Types and application properties of hydroxyethyl cellulose

1. Overview of hydroxyethyl cellulose

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic water-soluble polymer, which is mainly made from natural cellulose through alkalization and ethylene oxide etherification. Its basic structure is composed of glucose units of cellulose. After hydroxyethyl substitution, its solubility and chemical stability are improved, making it widely used in coatings, building materials, medicine, food and other industries.

2. Types of hydroxyethyl cellulose

Hydroxyethyl cellulose mainly exhibits different solubility, viscosity and application characteristics based on the degree of substitution (DS) and molar substitution (MS). It can generally be classified according to the following standards:

Classification by viscosity

Low viscosity (5-100 mPa·s): good fluidity, mainly used in emulsion polymerization, liquid detergents, etc.

Medium viscosity (100-1500 mPa·s): has good thickening effect, commonly used in latex paint, building materials and oil drilling fluids, etc.

High viscosity (1500-60000 mPa·s): provides excellent thixotropy and suspension stability, and is widely used in coatings, adhesives and other fields.

Classification by degree of substitution

The degree of substitution of hydroxyethyl cellulose affects its solubility and salt resistance. The higher the DS, the faster the dissolution rate and the stronger the electrolyte resistance.

Low degree of substitution (DS<1.5): slightly poor solubility and easily affected by salts.

Medium degree of substitution (1.5≤DS≤2.5): good overall performance, suitable for most industries.

High degree of substitution (DS>2.5): fast dissolution rate, strong salt resistance, often used in high-end application fields.

3. Application performance of hydroxyethyl cellulose

Due to its good water solubility, thickening, emulsification, stability and film-forming properties, hydroxyethyl cellulose is widely used in many industries.

Construction industry

It plays a role in thickening and water retention in cement mortar and gypsum products, improving construction performance and adhesion.

Used in tile adhesive and putty powder to improve fluidity and construction performance and prevent cracking.

Paint industry

As a thickener for water-based latex paint, it improves the brushability, leveling and stability of the paint.

Enhance the uniform dispersion of pigments, prevent precipitation, and improve storage stability.

Petroleum industry

As a rheology control agent for drilling fluids, completion fluids and fracturing fluids, it improves drilling efficiency.

Provides good hydration and improves the suspension stability of fluids.

Daily chemical industry

Used in shampoo, shower gel and other products as a thickener and emulsifier stabilizer to improve the product's usage experience.

Give skin care products a good touch and moisturizing effect.

Pharmaceutical industry

Used as a stabilizer and sustained-release material for tablets and ointments to improve the controlled release performance of drugs.As an ingredient in artificial tears and eye drops, it improves lubricity and comfort.

Hydroxyethyl cellulose plays an important role in many industries due to its excellent thickening, water retention, emulsification and stability. With the development of technology, HEC products with different degrees of substitution and viscosity are continuously optimized to meet various specific application requirements. In the future, with the development of environmentally friendly and high-performance materials, the application areas of HEC will be further expanded.