Hydroxyethyl Cellulose,  Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose,  HEC, 9004-62-0

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose,  Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose,  HEC, 9004-62-0

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether widely used as a thickener, stabilizer, binder, and film-former. Its technical profile includes controlled substitution levels, broad pH stability, high salt tolerance, and pseudoplastic rheology, making it indispensable in paints, cosmetics, oilfield drilling fluids, textiles, and paper.

Chemical & Structural Properties:

• CAS Number: 9004-62-0

• Chemical formula: Variable (cellulose backbone with hydroxyethyl substitution)

• Other names: Natrosol, Cellosize, Hyetellose, Hydroxyethyl ether of cellulose

• Degree of Substitution (DS): ~1.0 (average hydroxyethyl group per glucose unit)

• Molar Substitution (MS): Typically 2–3, controlling solubility and viscosity

• Form: Light brown powder, odorless, bulk density ~350 kg/m³

Physical & Rheological Properties

• Solubility: Dissolves in cold and hot water; non-ionic, stable across pH 2–12.

• Viscosity range: 300–100,000 mPa·s (2% aqueous solution, depending on grade).

• Flow behavior: Pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) — viscosity decreases under shear stress.

• Salt tolerance: High, due to non-ionic nature.

• Film formation: Produces clear, flexible, and stable films.

• Thermal properties: Melting point ~288–290 °C (decomposition)

Industrial Applications

• Paints & coatings:

  • Primary thickener in latex paints.

  • Improves leveling, prevents pigment settling, enhances color development.

• Cosmetics & personal care:

  • Used in shampoos, lotions, toothpaste, creams.

  • Provides viscosity control, smooth texture, foam stability.

• Pharmaceuticals:

  • Binder and film former in tablets.

  • Stabilizer in syrups and topical formulations.

• Oilfield drilling fluids:

  • Thickener and fluid-loss reducer.

  • High salt tolerance makes it suitable for harsh drilling environments.

• Textiles & paper:

  • Rheology modifier in printing pastes.

  • Binder and surface improver in papermaking.

Benchmark Parameters

Key Considerations

• Dissolution technique: Must be added slowly to water to avoid lumping; surface-treated grades dissolve faster.

• Construction limitation: Less effective in cementitious systems compared to HPMC/HEMC (lower water retention and workability).

• Cost-performance balance: Excellent in paints and cosmetics, but not ideal for mortars.

• Regulatory compliance: In food/pharma, must meet Codex and EFSA standards.

Chemical & Structural Details

• Base polymer: Cellulose backbone modified with hydroxyethyl groups.

• Degree of Substitution (DS): ~1.0 (average hydroxyethyl group per glucose unit).

• Molar Substitution (MS): Typically 2–3, which governs solubility and viscosity.

• Form: Supplied as powder or granules; surface-treated grades dissolve more easily in water.

Physical & Rheological Properties

• Solubility: Dissolves in cold and hot water; non-ionic, stable across pH 2–12.

• Viscosity range: 300–100,000 mPa·s (2% aqueous solution), depending on grade.

• Flow behavior: Pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) — viscosity decreases under shear stress.

• Salt tolerance: High, due to non-ionic nature.

• Film formation: Produces clear, flexible, and stable films.

Industrial Applications

• Paints & coatings:

  • Primary thickener in latex paints.

  • Improves leveling, prevents pigment settling, enhances color development.

• Cosmetics & personal care:

  • Used in shampoos, lotions, toothpaste, creams.

  • Provides viscosity control, smooth texture, foam stability.

• Pharmaceuticals:

  • Binder and film former in tablets.

  • Stabilizer in syrups and topical formulations.

• Oilfield drilling fluids:

  • Thickener and fluid-loss reducer.

• Textiles & paper:

  • Rheology modifier in printing pastes.

  • Binder and surface improver in papermaking.

• Food & agriculture:

  • Stabilizer and thickener in food products.

  • Dispersant and binder in pesticide formulations.

Benchmark Parameters

Key Considerations

• Dissolution technique: Must be added slowly to water to avoid lumping; surface-treated grades dissolve faster.

• Construction limitation: Less effective in cementitious systems compared to HPMC/HEMC (lower water retention and workability).

• Cost-performance balance: Excellent in paints and cosmetics, but not ideal for mortars.

Chemical Structure & Production

• Base polymer: Derived from cellulose, modified with hydroxyethyl groups.

• Degree of substitution (DS): ~1.0 per glucose unit.

• Molar substitution (MS): Typically 2–3, controlling solubility and viscosity.

• Forms: Powder or granules; surface-treated grades dissolve more easily in water.

Physical & Rheological Properties

• Solubility: Dissolves in both cold and hot water; non-ionic, stable across pH 2–12.

• Viscosity range: 300–100,000 mPa·s (2% aqueous solution), depending on grade.

• Flow behavior: Pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) — viscosity decreases under shear.

• Salt tolerance: High, due to non-ionic nature.

• Film formation: Produces clear, flexible films.

Industrial Applications

• Paints & coatings:

  • Primary thickener in latex paints.

  • Improves leveling, prevents pigment settling, enhances color development.

• Cosmetics & personal care:

  • Used in shampoos, lotions, toothpaste, creams.

  • Provides viscosity control, smooth texture, foam stability.

• Pharmaceuticals:

  • Binder and film former in tablets.

  • Stabilizer in syrups and topical formulations.

• Oilfield drilling fluids:

  • Thickener and fluid-loss reducer.

• Textiles & paper:

  • Rheology modifier in printing pastes.

  • Binder and surface improver in papermaking.

• Food & agriculture:

  • Stabilizer and thickener in food products.

  • Dispersant and binder in pesticide formulations.

Benchmark Parameters

Key Considerations

• Dissolution technique: Must be added slowly to water to avoid lumping; surface-treated grades dissolve faster.

• Construction limitation: Less effective in cementitious systems compared to HPMC/HEMC (lower water retention and workability).

• Cost-performance balance: Excellent in paints and cosmetics, but not ideal for mortars.

Sectoral Suitability & Usage Levels

Key Insights

• HPMC & HEMC dominate construction: Both are indispensable in cement-based mortars and adhesives.

• HEC dominates paints & coatings: It is the primary thickener in latex paints, while HPMC/HEMC play secondary roles.

• Pharma & food rely on HPMC: Regulatory approvals and functional versatility make HPMC the standard.

• Cosmetics use all three: Choice depends on desired rheology and foam stability.

• HEC is unique in oilfield & paper: Its salt tolerance and film-forming ability make it suitable.