Hebei Kunchang Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. [email protected]

HEC — Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

A non-ionic cellulose ether that is easily dispersed and dissolved in water, delivering reliable thickening, water retention and rheology control for water-based systems — from latex paint to drilling fluids.

CAS No. 9004-62-0 HS Code 3912.39 (CN export 39123900) EINECS 618-387-5

Steady Rheology for Water-Based Systems

HEC is a non-ionic cellulose ether that is easily dispersed and dissolved in water. It builds viscosity efficiently and holds that rheology steady across a wide pH range and in electrolyte-rich systems.

Thickening — efficient viscosity build even at low dosage.
Water retention — keeps water in the system longer for better hydration and open time.
Sag resistance — holds the film on vertical surfaces without running.
Good splash resistance — less spatter during roller and brush application.
Leveling performance — smooth, even finish with fewer brush marks.
Good workability — easier mixing, pumping and application on site.
Good dispersion — surface-treated grade disperses fast with minimal fisheyes.
pH stability — stable performance from acidic to alkaline formulations.
HEC hydroxyethyl cellulose powder sample
Technical Data

Typical Specifications

PropertyTypical Value
Chemical nameHydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC)
CAS No.9004-62-0
HS Code3912.39 (CN export 39123900)
EINECS618-387-5
AppearanceWhite to off-white powder
Ionic typeNon-ionic
Molar substitution degree (MS)1.8 ~ 2.5
Particle size (100%)0.15 ~ 0.18 mm
Water insolubles≤ 0.5%
Viscosity (2% aqueous, Brookfield)5,000 ~ 60,000 mPa·s (per grade)
Moisture≤ 5.0%
Ash content (sodium chloride)≤ 3.0% (low-salt grade on request)
pH value6.0 ~ 8.5
SolubilityEasily dispersed and dissolved in cold & hot water — clear solution
Packaging25 kg PP woven bag with PE lining

Values are typical ranges — exact specification sheets per grade are available on request.

Grade Selection

Pick the Right HEC for Your Formula

Standard grades cover most water-based applications. Tell us your system and target viscosity — we match the grade and send samples.

For Latex Paint

Paint-Grade HEC

Delivers the thickening, sag control and smooth leveling that emulsion paints need — with good color acceptance.

  • Anti-sag & anti-splash during application
  • Smooth, lump-free letdown
  • Stable viscosity in storage
For Oil Drilling

Drilling-Grade HEC

Raises viscosity and controls fluid loss in water-based drilling fluids, with good salt and temperature tolerance.

  • Fast hydration in brine systems
  • Effective fluid-loss control
  • Stable under downhole shear
For Personal Care

Personal-Care Grade HEC

Clear, mild thickener for shampoos, body washes and creams — suspends particles without cloudy residues.

  • Transparent, smooth gels
  • Mild and non-irritating
  • Stable across a wide pH range
Applications

Where HEC Works Best

A non-ionic thickener and stabilizer for wall putty, personal care, tile adhesive, mortar, honeycomb ceramic and coatings.

Wall putty application with HEC thickener

Wall Putty

Thickener and water-retention aid for interior and exterior wall putty — improves workability, open time and surface smoothness.

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Personal care products with HEC thickener

Personal Care

Clear, mild thickener for shampoos, body washes, shower gels and lotions — suspends particles with transparent, smooth gel texture.

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Tile adhesive application with HEC thickener

Tile Adhesive

Thickener and water-retention aid for cement-based tile adhesive — improves workability, open time and non-sag performance.

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Mortar application with HEC thickener

Mortar

Thickener and water-retention aid for cement mortar and masonry — improves workability, cohesion and water retention.

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Honeycomb ceramic extrusion with HEC binder

Honeycomb Ceramic

Binder and plasticizer for ceramic honeycomb extrusion — gives green strength and smooth, defect-free cell walls.

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Water-based latex paint application with HEC thickener

Coatings

Rheology modifier for water-based latex paints, primers and texture coatings — anti-sag, anti-splash and smooth leveling.

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Also widely used in: oil drilling fluids · gypsum plaster · toothpaste & daily chemicals · printing ink · textile printing & dyeing · paper & board coating · self-leveling · EIFS · suspension polymerization.

Request HEC Quotation & Samples

Tell us your application (e.g. water-based latex paint, tile adhesive, drilling fluid) and target viscosity — we will recommend the right grade.

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