Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (MHEC)
Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC/HEMC)
CAS:9032-42-2
Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (HEMC) is also named as Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC),a versatile, high-performance cellulose ether used as high efficient water retention agent, stabilizer, adhesives and film-forming agent in kinds of building materials.MHEC/HEMC is widely used in industrial applications ,such as construction, detergent ,paint and coating ,we also can provide HEMC according to customers requirements. After modified and surface treatment, we can get the goods which is dispersed in water quickly, lengthen open time, anti-sagging, etc.
Typical properties
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Particle size | 98% through 100 mesh |
| Moisture (%) | ≤5.0 |
| PH value | 5.0-8.0 |
Chemical Structure of MHEC
MHEC is produced by etherifying natural cellulose with methyl and hydroxyethyl groups. These modifications improve its water solubility, viscosity, and compatibility with different materials.
Key Properties of MHEC:
- Water Solubility: Soluble in both hot and cold water, forming clear solutions.
- Thickening Ability: Provides high viscosity and excellent rheology control.
- Water Retention: Prevents water loss in cement-based and gypsum-based products, improving curing and adhesion.
- Non-Ionic Nature: Compatible with a wide range of chemicals, including salts and surfactants.
- Film-Forming Ability: Creates flexible and durable films, beneficial in coatings and pharmaceutical applications.
- Thermal Stability: Resistant to heat, making it suitable for high-temperature applications.
Specification
| Typical grade | Viscosity(NDJ, mPa.s, 2%) | Viscosity(Brookfield, mPa.s, 2%) |
| MHEC MH60M | 48000-72000 | 24000-36000 |
| MHEC MH100M | 80000-120000 | 4000-55000 |
| MHEC MH150M | 120000-180000 | 55000-65000 |
| MHEC MH200M | 160000-240000 | Min70000 |
| MHEC MH60MS | 48000-72000 | 24000-36000 |
| MHEC MH100MS | 80000-120000 | 40000-55000 |
| MHEC MH150MS | 120000-180000 | 55000-65000 |
| MHEC MH200MS | 160000-240000 | Min70000 |
Application
| Applications | Property | Recommend grade |
| External wall insulation mortar Cement plaster mortar Self-leveling Dry-mix mortar Plasters |
Thickening Forming and curing Water-binding, adhesion Delay open-time, good flowing Thickening, Water-binding |
MHEC MH200MMHEC MH150MMHEC MH100MMHEC MH60MMHEC MH40M |
| Wallpaper adhesives latex adhesives Plywood adhesives |
Thickening and lubricity Thickening and water-binding Thickening and solids holdout |
MHEC MH100MMHEC MH60M |
| Detergent | Thickening | MHEC MH150MS |
Advantages of Using MHEC
✔ Excellent Water Retention – Prevents premature drying in construction and cosmetic applications.
✔ Enhanced Adhesion – Improves bonding strength in tile adhesives and mortars.
✔ Stable Across a Wide pH Range – Works effectively in acidic, neutral, and alkaline environments.
✔ Non-Ionic Compatibility – Works well with salts, surfactants, and other polymers.
✔ Improves Rheology and Flow Properties – Allows for controlled viscosity, preventing dripping and sagging.
Packaging:
MHEC/HEMC 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 of cellulose ethers, including Hydroxyethyl Methylcellulose (HEMC), also known as Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC). Operating under the brand name KimaCell®, the company has a production capacity of 20,000 tons per year, supplying high-quality products to various industries worldwide.