Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
Your Leading Kaimaoxing Cellulose (Shandong) Co.,Ltd. Supplier
The Kaimaoxing factory was established in 2007. The boss and two experienced technical experts who came out of state-owned enterprises began to explore and embarked on the road of cellulose production. The first stage, 2008, ushered in the spring of China's real estate. The government commercialized houses, which set off the first small wave of real estate in Chinese history. A steady stream. With the gradual increase in orders from the factory, the factory expanded its production capacity for the first time and added production lines. At this time, our customers were all domestic. Until 2016, we increased the orders of many traders, who continuously sold the goods of Kaimaoxing factory to all over the world. In order to adapt to the needs of domestic competition and keep in line with foreign situations, we have been expanding our scientific research personnel and technical personnel.
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High quality
Our products are manufactured or executed to very high standards, using the finest materials and manufacturing processes.
Rich experience
We are serving more than 2,000 customers, provide reasonable solutions for joint agent applications and other fields.
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We have been committed to research more applications of products will expand more products to meet the different needs of customers.
Technology support
From the two technical personnel when the factory was first established to the current technical team of 22.
What is Hydroxyethyl Cellulose？
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a gelling and thickening agent derived from cellulose. It is widely used in cosmetics, cleaning solutions, and other household products. Hydroxyethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose are frequently used with hydrophobic drugs in capsule formulations, to improve the drugs' dissolution in the gastrointestinal fluids. This process is known as hydrophilization.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is also used extensively in the oil and gas industry as a drilling mud additive under the name HEC as well in industrial applications, paint and coatings, ceramics, adhesives, emulsion polymerization, inks, construction, welding rods, pencils and joint fillers.
Benefits of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
Enhanced workability
Improves the ease of application in construction materials and coatings.
01
Water retention
Prevents premature drying, ensuring proper curing in construction applications.
02
Film formation
Provides protective, durable films in various applications.
03
Thickening and stabilizing
Improves the texture and stability of formulations in personal care, pharmaceuticals, and food products.
04
Compatibility
Non-ionic nature ensures compatibility with a wide range of other ingredients.
05
Types of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
Classification by degree of substitution
The degree of substitution (DS) refers to the average number of hydroxyethyl groups on each glucose unit. Changes in DS will affect the solubility, viscosity and application areas of HEC.
Low degree of substitution HEC: DS is below 1.0. Low degree of substitution HEC has low solubility and is usually used in areas that require a certain degree of water resistance, such as building materials and certain coatings.
Medium degree of substitution HEC: DS is between 1.0 and 2.0. This type of HEC has good water solubility and high viscosity, and is often used in daily chemical products (such as detergents and cosmetics), coatings and emulsions.
High degree of substitution HEC: DS is above 2.0. This type of HEC has higher water solubility and is often used in applications that require high transparency and high viscosity, such as eye drops, thickeners in the food industry, etc.
Classification by molar substitution
Molar substitution (MS) refers to the average number of hydroxyethyl groups on each glucose unit, but includes multi-step reactions that occur during the substitution reaction. The higher the MS value, the better the water solubility and dissolution rate of the HEC are generally.
Low molar substitution HEC: MS is less than 1. This type of HEC has a slower dissolution rate and may require higher temperatures or long stirring times. It is suitable for applications that require delayed dissolution or controlled release.
Medium molar substitution HEC: MS is between 1 and 2. It has a moderate dissolution rate and is widely used in daily chemicals, coatings, and construction.
High molar substitution HEC: MS is greater than 2. It has a faster dissolution rate and excellent solubility, and is suitable for applications that require fast dissolution or transparent solutions, such as cosmetics and certain medical preparations.
Classification by viscosity
The viscosity of HEC is an important indicator of its fluidity in solution, usually based on the dilution (concentration) of the solution and the measurement conditions (such as shear rate).
Low viscosity HEC: The viscosity in 1% solution is less than 1000 mPa·s. Low viscosity HEC is suitable for use as a rheology control agent, dispersant and lubricant, and is widely used in daily chemical products, food industry, and certain pharmaceutical preparations.
Medium viscosity HEC: The viscosity in 1% solution is between 1000 and 4000 mPa·s. Medium viscosity HEC is widely used in coatings, adhesives, printing inks, and building materials industries, providing good thickening effects and rheology control.
High viscosity HEC: The viscosity in 1% solution is higher than 4000 mPa·s. High viscosity HEC is mainly used as a thickener and stabilizer, suitable for fields requiring high viscosity and high transparency, such as high-end coatings, cosmetics, and certain special industrial applications.
Classification by product form
HEC can also be classified according to its physical form, which often affects its application and handling.
Powdered HEC: The most common form, easy to transport and store. Used in most industrial and daily chemical applications, it needs to be mixed into water to form a solution.
Granular HEC: Granular HEC is easier to handle and dissolve than powdered HEC, reducing dust problems and suitable for large-scale industrial production.
Solution-type HEC: In some high-end applications, HEC may be provided directly in solution form, which is convenient for direct use and reduces dissolution time, such as in some cosmetics and pharmaceutical products.
Special functional HEC
There are also some HECs that have been further chemically modified or physically treated to meet the needs of specific applications.
Crosslinked HEC: HEC's water resistance and mechanical properties are improved by chemical crosslinking, and it is suitable for occasions requiring high strength and durability.
Modified HEC: Further modification (such as carboxymethylation, phosphorylation, etc.) is made on the basis of HEC to give it more functions, such as improved antibacterial properties, heat resistance or adhesion.
Mixed HEC: Compounded with other thickeners or functional materials to enhance its comprehensive performance, such as the application of composite thickeners in coatings.
Application of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
1. Construction industry
HEC plays a crucial role in the construction industry, primarily in cement and mortar formulations. It acts as a thickener and water retention agent, which improves the workability and application properties of cement-based products. The inclusion of HEC in these formulations enhances adhesion, reduces cracking, and improves the overall quality of the mortar by controlling water loss during the curing process. This results in stronger and more durable structures.
2. Paints and coatings
In the paints and coatings industry, HEC is used as a thickening agent and rheology modifier. It improves the viscosity and consistency of paints, making them easier to apply and improving their spreadability. Additionally, HEC enhances the stability of the paint, preventing the separation of components and ensuring a uniform finish. Its film-forming property also contributes to the durability of the coating, providing a protective layer that can withstand environmental stresses.
3. Personal care and cosmetics
HEC is widely used in personal care and cosmetic products due to its excellent thickening and stabilizing properties. It is found in products such as shampoos, conditioners, lotions, creams, and gels. In shampoos and conditioners, HEC helps to create a rich, creamy texture and improves the product's ability to spread evenly through the hair. In lotions and creams, it acts as an emollient and stabilizer, enhancing the product's consistency and shelf life. Furthermore, HEC's non-irritating and non-toxic nature makes it suitable for use in a wide range of cosmetic formulations.
4. Pharmaceutical industry
In the pharmaceutical industry, HEC is utilized in the formulation of various medicinal products. It serves as a binder in tablet production, helping to hold the ingredients together and ensuring the tablet maintains its shape. HEC is also used in the creation of controlled-release formulations, where it helps regulate the release of the active ingredient over time. Moreover, HEC is an important component in topical formulations, such as creams and ointments, where it provides the desired viscosity and stability.
5. Food industry
Although its use in the food industry is more limited compared to other sectors, HEC still finds applications as a thickening and stabilizing agent in certain food products. It can be used to improve the texture and consistency of sauces, dressings, and desserts. Additionally, HEC helps to stabilize emulsions, preventing the separation of ingredients and ensuring a uniform product. Its non-toxic and non-allergenic properties make it safe for use in food applications, although its use is regulated and must comply with food safety standards.
6. Textile industry
In the textile industry, HEC is employed in the sizing and finishing of fabrics. It acts as a protective colloid in the sizing process, where it helps to improve the strength and smoothness of the yarn, reducing breakage during weaving. HEC also serves as a thickener in textile printing pastes, providing the necessary viscosity for even application of dyes and pigments. This results in sharper, more defined patterns and improved color yield.
7. Adhesives and sealants
HEC is a key ingredient in various adhesive and sealant formulations. Its thickening properties enhance the viscosity and tackiness of adhesives, making them easier to apply and improving their bonding strength. In sealants, HEC helps to control the flow and sag of the product, ensuring it stays in place once applied. This is particularly important in applications such as construction joints, where a reliable and durable seal is required.
8. Oil and gas industry
In the oil and gas industry, HEC is used in drilling fluids and fracturing fluids. It acts as a viscosity modifier, improving the carrying capacity of the fluid and helping to transport cuttings to the surface during drilling operations. In fracturing fluids, HEC helps to suspend proppants, which are materials used to keep fractures open and enhance the flow of hydrocarbons. The stability and rheological properties of HEC make it an essential component in these demanding applications.
9. Paper industry
HEC is utilized in the paper industry as a paper coating agent. It enhances the paper's surface properties, providing a smoother finish and improving printability. Additionally, HEC helps to control the absorption of inks and other printing materials, resulting in sharper and more vibrant prints. Its film-forming capability also contributes to the strength and durability of the paper, making it suitable for high-quality printing and packaging applications.
10. Agriculture
In agriculture, HEC is used as a component in various agrochemical formulations. It acts as a thickener and stabilizer in pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers, ensuring even distribution and improving the efficacy of the active ingredients. HEC also helps to control the release of these chemicals, providing a more sustained and targeted effect. Its biodegradability and non-toxic nature make it an environmentally friendly option for agricultural applications.
Components of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
Hydroxyethylcellulose is derived from cellulose, a polysaccharide that is the most abundant biopolymer in nature and found in the cell walls of plants as well as in wood and cotton. Hydroxyethylcellulose is used extensively in the personal care industry as a thickening agent. It is nonionic (not affected by pH) and soluble in water, thereby providing it with the capacity to thicken the aqueous phase of a formulation. It also has reported uses as a binding agent, emulsion stabilizer, and film former.
Cellulose is a homopolymer of D-glucose units connected by 1,4-β-glucosidic linkages. The synthesis, or preparation, of hydroxyethylcellulose consists of treating cellulose with alkali followed by reaction with ethylene oxide.
Process of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
1. Pre-treatment of cellulose
Cellulose is first purified to remove impurities like lignin, hemicellulose, and other extractives. The purified cellulose is then dried to a specific moisture content.
2. Etherification reaction
Preparation of alkaline solution: An aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) or potassium hydroxide (KOH) is prepared. The concentration of the alkali solution is critical and needs to be optimized based on the desired degree of substitution (DS) of the final product.
Reaction setup: Purified cellulose is dispersed in the alkali solution. The mixture is heated to a specific temperature, typically around 50-70°C, to ensure the cellulose is completely swollen and accessible for the reaction.
Addition of ethylene oxide (EO): Ethylene oxide (EO) is added slowly to the reaction vessel while maintaining the temperature and stirring continuously. The reaction is exothermic, so temperature control is crucial to prevent overheating.
Reaction monitoring: The progress of the reaction is monitored by analyzing samples at regular intervals. Techniques like Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) can be used to determine the degree of substitution (DS) of hydroxyethyl groups on the cellulose backbone.
Neutralization and washing: Once the desired DS is achieved, the reaction is quenched by neutralizing the alkaline solution with an acid, typically acetic acid. The resulting HEC is then washed thoroughly with water to remove any unreacted reagents and impurities.
3. Purification and drying
The washed HEC is further purified through filtration or centrifugation to remove any remaining impurities. The purified HEC is then dried to a specific moisture content to obtain the final product.
Storage and handling:
Store HEC dispersion in clean, tightly sealed containers to prevent contamination and moisture ingress.
Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures or direct sunlight, which may degrade the polymer.
Label containers with relevant information including batch number, concentration, and storage conditions.
Safety considerations:
Follow safety guidelines when handling HEC powder and solutions.
Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and safety goggles.
Avoid inhalation of dust particles by working in a well-ventilated area or using respiratory protection if necessary.
Chemical structure:
HPMC: Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is obtained from cellulose through a series of chemical reactions. It is synthesized from cellulose by introducing propylene oxide and methyl chloride under alkaline conditions. The resulting compound contains hydroxypropyl and methyl substituents attached to the cellulose backbone.
HEC: Hydroxyethylcellulose is also derived from cellulose but involves the introduction of ethylene oxide into cellulose under alkaline conditions. This process results in the attachment of hydroxyethyl groups to the cellulose backbone.
Degree of substitution (DS):
HPMC: Degree of substitution refers to the average number of hydroxypropyl and methyl groups per glucose unit in the cellulose chain. HPMC generally has a higher degree of substitution compared to HEC, meaning there are more hydroxypropyl and methyl groups per glucose unit.
HEC: In contrast, HEC generally has a lower degree of substitution compared to HPMC since only hydroxyethyl groups are attached to the cellulose backbone.
Solubility:
HPMC: HPMC is soluble in both cold and hot water and offers a wide range of applications in various industries. The solubility of HPMC is affected by factors such as degree of substitution, molecular weight and temperature.
HEC: Hydroxyethylcellulose exhibits similar solubility characteristics to HPMC and is soluble in both cold and hot water. However, the solubility of HEC may vary depending on factors such as degree of substitution and molecular weight.
Rheological properties:
HPMC: HPMC is known for its pseudoplastic or shear-thinning behavior, which means that its viscosity decreases under shear stress. This property makes it suitable for applications requiring thickening, such as pharmaceuticals, construction materials and personal care products.
HEC: Hydroxyethylcellulose also exhibits pseudoplastic behavior, but its rheological properties may differ from HPMC due to changes in molecular weight, degree of substitution, and concentration.
Film formation:
HPMC: Due to its ability to form flexible, transparent films when dissolved in water, HPMC is commonly used as a film-forming agent in pharmaceuticals, coatings, and food applications.
HEC: Hydroxyethylcellulose can also form films when dissolved in water, but due to differences in chemical structure and solution properties, the properties of these films may differ from those formed by HPMC.
Thermal stability:
HPMC: HPMC exhibits good thermal stability over a wide temperature range, making it suitable for use in applications requiring heat resistance, such as construction materials and pharmaceutical formulations.
HEC: Likewise, hydroxyethyl cellulose also exhibits good thermal stability, but specific thermal properties may vary depending on factors such as degree of substitution and molecular weight.
Compatibility with other polymers and additives:
HPMC: HPMC is compatible with a wide range of polymers and additives and can be used to formulate complex blends and systems. This compatibility enhances its versatility and applicability across a variety of industries.
HEC: Hydroxyethylcellulose also exhibits good compatibility with other polymers and additives, although the specific interactions may differ from those observed with HPMC due to differences in chemical structure.
Susceptibility to microbial degradation:
HPMC: HPMC is generally resistant to microbial degradation, making it suitable for use in applications requiring microbial stability, such as pharmaceuticals and foods.
HEC: Likewise, hydroxyethylcellulose is resistant to microbial degradation, although sensitivity may vary depending on factors such as degree of substitution and environmental conditions.
Environmental impact:
HPMC: HPMC is derived from renewable resources such as wood pulp and is therefore environmentally friendly. Additionally, HPMC is biodegradable under certain conditions, further reducing its environmental impact.
HEC: Hydroxyethylcellulose is also derived from renewable resources and is biodegradable, helping it to be environmentally friendly. However, environmental impacts can vary depending on factors such as production methods and waste disposal practices.
Regulatory status:
HPMC: HPMC has been approved for use in various industries by regulatory agencies such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), and the United States Pharmacopeia (USP).
HEC: Hydroxyethylcellulose is also approved for use in various industries by regulatory agencies such as FDA, EFSA, and USP. However, specific regulations and maximum use levels may vary based on application and geographic region.
Preparation of stock solution:
Start by measuring the required amount of HEC using a precision balance.
Use clean, dry containers to avoid contamination.
Gradually add the HEC to the water, stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
Temperature control:
When adding HEC to water, maintain a controlled temperature. Generally speaking, warm water helps with dissolution, but avoid excessive heating, which may degrade the polymer.
Stir/stir:
Use a mechanical stirrer or whisk to ensure even dispersion.
Beat at medium speed to prevent excessive foaming or trapped air.
Hydration time:
Allow enough time for hydration. This process may take several hours and it is recommended to check occasionally for clumps or undissolved particles.
Filter/filter:
If undissolved particles are present, straining or straining through a fine mesh can help obtain a smoother solution.
PH adjustment:
While HEC is generally stable over a wide pH range, some formulations may require pH adjustment. Make sure any adjustments are made gradually.
Compatibility test:
Before incorporating HEC into the final formulation, conduct compatibility testing with other ingredients to ensure stability and performance.
Our Factory
Kaimaoxing Factory has focused on the production of cellulose for 15 years. During the 15 years, it has expanded its production line and floor space twice, serving more than 2,000 domestic customers. Provide reasonable solutions for joint agent applications and other fields.
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