Can Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose still be used after getting wet?

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose(HPMC) is a commonly used functional polymer compound. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose may change its performance and quality due to moisture during our use. So can hydroxypropyl methylcellulose still be used when it gets wet?

First, we need to find the cause of moisture in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. Improper storage and humid environments are one of the main causes of moisture in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The use of poor quality bags may cause moisture in the air to penetrate the product. Prolonged exposure to high humidity may cause the product page to absorb moisture.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose may agglomerate when exposed to moisture, resulting in a powder that is no longer homogeneous and difficult to disperse. This can affect the effectiveness of the use of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and may also lead to a decrease in the viscosity of the product and a change in solubility, which may affect the performance in various applications.

So, can you use hydroxypropyl methylcellulose when it gets wet? It depends on the situation. For products that are slightly damp, there are ways to restore them. For example, drying the damp product to remove excess moisture. The powder can also be re-homogenized by mixing equipment. In the case of severely damp hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, the probability is that agglomeration has occurred and its performance will be affected. In this case, it is recommended not to continue using these severely dampened products to avoid adverse effects on the final application.

To keep your hydroxypropyl methylcellulose dry, DJCHEM gives some suggestions:
Reasonable storage: Find a cool, dry place with low humidity to stash it – no damp basements or steamy bathrooms!
Proper Packaging: Use good packaging materials that seal up tight. Keep unused hydroxypropyl methylcellulose powder in its original packaging if possible, and store opened portions in airtight zipper bags or containers. The better sealed it is, the less chance humid air has of getting in there.
Control the amount used: When you need to use some hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, just take out what you’ll actually use instead of exposing the whole stash to air for ages.
Timely Use: Avoid leaving the removed product unused for long periods. If you do take some out, don’t let it sit around forever before using it up.