Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

Abbreviation: HEC

Product properties: 

Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose through a series of chemical and physical processes.

HEC is a white to light yellowish, oderless and tastless powder, readily soluble in hot or cold water to form a viscous gel solution. When pH in solution is within 2 to 12, the solution is quite stable. Since HEC group is nonionic one in water solution, it won't be reacted with other anions or cations and insensitive to the salts. But HEC molecule is capable of generating esterification, etherification and acetal reaction, so

It is possible to make it insoluble in water or improve its properties. HEC also has good film-forming ability and surface activity.

[Technical requirement]

1. Appearance: white to yellowish powder or grains.

2. Technical index

Table 1.

 

 

Table 2.  Viscosity Specification of HEC Solution

 

The viscosity can be adjusted according to the requirements of the customers.   

                          

3.Applications

HEC can be used in many fields as thickener, fluid modifier, protective colloid, stabilizer, water-loss controller, adhesive agent, etc. It's most frequently used maximum usage is functioned in latex paint as thickener and protective colloid. The detailed application is shown below.

Application of HEC

Application Fields	Application Range	Function
Painting	Latex paint, polymer emulsifying	Thickening
Construction	Cement, mortar	Thickening, water-retaining, retarding
Paper-making	Sizing	Thickening, water- retaining
Cosmetics	Toothpaste, shampoo,  Cream	Thickening, stabilizing
Pharmaceutical	Lotion, Ointment	Thickening, stabilizing, water-retaining,
Ceramics	Enameling	Water-retaining
Oil (Petroleum)	Well drilling, completing fluids	Water-retaining, Thickening, fluid-loss controlling

4.Packaging

HEC Product is packed in an inner polyethylene bag reinforced with a 3-ply paper bag, or paper barrel or paper box, net weight 25kg per bag.

5.Transportation and Storage

Protect the product against moisture and damp.

Don't put it together with other chemicals.