Solubility of Methyl Cellulose Products

Methyl cellulose (MC) has excellent solubility in water, and can be dissolved in water in any proportion. When the DS (degree of substitution) of methyl cellulose is greater than 2.1, it is soluble in ethanol; If the DS is more than 2.4, it is soluble in acetone, ethyl acetate and other solvents; When the DS is greater than 2.7, methyl cellulose is soluble in certain benzene and toluene.

As for fine powdery MC, the best way to dissolve in water is: first put MC dispersed in hot water above the gelling temperature to form a slurry, and then stir while adding cold water to make it cool down until complete dissolution. This approach avoids agglomeration. Granular products can be directly added to the water with stirring meanwhile. The dissolution process is ongoing, but slow.

In an aqueous system, methyl cellulose functions as the surface active agent to reduce the surface tension and enhance emulsification of the two phases.