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Send EmailHydroxyethyl Cellulose, Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose, HEC, 9004-62-0
| Product Name | Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether; Hydroxyethyl ether of cellulose |
| CAS Number | 9004-62-0 |
| Chemical Family | Non-Ionic Cellulose Ether |
| Revision Date | April 2026 |
1. Product Description and Chemical Structure
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer derived from natural cellulose through the reaction with ethylene oxide in an alkaline medium. The addition of hydroxyethyl groups to the cellulose backbone provides the product with excellent solubility in both cold and hot water.
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Chemical Formula | [C₆H₇O₂(OH)₃-m(OC₂H₄OH)m]n |
| Degree of Substitution (DS) | ~ 1.0 - 1.5 (Average number of hydroxyethyl groups per anhydroglucose unit) |
| Molar Substitution (MS) | 2.0 - 3.0 (Molar quantity of ethylene oxide added; determines solubility and rheology) |
| Ionic Character | Non-Ionic |
2. Physical and Chemical Properties
| Property | Typical Value / Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder/granule | Surface-treated grades available |
| Moisture Content (%) | ≤ 5.0 | Oven dried at 105°C |
| pH (2% Solution) | 5.5 - 8.5 | Stable over a wide range due to non-ionic nature |
| Viscosity (Brookfield) | 300 - 100,000 mPa·s | 1-2% aqueous solution, 20°C, 20 rpm |
| Solubility | Soluble in Cold and Hot Water | Non-surface-treated grades may lump |
| Ash Content (Sulfated Ash) | ≤ 5.0 % | Varies by commercial grade |
| Particle Size | 180 µm - 800 µm | Sieve analysis (80-200 Mesh) |
| Bulk Density | ~ 0.45 - 0.65 g/cm³ | Varies by powder morphology |
3. Rheological Behavior and Stability
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Flow Type: Pseudoplastic (Shear-Thinning). Viscosity decreases under high shear, providing excellent brushability and rollability in paints and coatings.
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pH Stability: Excellent stability in the range of 2 - 12. Suitable for applications ranging from acidic cosmetic peels to alkaline paint formulations.
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Salt and Electrolyte Tolerance: High. Due to its non-ionic structure, it does not precipitate in saline-based drilling fluids or high-salt shampoos.
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Film Formation: Dries to form a thin, transparent, grease-resistant, and flexible film.
4. Applications and Typical Use Levels
| Industry | Application Detail | Recommended Dosage (%) | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paints & Coatings | Latex Paints, Emulsions | 0.3 - 1.0 | Primary thickener, pigment stabilizer, anti-sag control |
| Cosmetics & Detergents | Shampoo, Body Wash, Lotion | 0.3 - 1.0 | Viscosity builder, foam stabilizer, silky slip feel |
| Oil & Gas | Drilling Mud, Completion Fluids | 0.3 - 0.8 | Viscosifier, fluid loss (filtration) control |
| Textile Printing | Reactive/Pigment Printing Pastes | 0.3 - 0.7 | Rheology modifier, sharp edge definition |
| Paper Coating | Coated Paper, Surface Sizing | 0.3 - 0.5 | Film former, binder |
| Construction (Cementitious) | Limited Application | - | Poor water retention and cement compatibility compared to HPMC/HEMC |
5. Usage Instructions and Critical Points
A. Solution Preparation Procedure:
WARNING: Direct addition of HEC powder to water will cause lumping (fish eyes) .
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Recommended Method: Stir water in a vessel to create a vortex. Slowly sprinkle and sieve the powder into the edge of the vortex.
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Surface-Treated Grades: When added to water, these grades disperse without immediately hydrating. Hydration occurs rapidly after pH adjustment or temperature increase. Risk of lumping is minimal.
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Slurry Method: Pre-wet the powder in a water-miscible organic solvent (e.g., Propylene Glycol, Butyl Diglycol) to form a paste before adding to water.
B. Note for Construction Sector:
HEC may lose consistency due to interaction with cement hydration products. For dry-mix mortars requiring high water retention, HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) or HEMC are strongly preferred.
6. Comparative Industry Table (HEC vs. HPMC vs. HEMC)
| Feature / Suitability | HEC | HPMC | HEMC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cement Compatibility | ⚠️ Poor | ✅ Very Good | ✅ Very Good |
| Salt Tolerance | ✅ Very High | Medium | Medium |
| Foam Tendency | Low | High (Air Entraining) | Medium |
| Paint Thickening | ✅ Primary Choice | Limited | Medium |
| Pharmaceutical Use | ⚠️ Rare | ✅ Standard | Rare |
| Gelation Temperature | None (Soluble in boiling water) | ~60-75°C | ~65-80°C |
7. Packaging and Storage
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Standard Packaging: 25 kg net weight, multi-wall kraft paper bags with inner polyethylene liner.
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Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and moisture. The product is hygroscopic.
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Shelf Life: 24 months from the date of manufacture when stored in original, unopened packaging under appropriate conditions.
8. Safety and Handling
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Classification: Not classified as a hazardous substance (according to GHS criteria).
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Dust Explosion Risk: Like other airborne organic dusts, HEC powder can pose a dust explosion risk in the presence of an ignition source at sufficient concentrations. Ensure adequate ventilation and grounding to prevent static electricity discharge.
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Spillage: Sweep up dry material. Wet HEC creates extremely slippery surfaces! Avoid water contact with spilled material. In case of spills, clean up dry first to prevent slip hazards.
9. Disclaimer
The information provided in this document is based on our current knowledge and experience and is presented in good faith. Since the conditions of application and use are beyond our control, this information does not constitute a legally binding guarantee. Users are advised to conduct their own tests to determine the suitability of the product for their specific processes and purposes.
HEC – Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
Sector Suitability, Application, Dosage & Synonyms
1. Sector Suitability and Typical Usage Levels
| Sector / Application | Suitability | Typical Dosage (%) | Description / Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paints & Coatings | ✅ Primary | 0.3 – 1.0 | Thickener, anti-sag control, pigment stabilization. |
| Cosmetics & Personal Care | ✅ Common | 0.3 – 1.0 | Viscosity builder, silky texture, foam stabilizer. |
| Oil & Gas Drilling | ✅ Suitable | 0.3 – 0.8 | Drilling mud viscosity, filtration control, high salt tolerance. |
| Textile Printing | ✅ Suitable | 0.3 – 0.7 | Print paste rheology, sharp edge definition. |
| Paper Production | ✅ Suitable | 0.3 – 0.5 | Surface sizing, film-forming binder. |
| Construction (Cementitious Mortar) | ⚠️ Limited | - | Poor compatibility with cement. Water retention is lower than HPMC. |
| Pharmaceutical & Food | ⚠️ Rare / Limited | 0.1 – 0.3 | Less preferred due to regulations and alternatives (HPMC). |
2. Usage Method and Critical Recommendations
| Topic | Detailed Explanation |
|---|---|
| Dissolution Technique | Never add powder directly to water. This will cause lumping (fish eyes). Correct method: Slowly sprinkle and sieve the powder into the vortex of vigorously stirred water. |
| Surface-Treated Grade | Developed to prevent lumping. When added to water, it disperses first without immediate hydration. Viscosity develops rapidly after pH adjustment or slight heating. This is the recommended form. |
| Slurry Method | Alternative solution: Pre-wet the powder in a water-miscible solvent (e.g., Propylene Glycol, Glycerin) to form a paste, then add this paste to water. |
| Use in Saline Systems | Due to its non-ionic structure, it does not precipitate in salt water. Ideal for seawater-based drilling fluids or high-electrolyte shampoos. |
| Recommendation for Construction Sector | If working with cementitious systems, HPMC or HEMC must be used instead of HEC. HEC may negatively affect setting time and provides insufficient water retention. |
| Floor Safety | Warning: If water contacts spilled HEC powder, the floor becomes extremely slippery. In case of spills, sweep up dry first, then perform wet cleaning. |
3. Other Names and Synonyms (English & Turkish)
| Language | Nomenclature |
|---|---|
| English Standard | Hydroxyethyl Cellulose |
| English Technical / Chemical | Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether |
| English Abbreviation | HEC |
| Turkish Standard | Hidroksietil Selüloz |
| Turkish Alternative | Selüloz türevi kıvam artırıcı, Selüloz eter |
| CAS Number | 9004-62-0 |
4. Key Differences Between HEC and Other Cellulose Ethers (Comparison)
| Feature | HEC | HPMC | HEMC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strongest Sector | Paint, Cosmetics, Oilfield | Construction, Pharma | Construction (Tile Adhesive) |
| Preference in Mortars | ❌ Not Used | ✅ Very Good | ✅ Very Good |
| Salt Water Resistance | ✅ Excellent | Moderate | Moderate |
| Solubility in Hot Water | Soluble | Gels (Insoluble) | Gels (Insoluble) |
