HEC for Latex Paints
Your Professional HEC For Latex Paints Supplier
Kemox is an integrated high-tech national enterprise specializing in research and development, production, sales, and overseas trade. Our product line includes Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC), Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (HEMC), and Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC), all of which are non-ionic, high-quality cellulose ethers widely utilized in construction, oil drilling, food, and pharmaceutical industries.
Production Capacity
We employ the German "one-step method" production process, featuring a fully automated electronic production line and a stringent quality control system. This ensures our output aligns with international standards. Currently, our annual production capacity for hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose ether can reach up to 55,000 tons.
Advanced Equipment
Our facility is equipped with 12 integrated horizontal reactors controlled by a DCS response control center. This setup enables automatic control over feeding, dosing, temperature regulation, and pressure management during the production process.
Professional Team
Equipped with advanced laboratory facilities and supported by a top-tier R&D team, we ensure consistent high-quality products and tailor solutions to meet diverse customer needs.
Specification of HEC For Latex Paints
|
Item |
Index |
|
Appearance |
White or similar white granules or power |
|
Gel temperature /°C |
60-90°C |
|
PH value |
5.0-8.0 |
|
Viscosity(2% solution,20°C) |
100-200000 mPa.s |
|
Water content % |
≤3 |
|
Ash content % |
≤3 |
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose For Paint
The HEC for latex paints produced by our company mainly include the following types:

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose For Paint
Because HEC has good thickening, suspension, dispersion, emulsification, adhesion, film formation, moisture protection and provide protective colloid and other characteristics, has been widely used in petroleum exploitation, coating, construction and polymer polymerization and other fields.
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Paint Thickener
Kemox Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer that can thicken, suspend, bind, emulsify, form films, stabilize, disperse, retain water, and provide protective colloid action.

The Role of HEC For Latex Paints
Increase Viscosity and Consistency
One of the main reasons HEC is used in latex paints is its ability to thicken the paint, increasing its viscosity. A paint that is too thin may drip or flow, while a paint that is too thick may be difficult to apply. HEC ensures that the paint flows easily during application by providing the optimal viscosity, but is thick enough to adhere well to vertical surfaces without sagging.
Enhanced Spreadability and Coverage
The thickening effect of HEC not only controls viscosity, but also improves the spreadability of latex paint. Spreadability refers to how easily a paint covers a surface when applied. With the help of HEC, latex paint can be spread evenly over a surface without too much effort, covering a larger area with less product.
Water Retention and Workability
HEC enhances the water retention of latex paint, allowing the paint to remain workable for a longer period of time. This is important because latex paints often require a certain amount of “open time” during application, which is the period of time during which the paint can be smoothed and adjusted before it begins to set.
Improved Film Formation
Latex paint forms a solid film that adheres to the surface after it is applied. During the film formation process, HEC promotes the formation of a durable, flexible and smooth film after the paint dries. There are several benefits to forming a good film. First, it improves the durability of the paint, resisting abrasion and moisture. Second, it increases the flexibility of the paint, allowing the paint to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations without cracking or flaking.
Enhanced Stability
Latex paints are often exposed to a variety of environmental conditions, including changes in temperature and humidity. These factors affect the texture, consistency, and overall performance of the paint. HEC can enhance the stability of latex paint and maintain stable performance under temperature changes.
Reduce VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds)
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are common harmful chemicals in paints that cause air pollution and health problems. HEC can help reduce VOC emissions in latex paints by replacing certain petroleum-based thickeners, which usually have a higher VOC content.

High Viscosity: HEC makes water solutions thicker, even at small amounts. It’s a top thickener.
Shear Thinning Behavior: Its viscosity goes down when it’s stirred more. This makes it easy to apply and control.
Excellent Suspension Stability: HEC keeps mixtures and emulsions stable. This keeps paints and coatings even.
Temperature Resistance: HEC stays stable at high temperatures. It works well in different conditions.
Application Method of HEC For Latex Paints
1. Add directly when grinding the pigment
This method is the simplest and takes a short time. The detailed steps are as follows:
● Add appropriate purified water to the large bucket of the high-shear mixer (in general, ethylene glycol, humectants, and film-forming agents are added at this time)
● Start stirring continuously at low speed and slowly add hydroxyethyl cellulose
● Continue stirring until all particles are wet
● Add antifungal agent, pH adjuster, etc.
● Stir until all the hydroxyethyl cellulose is completely dissolved (the viscosity of the solution is significantly increased) before adding the other components in the formula and grinding until the paint is formed.
2. Equipped with mother liquor
This method is first equipped with a higher concentration of mother liquor, and then added latex paint. The advantage of this method is that it has greater flexibility and can be directly added to the finished paint, but it must be properly stored. The steps and methods are similar to steps (1)-(4) in method 1, except that a high-resistance agitator is not required. Use only a stirrer with sufficient power to keep the hydroxyethyl fibers uniformly dispersed in the solution. Continue stirring until completely dissolved into a viscous solution.
3. Formulated into porridge
Because organic solvents are poor solvents for hydroxyethyl cellulose. These organic solvents can therefore be used to prepare porridge. The most commonly used organic solvents are ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and film-forming agents (such as hexanediol or diethylene glycol butyl acetate). Ice water is also a poor solvent, so ice water is often used with organic liquids to prepare porridge.
When added to the paint, it dissolves immediately and acts as a thickener. After the addition, it must be continuously stirred until the hydroxyethyl cellulose is completely dissolved and uniform. Generally, porridge is made by mixing six parts of organic solvent or ice water with one part of hydroxyethyl cellulose.
Safety Precautions for Using HEC For Latex Paints
PPE
Wear gloves, safety goggles, and a dust mask or respirator to protect your skin, eyes, and respiratory system from potential irritation or exposure to HEC dust.
01
Ventilation
Work in a well-ventilated area to minimize the inhalation of any potential airborne particles from the HEC powder.
02
Skin contact
Avoid direct contact with skin by wearing gloves and washing hands thoroughly after handling HEC.
03
Dust control
Take steps to minimize dust generation when mixing HEC, such as slowly adding it to the paint mixture while stirring carefully.
04
Storage
Store HEC in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container, away from children and pets.
05
Packaging and Shipping
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Packaging |
25 kg/bag. Support appearance customization. |
|
Shipping |
We will help you to choose the best shipping way according to your detail requirements. By sea, by air, or by express, etc. |
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. Our factory is 200 kilometers away from the capital, which is the center and heart of China.
FAQ
As one of the most professional hec for latex paints manufacturers and suppliers in China, we're featured by quality products and good service. Please rest assured to buy high-grade hec for latex paints at competitive price from our factory.
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