Non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether engineered for thickening, rheology control, suspension stability, texture improvement, and formulation consistency in water-based and industrial systems.
LANDERCOLL HEC (Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, CAS 9004-62-0) is a high-performance, non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether designed for manufacturers who need reliable thickening, rheology control, suspension stability, texture improvement, water retention, and formulation consistency across water-based paints, coatings, personal care products, detergents, home care formulations, oilfield fluids, construction materials, adhesives, inks, and specialty industrial systems.
In water-based paint and coating systems, HEC is one of the most widely used cellulose ether thickeners — helping formulators control viscosity, flow, leveling, pigment suspension, brushing behavior, and storage stability within a single ingredient.
LANDERCOLL HEC is a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether designed for manufacturers who need reliable thickening, rheology control, suspension stability, texture improvement, water retention, and formulation consistency across a wide range of water-based and industrial systems.
HEC is especially well-suited for water-based paints and architectural coatings, latex paint, personal care products, home care formulations, liquid detergents, oilfield fluids, selected construction materials, adhesives, inks, and other water-based industrial systems.
As a non-ionic polymer, HEC is compatible with a wide range of surfactants, pigments, fillers, salts, and pH conditions — making it a versatile and reliable thickener across diverse formulation environments.
HEC stands for Hydroxyethyl Cellulose. It is produced by reacting purified cellulose with ethylene oxide under controlled alkaline conditions. This reaction introduces hydroxyethyl groups (–OCH₂CH₂OH) onto the cellulose backbone, converting the insoluble natural polymer into a water-soluble, non-ionic cellulose ether. The degree of substitution — expressed as molar substitution (MS) of hydroxyethyl groups — influences solubility, viscosity development, and compatibility in different formulation systems.
Compatible with anionic, cationic, and non-ionic systems across a wide range of pH conditions and formulation environments.
Unlike HPMC and HEMC/MHEC, HEC contains no methoxyl groups and remains soluble in both cold and hot water.
Stable across a broad pH range — suitable for mildly acidic personal care products, alkaline construction systems, and high-salinity oilfield fluids.
One of the primary reasons HEC is the most widely used cellulose ether thickener in water-based architectural coatings.
HPMC and HEMC/MHEC are methyl cellulose ethers that contain methoxyl groups, which cause them to gel when heated above their gelation temperature. HEC contains only hydroxyethyl groups and no methoxyl groups — it does not exhibit thermal gelation, remaining soluble in both cold and hot water. This makes HEC particularly suitable for latex paint systems where thermal gelation behavior would be undesirable.
HEC's absence of thermal gelation and its strong compatibility with latex polymer systems are the primary reasons it is preferred over HPMC in water-based architectural coatings.
HEC delivers reliable thickening, rheology control, and suspension stability within a single non-ionic ingredient. Biodegradable, odorless, and free from animal-derived raw materials — with broad pH stability and ionic compatibility across paints, personal care, detergents, oilfield, and industrial systems.
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| Vare | Typisk Reference |
|---|---|
| Produktets navn | Hydroxyethylcellulose |
| Forkortelse | HEC |
| CAS-nummer | 9004-62-0 |
| Udseende | Hvidt til råhvidt pulver |
| Ionisk type | Ikke-ionisk |
| Molekylær basis | Celluloseether (modificeret naturlig cellulose) |
| Råmaterialekilde | Træmasse eller bomuldsrester |
| Opløselighed | cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits |
| Termisk gelering | Ingen termisk gelering — forbliver opløselig over et bredt temperaturområde |
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| Tilgængelige dokumenter | TDS, SDS, COA, produktanbefaling tilgængelig på forespørgsel |
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Designed for paints, coatings, detergents, and production systems needing easier wet-out. Provides easier dispersion, reduced lumping, and efficient hydration — improving production efficiency and reducing processing time.
Designed for water-based formulations needing controlled hydration. Provides better handling behavior, controlled viscosity development, and reduced premature thickening during batch preparation.
Note: Viscosity ranges listed above are approximate references. Actual LANDERCOLL HEC grades should be selected according to your formulation type, viscosity target, processing method, and performance requirements. Contact our team for specific grade recommendations.
HEC is a multifunctional cellulose ether that contributes several performance benefits simultaneously in most applications. Below is a structured overview of its primary functions across different water-based formulation types.
HEC forms a viscous, pseudoplastic solution — viscosity decreases under shear during mixing and application, and recovers at rest. This shear-thinning behavior supports easy brushing and rolling during paint application while maintaining stable in-can viscosity during storage. Supports product body in detergents and controlled texture in personal care.
HEC influences how a formulation flows, levels, sags, brushes, rolls, and recovers after application. In water-based paints, it directly affects brushing and roller feel, leveling behavior (how smoothly brush marks disappear), sag resistance on vertical surfaces, and spatter resistance during high-speed roller application.
In systems containing pigments, fillers, mineral particles, or insoluble active ingredients, HEC helps maintain uniform suspension and reduces settling or separation during storage and use. Critical in paints, textured coatings, personal care products with particles or actives, and oilfield fluids requiring suspension of weighting materials.
In selected construction and industrial applications, HEC helps retain water within the formulation, slowing water loss to porous substrates and to evaporation. Supports adequate hydration reactions, extends working time, and improves application consistency.
HEC helps maintain uniform viscosity, appearance, and product consistency during storage, transport, and use. Prevents phase separation, syneresis, and viscosity drift over time — contributing to longer shelf life and consistent product performance.
HEC acts as a protective colloid in water-based systems, helping stabilize dispersed particles and prevent agglomeration — relevant in latex paint systems for pigment and latex particle dispersion, and in personal care for stable emulsions and suspensions.
In personal care and home care products, HEC contributes to smooth, controlled, and user-friendly product texture — neither too thin and watery nor too heavy and sticky — delivering a clean, pleasant sensory profile that consumers respond well to.
HEC grade selection should always begin with the target formulation. Different applications require different balances of viscosity build, dissolution speed, flow behavior, storage stability, compatibility, suspension performance, and texture. The table below provides a structured reference for common application-to-grade matching.
| Anvendelse | Anbefalet klassificeringsretning | Hovedpræstationskrav |
|---|---|---|
| Indvendig vægmaling | Medium to high viscosity | Viscosity control, leveling, pigment suspension, storage stability |
| Udvendig vægmaling | Medium to high viscosity | Thickening, stability, application consistency, sag resistance |
| Latexmaling | Medium viskositet | Flow control, brushing feel, roller application, in-can stability |
| Teksturbelægninger | Høj viskositet | Body, anti-sag, filler suspension, structured consistency |
| cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits | Low to medium viscosity | Flow behavior, viscosity adjustment, stability |
| Flydende vaskemiddel | Medium viskositet | Product body, texture, viscosity, storage stability |
| cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits | Low to medium viscosity | cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits |
| Gelrengøringsmiddel | Høj viskositet | cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits |
| cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits | Medium to high viscosity | cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits |
| cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits | Medium viskositet | cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits |
| cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits | Medium to high viscosity | cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits |
| Olieboringsvæsker | Medium to high viscosity | cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits |
| cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits | Medium to high viscosity | cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits |
| Construction Mortars | Medium to high viscosity | cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits |
| Vandbaserede Lim | Low to medium viscosity | cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits |
| Blæk | Low to medium viscosity | cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits |
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|---|---|
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| Latexmaling | cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits |
| Teksturbelægninger | cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits |
| cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits | 0.1% – 0.6% |
| Flydende vaskemiddel | 0.2% – 1.0% |
| Overfladerens | 0.1% – 0.6% |
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| cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits | 0.2% – 1.0% |
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| Byggematerialer | cURL Too many subrequests by single Worker invocation. To configure this limit, refer to https://developers.cloudflare.com/workers/wrangler/configuration/#limits |
| Adhesives / Inks / Industrial | Depends on formulation design and viscosity target |
These dosage levels are reference starting points only. Adjust based on testing results under your specific system conditions, ingredients, pH, and performance targets.
Strong latex compatibility, no thermal gelation, reliable rheology control — HEC is the preferred cellulose ether choice for most water-based paint formulations globally.
In a paint formulation, HEC does more than simply increase viscosity. It controls how the paint behaves during every stage of its life cycle — from in-can storage, to mixing, to application by brush or roller, to leveling and drying on the wall surface. Unlike HPMC and HEMC/MHEC, HEC does not contain methoxyl groups and therefore does not exhibit thermal gelation — it remains fully dissolved and functional across the temperature ranges encountered during paint production, storage, and application.
HEC also has particularly strong compatibility with latex polymer dispersions, which are the primary binder in water-based architectural coatings — making it more reliable and predictable in latex paint systems compared to methyl cellulose ethers.
Request Paint & Coating GradeProvides viscosity control, pigment and filler suspension, leveling behavior, sag resistance, and storage stability. Medium to high viscosity grades are typically used, with dosage in the range of 0.2%–0.8%.
Helps build viscosity, control flow, stabilize pigments and latex particles, and improve application behavior during brushing and rolling. Supports better in-can consistency and helps the paint spread more evenly and level more smoothly after application.
Texture coatings contain coarse aggregate particles and require stronger body, better suspension, and stable structure. High-viscosity HEC grades provide the necessary thickening and suspension performance to keep aggregate particles uniformly distributed and prevent slumping on vertical surfaces.
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Typiske Anvendelser
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Typiske Anvendelser
Oilfield · iv.
HEC can be used in oilfield fluid systems where viscosity control, fluid stability, suspension performance, and fluid loss control are required. Its broad pH stability, salt tolerance, and reliable viscosity-building behavior make it suitable for demanding oilfield fluid environments.
Construction · v.
HEC can be used in selected construction systems such as mortars, tile adhesives, and floor screeds to provide water retention, thickening, and consistency support. HEC is soluble in both cold and hot water and does not exhibit thermal gelation — an advantage in certain construction system processing conditions.
Industrial · vi.
HEC can be used in selected water-based adhesives, inks, paper-related systems, textile systems, and other specialty industrial formulations. In water-based adhesives, HEC helps control viscosity and open time. In water-based inks, it supports flow behavior, uniform pigment distribution, and stable viscosity.
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Rheology control, thickening, suspension, latex compatibility. Soluble in hot and cold water.
Paints · Coatings · Personal care · Detergents · OilfieldAlsidig: vandretention, fortykning, filmdannelse, bred industrikompatibilitet.
Construction · Pharma · Food · Personal care · DetergentsStrong drymix construction performance: water retention, open time, anti-sag.
Fliseklæb · Vægspartel · Gips · EIFS/ETICS · TørmørtelThickening, binding, stabilization, texture control; cost-effective in many systems.
Food · Detergents · Ceramics · Pharma · Oilfield · PaperHEC is the most commonly used cellulose ether due to its strong latex compatibility and absence of thermal gelation. It remains fully dissolved and functional across all temperature ranges encountered during paint production, storage, and application — including warm summer conditions where methyl cellulose ethers might approach their gelation temperature.
For drymix construction materials: HPMC and HEMC/MHEC are more commonly selected due to stronger water retention and workability performance in cement and gypsum systems. For pharmaceutical and food applications: HPMC is the most widely used with established regulatory acceptance. For food, ceramics, and detergent systems where an anionic thickener is acceptable: CMC may offer a cost-effective alternative.
LANDERCOLL HEC is supplied in industrial packaging suitable for transportation, storage, and production handling. HEC powder is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture from the environment if packaging is left open or storage conditions are inadequate. Proper storage conditions help maintain powder flowability, dispersion behavior, viscosity performance, and product stability throughout the shelf life.
Standardemballage
Opbevaringsanbefalinger
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Tilgængelige dokumenter
To help our team recommend the most suitable HEC grade for your application, please include as much of the following information as possible when contacting us. A detailed inquiry allows us to provide a more accurate grade recommendation and support your evaluation more efficiently.
Product application (e.g., interior latex paint, shampoo, liquid detergent, drilling fluid) and water-based system type with key ingredients.
Required viscosity level or reference grade, if available. Main performance target — viscosity, leveling, suspension, texture, stability. Required flow, leveling, suspension, or texture behavior.
pH range and key additives. Surfactant system, pigment/filler system, or salt content, if relevant. Mixing method and hydration conditions. Testing method or standard used, if applicable.
Required quantity — sample, trial, or commercial volume. Destination country or target market. Documentation requirements — TDS, SDS, COA, compliance documents. Timeline for evaluation or sourcing decision.
HEC (CAS 9004-62-0) is used as a thickener, rheology modifier, stabilizer, suspending agent, water-retention agent, protective colloid, and texture modifier in water-based formulations. Most widely used in water-based paints and architectural coatings, personal care products, liquid detergents, home care formulations, oilfield fluids, construction materials, adhesives, inks, and specialty industrial systems.
The CAS number for Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is 9004-62-0.
Yes. HEC is a non-ionic cellulose ether. It carries no ionic charge, which makes it compatible with anionic, cationic, and non-ionic ingredients across a wide range of formulation systems and pH conditions — from pH 2 to pH 12.
In water-based paint, HEC improves viscosity control, rheology, pigment and filler suspension, leveling behavior, brushing feel, roller application performance, sag resistance on vertical surfaces, and storage stability. It is the most widely used cellulose ether thickener in latex paint and architectural coatings due to its strong compatibility with latex polymer systems and its absence of thermal gelation.
HEC is preferred over HPMC in latex paint primarily because it does not exhibit thermal gelation — it remains fully dissolved and functional in both cold and hot water, unlike HPMC which gels when heated. HEC also has particularly strong compatibility with latex polymer dispersions. These properties make HEC more reliable and predictable in latex paint systems across the temperature ranges encountered during production, storage, and application.
In shampoo, body wash, and other personal care products, HEC helps build viscosity, improve product body and texture, support suspension of particles or actives, and create a smooth, pleasant sensory feel during application. It is non-ionic and compatible with the anionic and amphoteric surfactants commonly used in personal care cleansing products.
Yes. HEC can be used in liquid detergents and household cleaning products to improve viscosity, product body, texture, and storage stability. As a non-ionic polymer, it is compatible with common anionic and non-ionic surfactant systems used in cleaning formulations and does not interfere with cleaning performance.
Yes. HEC can be used in selected construction systems such as mortars, tile adhesives, and floor screeds to provide water retention, thickening, and consistency support. However, HPMC and HEMC/MHEC are more commonly selected for drymix construction materials because they generally provide stronger water retention and workability performance in cement and gypsum systems.
HEC and HPMC are both non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ethers, but they have different chemical structures. The most important practical difference is thermal behavior: HPMC contains methoxyl groups and gels when heated above its gelation temperature, while HEC contains only hydroxyethyl groups and remains soluble in both cold and hot water. HEC is preferred in latex paint and coating systems; HPMC is more widely used in construction, pharmaceutical, and food applications.
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Vi leverer TDS, SDS, COA, kvalitetsanbefalingsdokumenter og anvendelsesvejledninger for at understøtte din formuleringsevaluering, indkøbsrevision og interne godkendelsesprocesser.
Vi sigter mod at støtte kunder fra den indledende produktforespørgsel gennem formuleringstest, indkøbsbeslutninger og langvarigt leveringssamarbejde — med konsekvent produktkvalitet og responsiv kommunikation.
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