Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
HEC
HEC is a non-ionic water-soluble cellulose ether used as a thickener, rheology modifier, protective colloid and film former.
HEC
Stocked gradeViscosity (2% aq.): ~100,000 mPa·s
Overview
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
HEC, or hydroxyethyl cellulose, is a non-ionic water-soluble cellulose ether used as a thickener, rheology modifier, protective colloid and film former. Unlike HPMC it has no gel point, so it dissolves in both cold and hot water and stays stable across a wide pH range and in the presence of salts and surfactants.
That combination makes it a standard thickener for water-based emulsion paint and a workhorse in shampoo, liquid detergent, hand gel and cementitious mortars.
Applications
What it is used for
Primers, sealers and undercoats
Shampoo, conditioner and body wash
Hand sanitiser gel and alcohol gel
Liquid laundry detergent and dishwashing liquid
Cement and gypsum mortars
Product data
Typical properties
AppearanceWhite to pale yellow free-flowing powder
Ionic characterNon-ionic
Viscosity (2% solution)~100,000 mPa·s stocked grade
DissolutionSurface-treated, delayed / easy dispersing
Moisture content≤ 5.0%
pH (2% solution)6.0–8.5
Refer to the current manufacturer technical data sheet for the governing specification.
Handling
Packaging & storage
25 kg bag, or repacked from 1 kg
Store cool, dry and sealed; reseal opened bags immediately.
Shelf life: 24 months in original unopened packaging.
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