Products Description
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a water-soluble polymer derived from natural cellulose through chemical modification. It is produced via the etherification of cellulose with ethylene oxide, forming a non-ionic cellulose ether. This process introduces hydroxyethyl groups (-OCH₂CH₂OH) to the cellulose backbone, enhancing its hydrophilicity and solubility in aqueous systems.
Properties
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Thickening | Exhibits significant viscosity increase with concentration. Low concentrations yield high-viscosity solutions, with viscosity reversibly affected by temperature. |
| Film-Forming | Dries to form flexible, transparent films with good water resistance and tensile strength. |
| Water Retention | Adsorbs and retains moisture, preventing drying and cracking in systems (e.g., coatings, construction materials). |
| Suspension & Dispersion | Stabilizes solid particles (e.g., pigments, fillers) to prevent sedimentation and ensure uniformity. |
| Compatibility | Compatible with most water-soluble polymers, surfactants, and electrolytes, reducing flocculation risks. |
| Biological Inertness | Non-ionic structure confers low toxicity and good biocompatibility, meeting safety standards for food and pharmaceutical use. |
Applications
● Industrial Applications:
○ Coatings & Inks: Acts as a thickener, leveling agent, and anti-sediment agent, improving application uniformity (e.g., brushing, spraying) and pigment stability.
○ Construction Materials: Used in mortars, putties, and tile adhesives to enhance water retention, adhesive strength, and workability, preventing cement cracking.
○ Oil Extraction: Functions as a thickener and fluid loss control agent in drilling fluids, stabilizing wellbores and reducing fluid leakage.
● Personal Care & Cosmetics:
○ Hair & Skin Care: Adjusts viscosity in shampoos, lotions, and gels, enhancing texture and dispersing active ingredients (e.g., silicones, fragrances).
○ Toothpaste: Maintains paste consistency, prevents ingredient separation, and improves extrudability.
● Food & Pharmaceuticals:
○ Food Industry: Serves as a thickener and stabilizer in ice creams, jellies, and sauces, improving texture and shelf life (compliant with food additive standards like FDA).
○ Pharmaceuticals: Used in tablet coatings, eye drop bases, and wound dressings for film-forming and moisturizing properties, aiding drug sustained release or wound healing.
● Other Uses:
○ Pesticides & Fertilizers: As a suspending agent to prevent active ingredient sedimentation during spraying.
○ Paper Industry: Applied in surface sizing to enhance paper strength and water resistance.
Packing
Our address
Hebei Province,Shijiazhuang City
Phone Number
+86 17503221172
sales03@cnplastics.cn
