TCI M0295 Methyl Cellulose with a viscosity of 7000–10000 mPa.s (2% solution in water at 20 °C) is a nonionic cellulose ether representing the highest viscosity grade in this series. The material is intended for experiments that demand extreme thickness, firm gel formation, or a medium that barely flows, while keeping polymer content low. As a water-soluble modified polysaccharide, it is relevant to glycoscience research, biopolymer materials work, rheology studies, and a range of biological and pharmaceutical applications that require a viscous matrix acting either as a structural support or as a diffusion barrier.
The most prominent characteristic of this grade is its exceptionally high thickening efficiency. Small concentrations already produce viscous solutions resembling a concentrated syrup or a soft gel, with clearly pseudoplastic behaviour, so the material can still be transferred under shear and then promptly recovers its thickness. Reversible thermal gelation remains its signature property: the solution thickens or gels on heating and returns to a fluid state after cooling. Because the polymer is nonionic, its solutions are relatively tolerant of changes in ionic strength. As a consequence, dissolution requires proper technique rather than casual mixing.
In Indonesian laboratories, this grade is typically chosen when a lower viscosity methyl cellulose can no longer deliver the required consistency. It is used by academic and industrial research groups working on glycoscience, biopolymer formulation, and rheological characterisation, as well as by biological and pharmaceutical laboratories that need a thick, near-static aqueous medium. Because the required concentration is low, a modest quantity supports an extended series of experiments, which suits laboratories preparing solutions batch by batch.
- Glycoscience research: serves as a well-defined water-soluble modified polysaccharide, allowing investigators to study cellulose ether behaviour and structure–property relationships in aqueous systems.
- Rheological characterisation: its pronounced pseudoplastic flow and very high viscosity at low concentration make it a practical model system for shear-thinning and viscosity-recovery measurements.
- Biopolymer materials development: functions as a thickening and gel-forming component where researchers need firm structure from a minimal amount of polymer in water.
- Viscous support matrices for biological work: provides a near-static aqueous medium that holds structures in place or slows diffusion without relying on ionic gelling agents.
- Pharmaceutical formulation studies: the reversible thermal gelation and nonionic character support experiments on viscous vehicles whose consistency responds to temperature rather than ionic strength.
| Brand | TCI |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 9004-67-5 |
| Molecular formula | — |
| Purity | — |
| Category | Chemistry > Chemical Biology > Glycoscience |
| Pack sizes | available in the standard catalogue pack sizes offered for this item; please confirm the size required when ordering. |
| Physical form | — |
| Storage | keep in a tightly closed original container, protected from moisture. |
- Viscosity grade: 7000–10000 mPa.s (2% in water at 20 °C)
Store the product in its original, tightly closed container in a cool, dry place away from moisture, since the powder readily takes up water and can cake or lose its dissolution behaviour. Glass or suitable plastic containers with secure closures are appropriate for prepared solutions. Weigh and transfer the powder in a well-ventilated area, using standard laboratory protection such as a lab coat, gloves, and eye protection, and avoid generating airborne dust. Dissolve using the correct technique rather than direct mixing into cold water, and keep aqueous solutions covered and labelled with their preparation date. Consult the manufacturer's safety data sheet before first use.
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