1. Overview of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic water-soluble polymer widely used in architectural coatings, medicine, food, daily chemicals, oil extraction and other industries. It has good thickening, emulsification, film-forming, lubrication, stability and other properties, which can significantly improve the product’s user experience and performance.
2. Usage of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose mainly exists in the form of powder or granules. When used, it usually needs to be dissolved in water or organic solvents before mixing with other components. The correct method of use can improve its dispersibility and thickening effect, and avoid agglomeration or incomplete dissolution.
Dissolution steps
Pre-dispersion: Slowly add hydroxyethyl cellulose to the stirred cold water, and avoid pouring a large amount of powder directly to prevent agglomeration.
Wetting and swelling: While stirring, let it stand for about 30-60 minutes to allow the cellulose to fully absorb water and swell.
Heating or adjusting pH value: Proper heating to 40°C or adjusting pH to 6-8 can accelerate the dissolution process.
Stirring and dissolving: Continue stirring until a uniform transparent or translucent solution is formed.
Usage in different fields
Architectural coatings: Usually used as a thickener and rheology regulator, it is directly dissolved in the water-based coating system to improve the construction, leveling and storage stability of the coating. The recommended dosage is generally 0.2%-1.0%.
Daily chemical products (detergents, shampoos, shower gels, etc.): It can be used as a thickener and suspending agent in the formula to improve the viscosity, stability and use experience of the product. It is recommended to dissolve in water first and then add other components.
Pharmaceutical industry: used for pharmaceutical tablets, gels, etc., after dissolution, it can be used for bonding or film formation, and the appropriate concentration needs to be controlled.
Oil extraction: used as a fluid loss control agent in drilling fluids and fracturing fluids to enhance rheology and suspension ability.
3. The use effect of hydroxyethyl cellulose
Thickening effect
Hydroxyethyl cellulose has excellent thickening effect, which can significantly increase the viscosity of the liquid at low concentrations, making the product thicker and easier to apply. Its thickening effect depends on the molecular weight, degree of substitution and addition method.
Emulsification and stabilization
In emulsion systems, hydroxyethyl cellulose can prevent oil-water stratification and improve the stability of the system. Especially in the formulations of cosmetics, detergents, coatings, etc., it can effectively prevent precipitation and improve the storage performance of the product.
Forming a protective film
It can form a flexible and transparent protective film on the surface to improve the scrub resistance, pollution resistance and weather resistance of the coating. Therefore, it has important applications in architectural coatings, skin care products and pharmaceutical excipients.
Rheological regulation
Hydroxyethyl cellulose can improve the rheological properties of the system, making the coating less prone to sag during construction, easy to brush, and maintain good leveling. In daily chemical products, it can adjust the fluidity of the product, so that shampoo, lotion, etc. have a better touch and use experience.
Water retention
In products such as building mortar and putty powder, hydroxyethyl cellulose can reduce water loss, increase construction time, make mortar easier to construct and enhance strength.
4. Factors affecting the use effect
Dissolution method: If the dissolution is not sufficient, agglomeration or particle residue may occur, affecting the thickening effect.
Environmental pH: The solubility of HEC is affected by the pH value, and it is usually better in the pH range of 6-8.
Addition order: It should be dissolved first and then added to other components to avoid uneven dispersion due to interference from electrolytes or organic solvents.
Storage conditions: Humid environments should be avoided to prevent powder agglomeration or degradation.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is widely used in many industries as a high-efficiency thickener and rheology modifier. The correct use method and ratio can significantly improve the performance of the product and make it play a greater role in coatings, daily chemicals, medicines, building materials and other fields. Reasonable selection of molecular weight and addition method can maximize its use effect and ensure the quality and stability of the final product.
Post time: Apr-15-2025