Klucel
Description
[formerly Aqualon division of Hercules] A registered trademark for a series of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) compounds. Klucel® polymers are nonionic, water soluble, ethers of cellulose. They produce solutions that range in viscosity from 200 to 2500 centipoise. The Thermoplastic polymers are used as emulsifiers, stabilizers, film formers, thickeners, and sealants in many types of solutions such as foods, cosmetics, pharmeceuticals, strippers, paints and glazes. Klucel® polymers have also been used as binders for ceramic glazes, as sizing agents for Paper and as consolidants for Leather. While HPC polymers, in general, have good photochemical stability, they can exhibit poor Thermal stability and discolor with age. Although the low molecular weight products, such as Klucel® G, performed better than the high molecular weight products, such as Klucel® M, testing indicates that HPC polymers should not be considered for long term use in conservation (Feller and Wilt 1990).
Klucel Product Grades
| Klucel grade | Average molecular weight | Viscosity (cP) | solution concentration (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| H | 1,150,000 | 1500-3000 | 1 |
| M | 850,000 | 4000-6500 | 2 |
| G | 370,000 | 150-400 | 2 |
| J | 140,000 | 150-400 | 5 |
| L | 95,000 | 75-150 | 5 |
| E | 80,000 | 300-600 | 10 |
Synonyms and Related Terms
hydroxypropyl cellulose; Klucel® GF
Risks
- Kremer-Pigmente: Klucel M SDS (dated 2017)
- University Products: Klucel G SDS (dated 2018)
- Conservation by Design: Klucel MSDS (dated 1996)
Physical and Chemical Properties
- Soluble in water (below 38C), ethanol, acetone and many organic solvents.
- Insoluble in water (above 45C).
- Do not contain plasticizers
- Ashland: Klucel Physical and Chemical properties
Resources and Citations
- Ashland: Klucel Website
- R.Feller, M.Wilt, Evaluation of Cellulose Ethers for Conservation, in Research in Conservation Series, Getty Conservation Institute, 1990, p. 94.
- Hermann Kuhn, Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art and Antiquities, Butterworths, London, 1986
- Book and Paper Group, Paper Conservation Catalog, AIC, 1984, 1989
- Ceramics and Glass Conservation Section, List of Workshop Materials, The British Museum, London