Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC): Premium Non-Ionic Thickener and Rheology Modifier
Introduction
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a high-performance non-ionic cellulose ether that serves as an exceptional thickener, rheology modifier, and stabilizer across diverse applications. Qingdao Unionchem Co., Ltd. offers premium quality HEC products that deliver superior performance in personal care formulations, construction materials, and industrial applications. Our HEC products are manufactured under strict ISO9001 quality management systems, ensuring consistent performance and reliability that meets international standards.
What distinguishes HEC is its non-ionic nature, providing excellent stability across varying pH levels and compatibility with ionic ingredients. This versatile cellulose derivative forms clear solutions with pseudoplastic flow behavior, creating stable viscosity without ionic interactions that might destabilize sensitive formulations. Its unique chemical structure, formed by introducing hydroxyethyl groups to cellulose chains, results in a highly functional polymer that maintains performance across challenging conditions.
Product Features
Unionchem's Hydroxyethyl Cellulose portfolio includes several specialized grades designed to meet specific application requirements:
Cosmetic Grade HEC
Our cosmetic-grade HEC complies with stringent purity standards for personal care applications. This premium grade provides excellent thickening and stabilizing properties while maintaining gentle skin feel and compatibility with cosmetic ingredients.
Construction Grade HEC
Specifically formulated for construction applications, this grade delivers reliable water retention, workability improvement, and adhesion enhancement in cement-based systems, tile adhesives, and joint compounds.
High Viscosity HEC
Engineered for applications requiring significant thickening power, our high viscosity HEC provides exceptional rheology control and suspension capabilities at low concentrations.
Low Viscosity HEC
Our low viscosity HEC focuses on binding and film-forming properties with moderate thickening effect, making it ideal for applications where controlled viscosity with excellent binding is required.
Modified HEC Variants
We offer specialized HEC derivatives with enhanced properties such as improved surface activity, hydrophobic modification, or crosslinking capabilities for specific application requirements.
Product Advantages
Non-Ionic Stability
Unionchem's HEC products maintain stability across a wide pH range (2-12) without ionic interactions, making them ideal for formulations containing sensitive ionic ingredients or electrolytes. This non-ionic nature prevents incompatibilities common with anionic thickeners.
Superior Rheological Properties
Our HEC provides excellent pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) behavior, allowing for easy processing while maintaining desired thickness at rest. This property enables effective suspension of particles and improved stability in various formulations.
Excellent Film Formation
HEC forms transparent, flexible films with good barrier properties, making it ideal for surface treatment applications. These films provide protection, improved appearance, and enhanced functionality across multiple industries.
Effective Water Retention
The hydrophilic nature of HEC enables it to bind water effectively, controlling moisture content and preventing water migration in various systems. This property is crucial in construction materials, personal care formulations, and coating applications.
Wide Compatibility Range
Unionchem's HEC products are compatible with numerous ingredients and additives:
Works effectively with anionic, cationic, and non-ionic surfactants
Compatible with many polymers and other thickeners
Performs well in conjunction with various active ingredients
Maintains functionality across a broad pH range
Production Excellence
Manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities with:
ISO9001 certified quality management systems
Rigorous raw material testing
Comprehensive in-process controls
Advanced analytical capabilities
Consistent batch-to-batch performance
Applications
Personal Care and Cosmetics
Shampoos and Body Washes: Provides appropriate viscosity and enhanced feel
Creams and Lotions: Stabilizes emulsions and improves texture
Hair Styling Products: Creates clear gels with excellent hold properties
Toothpaste: Controls rheology and provides stability
Sunscreen Formulations: Enhances spreadability and water resistance
Construction Industry
Cement-Based Products: Improves water retention and workability
Tile Adhesives: Enhances open time and adhesion strength
Joint Compounds: Provides smooth application and crack resistance
Renders and Plasters: Improves workability and reduces sagging
Paints and Coatings: Controls rheology and enhances application properties
Household and Industrial Products
Cleaning Formulations: Provides appropriate viscosity and suspension stability
Polishes and Waxes: Enhances application properties and film formation
Printing Inks: Controls rheology and improves print quality
Adhesives: Enhances bonding strength and application properties
Textile Processing: Improves sizing performance and fabric handle
Oil and Gas Industry
Completion Fluids: Provides controlled viscosity without ionic interference
Fracturing Fluids: Enhances viscosity and suspension properties
Workover Operations: Offers non-damaging viscosity control
Enhanced Oil Recovery: Improves sweep efficiency in polymer flooding
Pharmaceutical Applications
Tablet Binding: Provides effective binding with controlled dissolution
Controlled Release Systems: Creates matrices for sustained release formulations
Suspensions: Stabilizes pharmaceutical suspensions
Topical Formulations: Enhances texture and stability of creams and gels
Common Questions
What is the difference between HEC and other cellulose ethers like CMC?
The primary difference is that HEC is non-ionic, while CMC is anionic. This non-ionic nature gives HEC excellent compatibility with ionic ingredients and stability across a wide pH range without precipitation issues. HEC typically forms clearer solutions than CMC and is less affected by electrolytes. However, CMC often provides higher viscosity at equivalent concentrations and may offer better binding properties in certain applications.
How does HEC viscosity vary by grade?
HEC viscosity is primarily determined by molecular weight and molar substitution. Our low viscosity grades typically provide 10-300 cPs (2% solution), medium viscosity grades range from 300-2000 cPs, and high viscosity grades can exceed 2000 cPs. The specific viscosity profile also depends on concentration, temperature, and shear rate.
Is HEC compatible with surfactants and electrolytes?
Yes, HEC's non-ionic nature makes it highly compatible with various surfactants (anionic, cationic, and non-ionic) and electrolytes. It maintains stability in the presence of salts and other ionic species that might cause precipitation or viscosity loss with ionic thickeners. This compatibility makes HEC particularly valuable in formulations containing multiple surfactants or high electrolyte levels.
How should HEC be incorporated into formulations?
For optimal performance, HEC should be properly dispersed before hydration. Typically, it is slowly added to water under moderate agitation to prevent clumping. In systems containing high levels of surfactants or competing water-binding ingredients, pre-dispersion in a non-solvent (like glycerin or alcohol) may be beneficial. Specific incorporation methods vary by application and available processing equipment.
What is the environmental profile of HEC?
HEC is biodegradable and derived from renewable cellulose sources, typically wood pulp or cotton linters. It contains no animal-derived components, making it suitable for vegetarian and vegan products. As a water-soluble polymer, it poses minimal environmental concerns when used and disposed of properly.
Contact Unionchem for Your HEC Needs
Whether you require standard HEC grades or specialized formulations for your specific application, Unionchem's experienced technical team is ready to assist. We can provide customized solutions with detailed technical specifications and application guidance to optimize your product performance.
For inquiries, samples, or technical support regarding our premium Hydroxyethyl Cellulose products, please contact our sales team at sales@unionchem.com.cn. Our specialists will work closely with you to identify the ideal HEC variant for your requirements, ensuring cost-effective solutions with timely delivery and comprehensive technical support.
