METOLOSE is a fibrous or granular powder, white to slightly off-white in color, and practically odorless and tasteless.      As METOLOSE is a nonionic organic compound, it can be completely burned up under an appropriate burning condition. It also can be effectively purified by hot-water washing in the process of preparation, so its ash content is very low.      Although METOLOSE is insoluble in hot water, it is soluble in cold water, forming a transparent viscous solution.      An aqueous solution of METOLOSE will precipitate or gel when heated to a certain temperature, but it reverts to the original solution state on subsequent cooling. The temperature at which gelation or precipitation occur depends on the type of METOLOSE, its concentration and the rate of heating.      METOLOSE is nonionic and it is not a polyelectrolyte. The aqueous solution of METOLOSE is comparatively stable even in the presence of metal salts or organic electrolytes. However, when the concentration of electrolytes exceeds a certain limit, gelation and precipitation may result.      The viscosity of an aqueous solution of METOLOSE is hardly affected by acid or alkali, and the product can develop an original viscosity in the range of pH 3.0 - 11.0. However, the solution viscosity tends to decline during prolonged storage in an acid or alkaline condition.      Having comparatively hydrophobic methoxyl and hydroxypropoxyl groups, METOLOSE is soluble in some organic solvents and also in water-organic solvent mixed solvents.      An aqueous solution of METOLOSE has a high surface activity and functions as a protective colloid agent, emulsion stabilizer, foam stabilizer, and dispersant.      METOLOSE provides a strong, flexible and transparent film having a good barrier property against oil and grease.      Since METOLOSE is hydrophilic and its aqueous solution is highly viscous, its addition to mortar, etc. provides the product with a high water retention.      Since a highly concentrated aqueous solution of METOLOSE shows a higher viscosity and visco-elasticity in comparison with other water-soluble polymers, it improves the shape retention of extruded ceramics and cement products.      The addition of METOLOSE decreases the frictional coefficient and improves the lubricity during extrusion process.