Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether made from natural polymer material cellulose through a series of chemical processes. It is an odorless, tasteless, non-toxic white powder or granule. It can be dissolved in cold water to form a transparent viscous solution. Dissolution is not affected by pH. It has thickening, binding, dispersing, emulsifying, film-forming, suspending, adsorbing, surface active, moisture-retaining and salt-resistant properties.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is used as adhesive, surfactant, colloidal protective agent, dispersant, emulsifier and dispersion stabilizer. It has a wide range of applications in the fields of coatings, inks, fibers, dyeing, papermaking, cosmetics, pesticides, mineral processing, oil extraction and medicine.

1. For water-based latex paint:

HEC, as a protective colloid, can be used for vinyl acetate emulsion polymerization to improve the stability of the polymerization system in a wide range of pH values. In the manufacture of finished products, additives such as pigments and fillers are used to disperse evenly. Stabilizes and provides thickening action. It can also be used as a dispersant for suspension polymers such as styrene, acrylate, and propylene. Used in latex paint can significantly improve thickening and leveling performance.

2. In terms of oil drilling:

HEC is used as a thickener in various muds required for drilling, well fixing, well cementing and fracturing operations. Make the mud obtain good fluidity and stability. Increased mud carrying capacity in drilling. And prevent a large amount of water from entering the oil layer from the mud. The production capacity of the oil layer is stabilized.

3. Used in building construction and building materials:

Due to its strong water retention capacity. HEC is an effective thickener and binder for cement paste and mortar. Incorporating it into mortar can improve fluidity and construction performance. And can prolong the water evaporation time. Improve the initial strength of concrete and avoid cracks. It can significantly improve its water retention and bonding strength when used for plastering plaster, bonding plaster, and plaster putty.

4. Used in toothpaste:

Due to strong salt resistance and acid resistance. HEC can guarantee the stability of toothpaste paste. In addition, toothpaste is not easy to dry due to its strong water retention and emulsifying ability.

5. Used in water-based ink:

HEC can make the ink dry quickly and impermeable.
In addition, HEC is also widely used in textile printing and dyeing, papermaking, daily chemicals and so on.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose has different viscosities and uses for different purposes. Generally, if the viscosity of hydroxyethyl exceeds 50,000, the water retention will not make much difference. The thickening is different, of course, the thickening effect with high viscosity is better. The fluidity with high viscosity is not good, but the film-forming property is better. High viscosity dissolves well and disperses poorly. Different industries need to choose different products.
If you have HEC needs, or application consulting. Please contact Sheng Laiou.