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.
The following table provides a general technical reference for Hydroxyethyl Cellulose. Exact values vary by product grade, viscosity level, molar substitution, particle size, surface treatment, and testing method. This information is intended as a formulation reference starting point, not a final product specification.
| Item | Typical Reference |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Hydroxyethyl Cellulose |
| Abbreviation | HEC |
| CAS No. | 9004-62-0 |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Ionic Type | Non-ionic |
| Molecular Basis | Cellulose ether (modified natural cellulose) |
| Raw Material Source | Wood pulp or cotton linter |
| Solubility | Soluble in cold and hot water; forms a viscous solution |
| Thermal Gelation | No thermal gelation — remains soluble across a wide temperature range |
| Viscosity Range | Multiple grades: low / medium / high / extra-high viscosity |
| Viscosity Measurement | Typically at 1% or 2% aqueous solution (Brookfield) |
| Surface Treatment | Treated or untreated options available depending on grade |
| pH Stability | Stable across approximately pH 2–12 |
| Ionic Compatibility | Compatible with anionic, cationic, and non-ionic systems |
| Key Functions | Thickening, rheology control, suspension stability, water retention, stabilization, protective colloid |
| Main Application Type | Water-based paints, coatings, personal care, detergents, oilfield, construction, industrial |
| Available Documents | TDS, SDS, COA, product recommendation available on request |
Important: This table is a general reference only. For exact viscosity, pH, moisture content, ash content, particle size distribution, hydroxyethyl molar substitution, microbial limits, and grade-specific values, please request the official TDS or COA from LANDERCOLL.
LANDERCOLL HEC is available in multiple grade directions based on viscosity level, dissolution behavior, surface treatment, and target application. Final grade selection should always be confirmed through formulation testing and direct technical discussion with our team.
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.
| Application | Recommended Grade Direction | Main Performance Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Interior Wall Paint | Medium to high viscosity | Viscosity control, leveling, pigment suspension, storage stability |
| Exterior Wall Paint | Medium to high viscosity | Thickening, stability, application consistency, sag resistance |
| Latex Paint | Medium viscosity | Flow control, brushing feel, roller application, in-can stability |
| Texture Coatings | High viscosity | Body, anti-sag, filler suspension, structured consistency |
| Water-Based Industrial Coatings | Low to medium viscosity | Flow behavior, viscosity adjustment, stability |
| Liquid Detergent | Medium viscosity | Product body, texture, viscosity, storage stability |
| Surface / Spray Cleaner | Low to medium viscosity | Light thickening, stable appearance, consistent pourability |
| Gel Cleaner | High viscosity | Strong body, gel structure, stable consistency |
| Shampoo / Body Wash | Medium to high viscosity | Texture, suspension, smooth sensory feel, product stability |
| Facial Cleanser / Hand Soap | Medium viscosity | Mild texture, controlled viscosity, pleasant application feel |
| Hair Care Products | Medium to high viscosity | Texture, hold, stable consistency |
| Oilfield Drilling Fluids | Medium to high viscosity | Fluid viscosity, particle suspension, system stability |
| Oilfield Completion Fluids | Medium to high viscosity | Viscosity control, fluid loss, stability |
| Construction Mortars | Medium to high viscosity | Water retention, workability, consistency |
| Water-Based Adhesives | Low to medium viscosity | Flow control, stability, film support |
| Inks | Low to medium viscosity | Flow control, stability, uniform appearance |
Grade direction is a starting reference. Final selection must be confirmed in your own formulation — surfactants, pigments, fillers, salts, pH level, preservatives, temperature, mixing method, and other additives can all significantly affect HEC performance and dissolution behavior.
HEC dosage depends on formulation design, viscosity target, raw material system, processing method, pH, electrolyte content, and final performance requirements. The following ranges are general starting points for laboratory evaluation — not fixed usage standards.
Electrolytes, surfactants, and pH can significantly affect the effective viscosity delivered by HEC at a given concentration. Final dosage should be confirmed through laboratory testing, production trials, viscosity measurement, stability testing, and end-use performance evaluation.
| Application | Typical Reference Dosage (% by weight of total formula) |
|---|---|
| Interior / Exterior Wall Paint | 0.2% – 0.8% |
| Latex Paint | 0.2% – 0.7% |
| Texture Coatings | 0.3% – 1.0% |
| Water-Based Industrial Coatings | 0.1% – 0.6% |
| Liquid Detergent | 0.2% – 1.0% |
| Surface Cleaner | 0.1% – 0.6% |
| Gel Cleaner | 0.5% – 1.5% |
| Shampoo / Body Wash | 0.3% – 1.2% |
| Facial Cleanser / Hand Soap | 0.2% – 1.0% |
| Oilfield Fluids | Depends on fluid system and target viscosity |
| Construction Materials | 0.1% – 0.4% |
| 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.
As a non-ionic polymer, HEC is compatible with the anionic and non-ionic surfactant systems commonly used in cleaning products, and it does not interfere with cleaning performance. In liquid detergent systems, HEC builds a smooth, stable viscosity profile that improves product appearance, pourability, and consumer perception of product quality.
It also helps maintain uniform product consistency throughout the shelf life and prevents phase separation or viscosity drift during storage.
Typical Applications
HEC is widely used in personal care formulations because it provides smooth, stable thickening, pleasant texture, and reliable formulation consistency. It is water-soluble, non-ionic, and free from animal-derived raw materials — suitable for a wide range of rinse-off and leave-on products, including vegan and natural-positioned formulations.
HEC is particularly valued for its ability to build viscosity smoothly without creating a heavy, sticky, or stringy texture — delivering a clean, pleasant sensory profile that consumers respond well to.
Typical Applications
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.
Designed for water-based paints and architectural coatings requiring viscosity control, pigment suspension, flow behavior, leveling, sag resistance, and storage stability. Strong compatibility with latex polymer systems.
Designed for cleaning systems where viscosity, product body, texture, and storage stability are important. Compatible with anionic and non-ionic surfactant systems without interfering with cleaning performance.
Designed for personal care formulations where smooth texture, stable viscosity, suspension support, and pleasant sensory feel are important. Non-ionic and compatible with a wide range of personal care actives and surfactants.
Designed for water-based fluid systems where viscosity control, particle suspension, fluid loss control, and stability under demanding conditions are required.
Designed for selected construction materials where water retention, thickening, and consistency support are required. Suitable for systems where HEC's hot-water solubility and absence of thermal gelation offer a processing advantage.
Designed for water-based industrial systems requiring thickening, stabilization, flow control, and suspension support across a range of processing conditions and pH environments.
Understanding the differences between cellulose ether types helps formulators select the most appropriate product. LANDERCOLL supplies HEC, HPMC, HEMC/MHEC, and CMC — the four most widely used cellulose ethers in industrial formulation. The thermal gelation column below is a key differentiator for many formulation decisions.
Rheology control, thickening, suspension, latex compatibility. Soluble in hot and cold water.
Paints · Coatings · Personal care · Detergents · OilfieldVersatile: water retention, thickening, film forming, broad industry compatibility.
Construction · Pharma · Food · Personal care · DetergentsStrong drymix construction performance: water retention, open time, anti-sag.
Tile adhesive · Wall putty · Plaster · EIFS/ETICS · Drymix mortarThickening, 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.
Standard Packaging
Storage Recommendations
LANDERCOLL can provide product-related documentation to support formulation evaluation, purchasing review, technical communication, regulatory submission, and internal approval processes.
Available Documents
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.
The right HEC grade depends on your application type, required viscosity level, pH range, surfactant system, pigment or filler content, electrolyte level, mixing method, hydration conditions, and final stability requirements. Contact LANDERCOLL with your application details, and our team can recommend suitable grade directions and support your formulation evaluation.
LANDERCOLL HEC is positioned for water-based systems where thickening, rheology control, suspension stability, and product consistency are important. Our product knowledge is focused on the practical performance requirements of paint, coating, personal care, detergent, oilfield, and industrial formulators.
We help customers select HEC grades based on real performance requirements — viscosity target, dissolution behavior, flow and leveling needs, suspension performance, texture, and storage stability — rather than simply providing a product list.
LANDERCOLL HEC supports customers in water-based paints and coatings, personal care, home care, detergents, oilfield, construction, adhesives, inks, and specialty industrial applications across multiple global markets.
We provide TDS, SDS, COA, grade recommendation documents, and application guides to support your formulation evaluation, purchasing review, and internal approval processes.
We aim to support customers from initial product inquiry through formulation testing, sourcing decisions, and long-term supply cooperation — with consistent product quality and responsive communication.
LANDERCOLL HEC supports manufacturers of water-based paints and coatings, personal care products, liquid detergents, home care formulations, oilfield fluids, construction materials, adhesives, inks, and specialty industrial systems. Whether you are developing a new formulation, optimizing an existing product, or evaluating a new cellulose ether supplier, our team can help you identify the most suitable HEC grade.
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