Description
Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether sourced from natural fibers.HEC offers outstanding functions such as thickening, suspension stability, emulsion binding, water retention, anti-microbial action, and colloid protection.
It is commonly used to enhance abrasion resistance, improve enzyme stability, and extend product shelf life. Additionally, it boasts excellent moisture retention properties.
HEC appears as a white to slightly yellowish powder. HEC has a pH range of 5.0 to 9.0, with a moisture content of no more than 6.0%. With a particle size less than 90% its viscosity is around 4500 mPa’s.
Additionally, it is utilized in coatings and offers excellent microbial resistance. Due to its unique properties, it serves as a thickening agent and binder in liquid detergents.
Our Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose (HEC) is used in various industries like cosmetics, petroleum, and mining industries. The HEC comes in 25 kg bags. This product should be stored in a dry place away from direct sunlight and in sealed packaging. HEC should be used within 12 months of delivery for best performance.
Key Features
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) has many functional properties that together make the material an attractive additive for many industrial formulations.
- Surprisingly great performance as a thickening agent in liquid formulations
- Excellent suspension stability to keep the solids in the formulation from settling out
- Retention of water
- Ability to act as both an emulsifier and a binder
- Rapid dispersion in water with a significant increase in viscosity
- Improvementof the ability of paint and coating systems to stay in good condition once the system has been applied to a surface.
- Increased ability of paint formulations to resist abrasion.
- Ability to prevent colloid separation in various systems.
- HEC has no ionic charge, so it is compatible with all chemistry.
- All of these characteristics give HEC significant versatility in improving stability and performance when formulating products.
Uses of Powder Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)
Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose (HEC) is commonly used in construction for:
- Paint thickener
- Emulsifier
- Dispersing agent
- Stabilizer
- Water retention
Technical Specifications
Made to maintain consistency of quality and performance when used in industrial applications.
- Product Name: Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
- Form: powder
- Appearance: white to yellowish powder
- Package Size: 25 kg
- Package Type: bag
- pH Range: 5.0 – 9.0
- Moisture Content: not more than 6%
- Viscosity: approximately 4500 mPa.s
- Particle Size Distribution: less than 90%
- Uses/Applications: paint, coatings, construction materials
The above-mentioned technical specifications ensure that HEC provides reliable thickening and suspension stability to meet the needs of coating formulators looking to improve the performance of the system.
Dosage Guidelines
The dosage of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose depends on the formulation and desired viscosity level.
General usage guidelines include:
- Add HEC gradually into the water while stirring to prevent lump formation.
- Allow sufficient time for complete dispersion and hydration.
- Adjust dosage depending on the required viscosity and application.
- Proper mixing ensures that the polymer fully dissolves and provides the desired thickening and stabilization effects.
Product Benefits
- Improved Paint Performance
- Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) increases the viscosity and thickness of paint formulas, allowing for a better application of paint and coating.
- Adjusting to physical form, like coating a paint wet coat, improves the quality and therefore has excellent suspension of the pigments and generally improves the uniformity of mixtures of coatings and liquid formulas.
- HEC will aid the retention of moisture in the formulation to improve durability and reduce the rate of premature drying.
Furthermore, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is used in paints and will provide a greater level of resistance to wear and damage to the surface than paint without HEC.
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose can be used not only for paint purposes, but there are many other industries where HEC can be used, examples are in cosmetics, detergents, oil/petroleum, and construction materials.
Packaging
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) will be shipped/packed in a 25 Kg bag.
The packaging will provide a safe means of shipping the product as well as facilitate the handling of the product, and will ensure that it can be conveniently stored when being used in an industrial setting.
Storage & Shelf Life
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose should be stored under the proper conditions to maintain its performance, generally:
- Store in a cool dry place.
- Keep out of direct sunlight and moisture.
- Seal tightly when not in use.
- Under the proper storage conditions, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) should be used within 12 months of the delivery date.
Safety Advice
HEC is safe, and therefore standard/appropriate safety precautions should be observed :
- Use a glove and a mask when working with powder HEC
- Do not breathe in powder dust.
- Prevent direct contact with skin or eyes while working with powder HEC.
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling the product.
- Store away from moisture and heat sources.
