Properties and uses characteristics of hydroxyethyl cellulose

1. Introduction to hydroxyethyl cellulose

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a nonionic water-soluble polymer made of natural cellulose by chemical modification. It is an important cellulose ether with excellent thickening, emulsification, film formation, suspension and water retention properties. Therefore, it is widely used in industries, construction, food, medicine and other fields.

2. Physical and chemical properties of hydroxyethyl cellulose

Appearance and solubility

Hydroxyethylcellulose is a white or light yellow powder, odorless and odorless, easily soluble in cold and hot water, but insoluble in most organic solvents.

Viscosity and rheology

Hydroxyethyl cellulose solution has good thickening effects and can provide ideal rheology. The pseudoplasticity, i.e., shear thinning properties are exhibited at low shear rates, allowing it to provide good coating and fluidity in different applications.

Chemical stability

Hydroxyethyl cellulose has strong acid and alkali resistance and is well tolerated to oxidants, reducing agents and electrolytes.

Water retention

HEC has extremely strong hygroscopicity and water retention, which can retain moisture in high temperature environments and extend the service life of the product.

Film-forming

HEC can form transparent and tough films on the surface of objects, a property that is particularly important in architectural coatings and drug coatings.

3. The main uses of hydroxyethyl cellulose

Construction Industry

Used as a thickener and water retention agent for cement mortar to improve the adhesion of the mortar and prevent cracking.

Use leveling agent in putty powder and coating to improve construction performance.

Used for ceramic tile adhesives to enhance bond strength.

Paint industry

Hydroxyethyl cellulose acts as a thickener in latex paints and water-based paints, improving the fluidity and brushing properties of the paint.

Enhance the suspension of the paint and make the pigment particles evenly distributed.

Improves the gloss and wear resistance of the coating film.

Petroleum Industry

As a thickener for drilling fluid and fracturing fluid, it improves the sand carrying capacity of drilling fluid.

During oil field mining, it acts as a rheology regulator and stabilizer.

Daily chemical industry

Use it as a thickener and stabilizer in shampoo, shower gel, and hand sanitizer to improve the feel of the product.

Use as an emulsifying stabilizer in skin care products to make the lotion more delicate.

Pharmaceutical field

Hydroxyethylcellulose is a safe medicinal excipient used in drug tablet coatings and sustained-release agents.

Used as lubricant and adhesive in eye drops.

Papermaking and textile industry

Used to improve the fiber bonding force of pulp during papermaking.

It is used as a paste during the textile printing and dyeing process to improve the uniformity and color brightness of the printing.

Agricultural field

As a pesticide suspension agent and fertilizer sustained release agent, it extends the effective time of pesticides and fertilizers.

4. Characteristics and advantages of hydroxyethyl cellulose

Environmental protection

Hydroxyethyl cellulose is derived from natural plant fibers, which are environmentally friendly and non-toxic and biodegradable.

High stability

It can remain stable under different pH environments and has a low sensitivity to temperature changes.

Wide adaptability

It can be compatible with a variety of formula systems and does not affect the performance of other ingredients.

Excellent rheology control

It can effectively control the viscosity and flowability of liquids, and is suitable for different processes and construction environments.

With its excellent physical and chemical properties and wide application fields, hydroxyethyl cellulose has become an indispensable additive in many industrial production. Especially in the fields of architectural coatings, daily chemical products and medicine, their thickening, water retention, film formation and other characteristics play a key role. In the future, with the promotion of green and environmentally friendly materials, the application of hydroxyethyl cellulose will be more extensive and in-depth.