METHOCEL™ K15M is a hydroxymethyl cellulose (HPMC) polymer with moderate hydroxypropyl substitution. This cellulose ether is often utilized as a rheology modifier, a binder, a water retention aid, or a suspension aid in many different water-based coatings, adhesives, and cleaning applications. METHOCEL™ K15M in solution imparts shear-thinning rheology and exhibits excellent lubricity and spreadability across a broad range of pH.

With a hydroxypropyl content of 7–12%, METHOCEL™ K15M exhibits excellent solvent compatibility, which makes it a valuable additive for thickeners and water–solvent blends. In solution temperatures exceeding 90°C, this hydroxypropyl methylcellulose polymer features reversible gelation, ultimately boosting green strength in applications such as ceramics and adhesives. METHOCEL™ K15M can also be used to control the viscosity of latex architectural paints, coatings, and cleaners to assist with application and adherence. Other benefits that METHOCEL™ K15M provides include improved film durability, drying speeds, wet tack properties, and storage stability of suspensions and emulsions. Note that METHOCEL™ K15M does not carry the level of compliance necessary for food or pharmaceutical applications.