Properties:
Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose through a series of chemical and physical processes.
HEC is a white to light yellowish, oderless and tastless powder, readily soluble in hot or cold water to form a viscous gel solution. When pH in solution is within 2 to 12, the solution is quite stable. Since HEC group is nonionic one in water solution, it won’t be reacted with other anions or cations and insensitive to the salts. But HEC molecule is capable of generating esterification, etherification and acetal reaction, so it is possible to make it insoluble in water or improve its properties. HEC also has good film-forming ability and surface activity. Technical requirement
1.Technical index
Table 1.
Item
Specification
Viscosity
See Table 2
Moisture,%
≤7
PH in solution
6.0－8.5
Appearance
powder
Table 2. Viscosity Specification of HEC Solution
Type
Solution Viscosity (Brookfield at 25°C,cps )
1%
2%
5%
CM 4000
3400 – 5000
–
–
CM 3000
2600 – 3300
–
–
CM 2000
1500 – 2500
–
–
CM 1000
800 -1500
–
–
C- 8000
–
7500 – 9500
–
C- 2000
–
2000 – 2500
–
MH 3000
–
250 – 400
–
MH 1000
75 – 105
LH 3000
250 – 400
LH 1000
75 – 150
The viscosity can be adjusted according to the requirements of the customers.
3.Applications
HEC can be used in many fields as thickener, fluid modifier, protective colloid, stabilizer, water-loss controller, adhesive agent, etc. It’s most frequently used maximum usage is functioned in latex paint as thickener and protective colloid. The detailed application is shown below. Application