methyl cellulose
Cellulose methyl ether, produced by treating
cellulose from wood or cotton with an alkali, such
as sodium hydroxide, followed by methyl chloride.
The resulting product is a white granular solid,
soluble in cold water but insoluble in hot water.
It is used as a thickening agent for aqueous
preparations and as a substitute for natural gums,
and particularly as a stabilizer in emulsions. It
has also been used to greaseproof paper and as an
additive in adhesives to increase film strength,
flexibility and adhesion. (198 )