Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) and Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) are two commonly used cellulose derivatives. They are widely used in construction, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and other industries due to their unique properties and uses. Although they are both water-soluble polymer materials derived from natural cellulose, there are obvious differences between the two in chemical structure, performance and application fields.
1. Difference in chemical structure
HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose)
It is a non-ionic cellulose ether obtained by reacting cellulose with methanol and propylene oxide after alkalization. Its molecular structure contains methoxy (-OCH3) and hydroxypropoxy (-CH2CHOHCH3) substituents. The degree of substitution of HPMC can be adjusted according to different uses.
HEC (Hydroxyethyl Cellulose)
It is a product obtained by etherification reaction of cellulose with ethylene oxide after alkalization, and its molecular structure contains hydroxyethyl (-CH2CH2OH) substituents. HEC is a non-ionic water-soluble cellulose ether, and its degree of etherification can also be adjusted according to specific needs.
2. Performance difference
Solubility
KimaCell®HPMC can quickly dissolve in cold water to form a transparent or milky viscous solution, which is resistant to high temperature. It has good salt and alkali resistance and can exist stably in a wide pH range (3-11).
KimaCell®HEC is also soluble in cold water, but the dissolution rate is slow, and the stability in high temperature or high salt environment is relatively poor. In addition, HEC is less sensitive to pH and can be used in the pH range of 2-12.
Thickening effect
HPMC has a strong thickening effect and has good water retention and stability.
HEC also has a good thickening effect, but its viscosity is greatly affected by the shear rate and shows shear thinning characteristics.
Surface activity
HPMC has a certain surface activity and can produce good emulsification and film-forming effects.
HEC has low surface activity and does not have obvious emulsification properties, but has good film-forming properties.
3. Application difference
Construction field
HPMC is widely used in building materials, such as putty powder, tile adhesive, mortar, etc., mainly used to enhance water retention, crack resistance and construction performance.
HEC is commonly used in latex paint and water-based paint as a thickener and stabilizer to increase the viscosity and anti-sagging properties of the paint.
Pharmaceutical field
HPMC is mainly used as a coating material, controlled release agent and capsule shell for tablets in the pharmaceutical field.
HEC is rarely used in the pharmaceutical field and occasionally as a thickener for drug suspensions.
Cosmetics and daily chemical products
HPMC is used in skin care products and detergents to give the products better moisturizing and emulsification stability.
HEC is widely used in shampoo, shower gel, etc. to provide thickening and suspension effects.
Food field
HPMC is used as a thickener, emulsifier and stabilizer in food and is widely used in jelly, sauces and baked goods.
HEC is rarely used in the food industry, but can be used as a thickener in some beverages and condiments.
4. Price and market
HPMC is usually more expensive than HEC due to its complex process and wide range of uses. The HEC production process is relatively simple and is mainly used for thickening and stabilization, so the price is relatively low.
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) each have their own unique chemical structure and properties. KimaCell®HPMC is more suitable for scenarios with high performance requirements, has better water retention and film-forming properties, and has a wider range of applications. HEC, on the other hand, is often used in coatings, daily chemicals and other occasions that require thickening and suspension due to its low cost and good thickening effect. In actual selection, a comprehensive consideration should be made based on specific performance requirements and economic costs.
Post time: Jan-27-2025