Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) are the two most commonly used thickeners. They are components of elastic adhesives that can be used to provide resistance, increase viscosity, or provide ductility. Their chemical composition is similar, but there are some obvious differences.
HEC is an ethylene-acetate analogue consisting mainly of formaldehyde, methanol and sodium hydroxide. It is highly thixotropic and can be used as lubricants, surface treatment agents and adhesives for electrical and industrial equipment. Hecs can also be used as thickeners, dispersants and scale inhibitors.
HPMC is another ethylene-acetate analogue, consisting mainly of methanol, sodium hydroxide, and carbonate. It has high viscosity, elasticity and expansibility, can be used as adhesives, paints, cleaners and ink additives. In addition, it can also be used for crystal preparation and has the stability of smooth system.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose HEC, as a non-ionic surfactant, has the following properties in addition to thickening, suspension, adhesion, floating, film formation, dispersion, water retention and protective colloidal effects:
1, hydroxyethyl cellulose HEC can be dissolved in hot or cold water, high temperature or boiling does not precipitate, so that it has a wide range of solubility and viscosity characteristics, and non-hot gel property;
2, hydroxyethyl cellulose HEC itself non-ionic type can coexist with a wide range of other water-soluble polymers, surfactants, salts, is a kind of colloidal thickener containing high electrolyte solution;
3, hydroxyethyl cellulose HEC water retention capacity is twice higher than methyl cellulose, with flow regulation;
4. The dispersion ability of hydroxyethyl cellulose HEC is poor compared with the recognized methyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, but the protection of colloid ability is strong.
Purpose: Generally used as thickening agent, protective agent, adhesive, stabilizer and preparation of latex paint, lacquer, ink. Additives used in oil drilling, gels, ointment, lotion, eye clearers, suppositories and tablets, also used as hydrophilic gels, skeleton materials, preparation of skeleton sustained release preparations, and can be used as stabilizers in food.