Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)
CAS:9004-62-0
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is nonionic water-soluble cellulose ether, used as thickener, protective colloid, water retention agent and rheology modifier in different applications like water-based paints, building materials, oil field chemicals and personal care products.Due to its exceptional properties, such as high viscosity, solubility in hot and cold water, and chemical stability, HEC is an essential ingredient in many industrial and consumer products.
HEC is synthesized by introducing hydroxyethyl groups (-CH₂CH₂OH) into the cellulose polymer chain through an etherification reaction. This modification improves its water solubility, thickening ability, and compatibility with different formulations.
Typical properties
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Particle size | 98% pass 100 mesh |
| Molar substituting on degree (MS) | 1.8~2.5 |
| Residue on ignition (%) | ≤0.5 |
| pH value | 5.0~8.0 |
| Moisture (%) | ≤5.0 |
Popular grades
| Typical grade | Bio-grade | Viscosity(NDJ, mPa.s, 2%) | Viscosity (Brookfield, mPa.s, 1%) | Viscosity set | |
| HEC HS300 | HEC 300B | 240-360 | LV.30rpm sp2 | ||
| HEC HS6000 | HEC 6000B | 4800-7200 | RV.20rpm sp5 | ||
| HEC HS30000 | HEC 30000B | 24000-36000 | 1500-2500 | RV.20rpm sp6 | |
| HEC HS60000 | HEC 60000B | 48000-72000 | 2400-3600 | RV.20rpm sp6 | |
| HEC HS100000 | HEC 100000B | 80000-120000 | 4000-6000 | RV.20rpm sp6 | |
| HEC HS150000 | HEC 150000B | 120000-180000 | 7000min | RV.12rpm sp6 | |
Application
| Types of Uses | Specific Applications | Properties Utilized |
| Adhesives | Wallpaper adhesives latex adhesives Plywood adhesives |
Thickening and lubricity Thickening and water-binding Thickening and solids holdout |
| Binders | Welding rods Ceramic glaze Foundry cores |
Water-binding and extrusion aid Water-binding and green strength Water-binding |
| Paints | latex paint Texture paint |
Thickening and protective colloid Water-binding |
| Cosmetics&detergent | Hair conditioners Toothpaste liquid soaps and bubble bath Hand creams and lotions |
Thickening Thickening Stabilizing Thickening and stabilizing |
Key Advantages:
1. Excellent Water Retention: Helps prevent premature drying in cement-based products and cosmetics.
2. Stable Across a Wide pH Range: Remains effective in acidic, neutral, and alkaline environments.
3. Non-Ionic and Compatible: Works well with different chemicals, including salts, surfactants, and other polymers.
4. Enhances Product Performance: Improves thickness, adhesion, film-forming, and emulsification properties.
5. Environmentally Friendly and Biodegradable: Derived from cellulose, HEC is non-toxic and biodegradable.
6.Improves Rheology and Flow Properties: Allows for controlled viscosity, preventing dripping, sagging, and phase separation.
Packaging:
HEC Product is packed in three layer paper bag with inner polyethylene bag reinforced , net weight is 25kg per bag.
Storage:
Keep it in cool dry warehouse,away from moisture, sun,fire,rain.
KIMA Chemical Co., Ltd. is a professional manufacturer specializing in the production of cellulose ethers, including Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC). With a production capacity of 20,000 tons per year, KIMA Chemical offers a range of high-quality HEC products under the brand KimaCell®, serving various industries such as construction, paints and coatings, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.