Dispersion in Nonaqueous Solvents
Most METHOCEL™ grades have limited direct solubility in nonaqueous solvents. In formulations that utilize water-miscible organic solvents, METHOCEL™ powder can be dispersed in the organic solvent prior to adding water. At least 5 to 8 parts of solvent should be used for every 1 part of METHOCEL™ when preparing dispersions. The addition of water will then trigger hydration and thickening.
Conclusion
Thickening agents and rheology modifiers are particularly useful in many household, industrial, and institutional cleaning and detergent formulations. They provide the necessary viscosity control for sufficient coverage on many surfaces, including angled or overhead surfaces.
Many of these formulations use traditional thickening agents like xanthan gum, limiting the versatility of cleaners that can be made. METHOCEL™ polymers are naturally derived thickeners that have great stability in extreme pH and organic solvents, which are common in many cleaners used today. METHOCEL™ also provides value beyond thickening by adding soil antiredeposition and solution and emulsion stabilization in cleaners and detergents.
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