Application and Performance of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic water-soluble cellulose ether, which is made by reacting natural cellulose with ethylene oxide after alkali treatment. Hydroxyethyl substituents are introduced into its molecules, which make it have good solubility, thickening, film-forming, stability and water retention. It is widely used in many industries such as construction, coatings, petroleum, daily chemicals, medicine, papermaking, etc.

Performance characteristics of hydroxyethyl cellulose

1.1. Excellent solubility

HEC is a non-ionic cellulose ether that can be evenly dissolved in cold or hot water to form a transparent or translucent viscous solution. Its dissolution rate is affected by factors such as particle size, degree of substitution (DS) and uniformity of substitution. Even in a high-salt environment, HEC can still maintain a stable dissolved state and show good electrolyte tolerance.

1.2. Excellent thickening effect

Hydroxyethyl cellulose can give the system a higher viscosity at low concentrations, so it is often used as a thickener for aqueous systems. Its solution viscosity is significantly affected by molecular weight and concentration, and different viscosity grades can meet the needs of different application fields.

1.3. Good water retention and film-forming properties

HEC has excellent water retention capacity. It can prevent water from being lost too quickly in applications such as building mortar and putty powder, thereby improving construction operability and crack resistance. At the same time, the film formed by HEC is flexible and transparent, with strong adhesion, which can enhance the physical properties of the surface coating.

1.4. Strong chemical stability

As a non-ionic polymer, HEC is not easy to react with metal salts, anions or cations, the system is stable, and it is not easy to phase separate or degrade. It is suitable for a variety of pH environments (pH range 2~12).

1.5. Good dispersion and emulsification

In emulsion formulas, HEC can improve the dispersion effect of emulsifiers, prevent particle sedimentation, stabilize the emulsion system, and improve overall uniformity.

Main application areas of hydroxyethyl cellulose

2.1. Building materials

In the construction industry, hydroxyethyl cellulose is widely used in dry mortar, tile adhesive, putty powder, self-leveling floor and other products, mainly as a water retainer, thickener and construction aid. HEC can improve the workability of mortar, enhance anti-sagging, and improve the uniformity of cement hydration process and improve the final strength.

2.2. Paint industry

In water-based latex paint, HEC is used to improve leveling, thickening and suspension stability, so that the paint has good brushing and sagging control capabilities. It has a good dispersing and stabilizing effect on pigments, prevents sedimentation and agglomeration, and improves storage stability.

2.3. Oil drilling and mining

HEC is used as a rheology regulator and filtration control agent in drilling fluid and completion fluid. It can effectively adjust the viscosity of mud, improve carrying capacity, reduce water loss, protect the well wall, and avoid collapse. It is one of the indispensable components of water-based drilling fluid.

2.4. Daily chemical products

HEC can thicken, stabilize foam, improve hand feel, and adjust fluidity in daily chemicals such as shampoo, shower gel, facial cleanser, and toothpaste. Its non-ionic properties ensure compatibility with a variety of active ingredients, and it is safe and gentle to use, and is widely used in high-end daily chemical products.

2.5. Pharmaceutical preparations

HEC is used as a sustained-release coating material and thickener for drugs, and has good biocompatibility in preparations such as eye drops, gels, and oral liquids. Its film-forming and sustained-release properties can help drugs achieve controlled release and increase the duration of drug efficacy.

2.6. Papermaking and textiles

In the papermaking industry, HEC is used as a surface sizing agent, slurry thickener, and paper enhancer. In the textile field, HEC can be used to thicken slurries in textile printing and dyeing, enhance dye uniformity, and improve fabric quality.

Hydroxyethyl cellulose has become an irreplaceable and important functional material in many industrial fields due to its excellent physical and chemical properties and wide adaptability. In the future, as the demand for green and environmentally friendly materials continues to increase, HEC, as a natural, biodegradable polymer material, is expected to further expand its application areas. Hydroxyethyl cellulose will continue to play its unique value in building energy conservation, environmentally friendly coatings, smart drug release systems, etc.