Hidroksi Etil Selüloz, Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose, E1525, HEC, 9004-62-0

Hidroksi Etil Selüloz, Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose, E1525, HEC, 9004-62-0

HYDROXYETHYL CELLULOSE (HEC)
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

CHEMICAL STRUCTURE

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)

Cellulose Backbone (β-D-Glucose units)
|
—CH₂—CH₂—OH (Hydroxyethyl substituents)
|
—O—CH₂—CH₂—OH (Hydroxyethyl ether groups)

Molecular Formula: Variable [C₆H₇O₂(OH)₃‑x(OCH₂CH₂OH)x]n
SMILES: Not applicable (polymer)
InChI: Not applicable (polymer)
Structure: Cellulose backbone (β-D-glucopyranose units) with hydroxyethyl ether substituents (-OCH₂CH₂OH) replacing hydroxyl groups; Non-ionic water-soluble cellulose ether.

SECTION 1: CHEMICAL IDENTITY AND DESCRIPTION

SECTION 2: PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

SECTION 3: HYDROXYETHYL CELLULOSE GRADES

SECTION 4: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND REACTIVITY

SECTION 5: CELLULOSE ETHERS COMPARISON

SECTION 6: PRODUCTION METHODS

Method 1: Alkali Cellulose Etherification (Alkaline Process)

Reaction: Cellulose + NaOH → Alkali Cellulose; Alkali Cellulose + Ethylene Oxide → Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

Description: Purified cellulose (wood pulp or cotton linters) is treated with sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) to form alkali cellulose; Alkali cellulose is reacted with ethylene oxide under controlled temperature and pressure; Hydroxyethyl groups (-OCH₂CH₂OH) are introduced onto the cellulose backbone; The reaction product is neutralized, purified, washed, dried, and milled to desired particle size.

Method 2: Slurry Process

Process: Cellulose pulp + NaOH + Ethylene Oxide in organic solvent

Description: Cellulose is suspended in an organic solvent (isopropanol or tert-butanol); Alkali and ethylene oxide are added; Reaction proceeds under controlled conditions; Product is neutralized, filtered, washed, dried, and milled. Provides higher purity and uniformity.

Method 3: Gas Phase / Dry Process

Process: Cellulose + NaOH (solid) + Ethylene Oxide (gas)

Description: Cellulose is impregnated with solid alkali; Gaseous ethylene oxide is introduced; Reaction proceeds in a rotating drum; Less common; used for specific grades.

Post-Treatment: Surface treatment (glyoxal) may be applied to control dissolution rate (delayed hydration grades).

SECTION 7: FUNCTIONAL PROPERTIES AND MECHANISM OF ACTION

SECTION 8: MAIN APPLICATION AREAS

SECTION 9: QUALITY SPECIFICATIONS (TYPICAL)

SECTION 10: TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE

SECTION 11: GHS CLASSIFICATION AND LABELING

GHS Classification (in accordance with CLP and UN GHS):

SIGNAL WORD: NONE

Hazard Pictograms: NONE

Hazard Statements (H-Codes): Not classified as hazardous under GHS regulations.

NFPA 704 Hazard Classification:

EU Risk & Safety Phrases (Old System):

SECTION 12: PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS (P-CODES)

SECTION 13: FIRST AID MEASURES

SECTION 14: FIREFIGHTING MEASURES

SECTION 15: STORAGE AND SHELF LIFE

SECTION 16: PACKAGING OPTIONS

SECTION 17: TRANSPORT INFORMATION

SECTION 18: REGULATORY STATUS

SECTION 19: OTHER NAMES AND SYNONYMS

SECTION 20: SUMMARY TABLE

SECTION 21: CRITICAL WARNINGS AND BEST PRACTICES

CRITICAL WARNINGS:

• Not classified as hazardous under GHS. Non-toxic, non-irritating, non-carcinogenic.

• Food grade approved as E1525 by EFSA, FDA, Codex Alimentarius.

• Pharmaceutical grade approved in USP, Ph.Eur., and other international pharmacopoeias.

• Hygroscopic – absorbs moisture from air. Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers. Protect from high humidity.

• Dust may cause mechanical irritation to eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Use appropriate dust control measures.

• Combustible (organic material). Keep away from open flames and high heat.

• Incompatibilities: Strong oxidizing agents (degradation). Strong acids (hydrolysis below pH 2). Strong bases (degradation above pH 12).

• Viscosity depends on concentration, molecular weight, and temperature. Higher concentration → higher viscosity; Higher molecular weight → higher viscosity; Lower temperature → higher viscosity.

• Shear-thinning (pseudoplastic) behavior. Viscosity decreases under shear stress; Recovers when shear is removed. Important for application properties (sprayability, spreadability).

• Cold water soluble. Dissolves readily in cold water (unlike some other cellulose ethers). Add slowly with stirring to avoid lump formation.

• Dissolution method: Add powder slowly to vigorously agitated water; Disperse thoroughly; Hydration may take 10-30 minutes; Use cold water (15-25°C) for optimal dissolution.

BEST PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS:

Pharmaceutical Industry: Use as a binder in tablet formulations (2-5% w/w); Ophthalmic products (eye drops) – use high viscosity grades (0.1-1.0% w/w); Controlled release systems – use as matrix former (5-20% w/w); Syrups and suspensions – use as thickener and stabilizer (0.1-0.5% w/w); Topical formulations (creams, ointments) – use 0.2-2.0% w/w as thickener and humectant; Ensure compliance with USP/Ph.Eur. specifications.

Food Industry (E1525): Use as thickener and stabilizer in soups, sauces, and gravies (0.1-1.0% w/w); Ice cream and desserts – prevents ice crystal formation and improves creaminess (0.2-0.5% w/w); Bakery products – improves dough handling and extends shelf life (0.1-0.5% w/w); Beverages – used as stabilizer (0.1-0.3% w/w); Ensure compliance with EFSA and FDA regulations.

Cosmetics & Personal Care: Shampoos and conditioners – use as thickener and stabilizer (0.2-1.0% w/w); Hair gels – use as film former and rheology modifier (0.5-2.0% w/w); Lotions and creams – use as thickener and humectant (0.2-1.0% w/w); Toothpaste – use as binder and thickener (0.5-2.0% w/w); Makeup products – use as film former and stabilizer (0.2-1.0% w/w).

Paints & Coatings: Water-based paints – use as rheology modifier and thickener (0.2-1.0% w/w); Provides pseudoplastic flow; Improves leveling and brushability; Prevents sagging; Recommended addition: 0.1-0.5% of total formulation.

Construction: Cement-based mortars – use as water retention agent (0.2-0.5% of cement weight); Tile adhesives – use to improve workability and adhesion (0.2-0.5%); Gypsum plasters – use as thickener and water retention agent (0.2-0.5%); Improves open time (working time); Prevents premature drying; Increases bond strength.

Oil & Gas Drilling: Use as viscosifier and suspension agent in drilling fluids (0.5-1.5% w/w); High salt tolerance – works in brine systems; Provides excellent solids suspension; Reduces fluid loss.

Textile & Dyeing: Use as sizing agent and dispersant; Improves fiber adhesion; Provides excellent film formation; Use at 0.5-2.0% concentration.

Handling: Use in well-ventilated areas; Avoid dust formation; Use dust masks (N95/FFP2) when handling powder; Use gloves and safety goggles.

Personal Protective Equipment: Dust mask (N95/FFP2 or higher), safety goggles, protective gloves (nitrile, neoprene). Not required for solution handling.

Hygiene: Wash hands thoroughly after handling; Do not eat, drink, or smoke while using.

Storage: Store in tightly closed, moisture-proof containers; Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area; Protect from moisture, rain, sunlight, and high humidity; Opened packages should be resealed immediately; Shelf life: 24-36 months under proper conditions.

Spill Management: Sweep or vacuum (HEPA) and place in suitable sealed container; Avoid dust formation; Do not allow entry into drains or waterways.

Disposal: Dispose of in accordance with local, regional, and national regulations; Non-hazardous waste; Biodegradable; Can be incinerated in compliance with regulations.

SPECIAL NOTE ON DISSOLUTION METHOD:

HEC dissolves readily in cold water, but proper technique is critical to avoid lump formation:

• Recommended Method: Add HEC powder slowly to vigorously agitated cold water (15-25°C); Mix until fully dispersed; Allow hydration to occur (10-30 minutes for complete viscosity development); Use a high-shear mixer for faster dissolution.

• Alternative Method (Slurry): First disperse HEC in a small amount of water-miscible organic solvent (alcohol, glycol) to form a slurry; Add slurry to water with stirring. Avoids lumping.

• Important: HEC dissolves in cold water, not hot water; Do not use hot water (may cause gel formation and poor dispersion); Hydration time depends on particle size and grade; Surface-treated grades have delayed hydration for controlled dissolution.

SPECIAL NOTE ON VISCOSITY AND RHEOLOGY:

• Viscosity depends on: Molecular weight (higher MW = higher viscosity); Concentration (higher concentration = higher viscosity); Temperature (higher temperature = lower viscosity); Shear rate (pseudoplastic / shear-thinning behavior).

• Pseudoplastic behavior: Viscosity decreases under shear (stirring, pumping, spraying); Viscosity recovers when shear is removed (thickens again). Important for application properties: Easy to apply (low viscosity under shear); Provides excellent hold-up (high viscosity at rest).

• Temperature stability: Viscosity remains stable over a wide temperature range; No thermal gelation (unlike MC and HPMC); Stable at high temperatures (does not gel).

SPECIAL NOTE ON PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS:

HEC is a widely used pharmaceutical excipient:

• Function: Tablet binder (2-5% w/w); Ophthalmic viscosity enhancer (0.1-1.0% w/w); Syrup and suspension thickener (0.1-0.5% w/w); Topical cream and gel thickener (0.2-2.0% w/w); Controlled release matrix former (5-20% w/w).

• Advantages: Non-toxic; Biocompatible; Non-ionic – no interaction with active pharmaceutical ingredients; Stable over wide pH range (2-12); Cold water soluble – no heating required; Listed in USP, Ph.Eur., and other pharmacopoeias.

• Regulatory: FDA-approved excipient; Listed in USP-NF; Complies with Ph.Eur. standards.

SPECIAL NOTE ON FOOD APPLICATIONS (E1525):

HEC is a food additive approved as E1525:

• Approved by: EFSA (European Food Safety Authority); FDA (USA); Codex Alimentarius; Other national food authorities.

• Function: Thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, water retention agent. Improves texture, mouthfeel, and shelf life.

• Applications: Soups, sauces, gravies, ice cream, desserts, beverages, bakery products, ready meals.

• Safety: Non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, non-genotoxic; Safe for human consumption within approved limits.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER:
The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. However, as all conditions of use are beyond our control, it does not constitute a binding specification or warranty. This Technical Data Sheet is for informational purposes only. Users are responsible for testing the suitability for their own applications. For complete safety, storage, use, handling, waste, and regulatory compliance information, please refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier.