High-performance cellulose ether engineered for water retention, open time, anti-sag behavior, workability, and consistent mortar performance in cement-based and gypsum-based building material systems.
LANDERCOLL HEMC / MHEC is a water-soluble, non-ionic cellulose ether designed for drymix construction material manufacturers who need reliable, repeatable performance in tile adhesive, wall putty, skim coat, cement plaster, gypsum plaster, EIFS / ETICS mortar, masonry mortar, waterproof mortar, and repair mortar systems.
In cement-based and gypsum-based formulations, HEMC / MHEC delivers measurable improvements in water retention, open time, anti-sag behavior, troweling feel, spreading smoothness, and application consistency — making it one of the most widely used functional additives in the global drymix mortar industry.
LANDERCOLL HEMC / MHEC is a construction-focused cellulose ether product engineered for manufacturers who need reliable water retention, workability improvement, open time extension, anti-sag behavior, and consistent mortar performance across a wide range of drymix building material systems.
As a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether, HEMC / MHEC is especially well-suited for cement-based and gypsum-based formulations. It influences how mortar mixes with water, how smoothly it spreads and trowels, how long it remains workable, how well it resists sagging on vertical surfaces, and how consistently it performs from batch to batch on the job site.
Different drymix products require different HEMC / MHEC grades. The right selection depends on viscosity level, water retention target, open time requirement, anti-slip performance, formulation design, and application method.
HEMC / MHEC is particularly established in tile adhesive, tile grout, wall putty, skim coat, cement render, cement plaster, gypsum plaster, masonry mortar, EIFS / ETICS mortar, waterproof mortar, repair mortar, and ready-mix dry mortar systems.
HEMC stands for Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose. MHEC stands for Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose. Both names refer to the same product family (CAS 9032-42-2). HEMC / MHEC is produced by chemically modifying purified natural cellulose — typically derived from wood pulp or cotton linter — through a controlled alkaline reaction with methyl chloride and ethylene oxide.
Influence solubility, thermal behavior, and surface activity of the cellulose ether in mortar systems.
Influence water retention capacity, viscosity development, and compatibility within mortar systems.
The ratio and degree of these two substitutions determine the grade's performance profile. Viscosity — typically measured at 2% aqueous solution — is the primary parameter for grade selection, ranging from below 5,000 mPa·s to above 200,000 mPa·s.
Although used at relatively low dosage levels — typically 0.1%–0.5% of the dry mix weight — HEMC / MHEC has a strong influence on mortar performance, affecting water retention, rheology, open time, and anti-sag behavior simultaneously.
Both are non-ionic methyl cellulose ethers used in construction materials, but they differ in their secondary substitution group. HPMC uses hydroxypropyl groups (–OCH₂CHOHCH₃), while HEMC / MHEC uses hydroxyethyl groups (–OCH₂CH₂OH). This structural difference affects water retention behavior, dissolution profile, and performance characteristics in specific mortar systems. In many European and international drymix construction markets, HEMC / MHEC is particularly established for tile adhesive, plaster, and EIFS / ETICS applications.
Despite dosage levels of only 0.1%–0.5%, HEMC / MHEC delivers measurable improvements across water retention, open time, anti-sag behavior, workability, and surface finish — making it one of the highest-value functional ingredients in drymix mortar formulation.
The following table provides a general technical reference for Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose. Exact values vary by product grade, viscosity level, substitution type, 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 Methyl Cellulose / Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose |
| Abbreviation | HEMC / MHEC |
| CAS No. | 9032-42-2 |
| 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 water; forms a viscous, pseudoplastic solution |
| Thermal Gelation | Gels upon heating; re-dissolves upon cooling (thermally reversible) |
| Viscosity Range | Multiple grades: low / medium / high / extra-high viscosity |
| Viscosity Measurement | Typically at 2% aqueous solution (Brookfield or Ubbelohde) |
| Surface Treatment | Treated (delayed hydration) or untreated options available |
| pH Stability | Stable across approximately pH 3–11 |
| Ionic Compatibility | Compatible with non-ionic, anionic, and many cationic systems |
| Key Functions | Water retention, thickening, workability improvement, rheology control, anti-sag support |
| Main Application Type | Cement-based and gypsum-based drymix construction systems |
| 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, methoxyl content, hydroxyethoxyl content, and grade-specific values, please request the official TDS or COA from LANDERCOLL.
LANDERCOLL HEMC / MHEC is available in multiple grade directions based on viscosity level, surface treatment, dissolution behavior, and target construction application. The information below is designed as a product selection reference. Final grade selection should always be confirmed through formulation testing and direct technical discussion with our team.
Delayed hydration — better dispersion, reduced lumping, controlled dissolution in drymix systems during mixing and storage.
Faster hydration — quick viscosity development, suitable for fast-dissolving and selected direct-hydration formulations.
Note: Viscosity ranges listed above are approximate references. Actual LANDERCOLL HEMC / MHEC grades should be selected according to your formulation, testing method, application environment, and required documentation. Contact our team for specific grade recommendations.
HEMC / MHEC is a multifunctional cellulose ether. In most drymix mortar applications, it contributes several performance benefits simultaneously. Below is a structured overview of its primary functions across different construction system types.
HEMC / MHEC forms a polymer network within the mortar matrix that physically restricts water migration into the substrate. This ensures sufficient water remains available for complete cement hydration or gypsum setting — supporting stronger bond development, better surface quality, and longer working time. Higher viscosity grades and higher dosage levels generally provide stronger water retention.
HEMC / MHEC makes mortar smoother, more cohesive, and easier to spread, trowel, scrape, and finish. Tile adhesive spreads more evenly with less effort. Wall putty scrapes more smoothly with fewer drag marks. Plaster and render spread more consistently across large surfaces. Finishing coats level more easily and produce better surface quality.
HEMC / MHEC extends open time by maintaining moisture within the mortar layer and slowing the rate of water loss to the substrate and to evaporation. This is critical in tile adhesive and wall putty, where insufficient open time forces installers to work in smaller sections — increasing labor time and the risk of poor bond formation. Especially important for large-format tile installation.
HEMC / MHEC builds mortar body and provides a pseudoplastic rheology profile. The mortar flows and spreads under tool pressure during application, but recovers its structure and resists movement once the tool is removed — essential for reliable vertical surface installation in wall tile adhesive, EIFS / ETICS, and repair mortar.
HEMC / MHEC solutions are pseudoplastic (shear-thinning): viscosity decreases under shear during mixing and application, and recovers at rest. In self-leveling compounds, it contributes to controlled flow without excessive separation. In machine-applied plaster, it helps maintain consistent pump pressure and spray behavior.
HEMC / MHEC improves homogeneity and batch-to-batch consistency, reducing variability between batches, operators, and environmental conditions. In wall putty, skim coat, gypsum plaster, and finishing mortar, it contributes to improved scraping behavior, leveling, and final surface quality ready for painting or decoration.
HEMC / MHEC grade selection should always begin with the target application. Different construction products require different balances of water retention, viscosity, open time, anti-sag behavior, smoothness, and surface finish quality. The table below provides a structured reference for common application-to-grade matching.
| Application | Recommended Grade Direction | Main Performance Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Tile Adhesive | High to extra-high viscosity | Water retention, open time, anti-slip, troweling feel |
| Tile Grout | Medium viscosity | Smooth filling, water retention, workability |
| Wall Putty / Skim Coat | Medium to high viscosity | Smooth scraping, water retention, surface finish |
| Cement Render / Plaster | Medium to high viscosity | Workability, spreadability, water retention |
| Gypsum Plaster | Medium viscosity | Smooth application, water management, consistency |
| Masonry Mortar | Medium viscosity | Board life, workability, water retention |
| Self-Leveling Compounds | Low to medium viscosity | Controlled flow, stability, water retention |
| EIFS / ETICS Mortar | High viscosity | Open time, anti-sag, adhesion-related support |
| Waterproof Mortar | Medium to high viscosity | Workability, uniform coating, stable consistency |
| Repair Mortar | Medium to high viscosity | Anti-sag, water retention, controlled finishing |
| Insulation Mortar | High viscosity | Anti-sag, open time, adhesion support |
| Ready-Mix Dry Mortar | Depends on product type | Consistency, workability, industrial production stability |
Grade direction is a starting reference. Final selection must be confirmed through laboratory testing under your specific formulation conditions — cement type, filler system, gypsum quality, ambient temperature, water quality, redispersible polymer powder content, starch ether addition, and application method can all significantly affect performance.
HEMC / MHEC dosage depends on formulation design, raw material quality, application type, target performance, ambient temperature, water quality, substrate type, and production process. The following ranges are general starting points for laboratory evaluation — not fixed usage standards.
For tile adhesive: 0.2%–0.4% is a widely referenced industry starting range. However, the optimal dosage depends on cement type, filler quality, target open time, anti-slip requirement, tile size and weight, and ambient temperature. Final dosage must always be confirmed through laboratory testing and on-site performance evaluation.
| Application | Typical Reference Dosage (% by weight of dry mix) |
|---|---|
| Tile Adhesive | 0.2% – 0.4% |
| Tile Grout | 0.1% – 0.3% |
| Wall Putty / Skim Coat | 0.2% – 0.5% |
| Cement Render / Plaster | 0.15% – 0.4% |
| Gypsum Plaster | 0.1% – 0.3% |
| Masonry Mortar | 0.1% – 0.3% |
| Self-Leveling Compounds | 0.05% – 0.2% |
| EIFS / ETICS Mortar | 0.2% – 0.5% |
| Waterproof Mortar | 0.15% – 0.4% |
| Repair Mortar | 0.15% – 0.4% |
| Insulation Mortar | 0.2% – 0.4% |
| Ready-Mix Dry Mortar | Depends on product type and performance target |
These dosage ranges are general starting points. Adjust based on testing results under your specific formulation, raw materials, application conditions, and performance targets.
Tile Adhesive · i.
01
One of the most important functional additives in tile adhesive — directly affecting the four parameters that matter most to tile installers.
Water retention prevents rapid water loss into the substrate or tile back, ensuring adequate cement hydration and bond development. Open time extension keeps the adhesive workable and bondable for longer — especially critical for large-format tile installation. Anti-slip behavior provides mortar body and cohesion to prevent tiles from sliding on vertical surfaces. Troweling feel improves smoothness and consistency during notch trowel spreading.
High to extra-high viscosity HEMC / MHEC grades are typically used, with dosage in the range of 0.2%–0.4% of the dry mix weight. Surface-treated grades are commonly preferred to prevent premature hydration during dry powder mixing, storage, and transport.
HEMC / MHEC helps improve water retention, smooth filling behavior, application control, and grout consistency. It supports a more uniform grout structure during joint filling and makes the grout easier to finish and clean from tile surfaces. Medium viscosity grades are typically used.
HEMC / MHEC improves scraping smoothness by lubricating the mortar during tool contact, reduces drag and surface marks, retains water to prevent rapid drying and surface cracking, supports consistent spreading behavior across large wall areas, and helps maintain stable product texture throughout the working session.
HEMC / MHEC improves water retention, board life, workability, and application consistency in masonry mortar for brick and block laying. Board life — the period during which mixed mortar remains usable — is an important practical performance parameter, directly affecting labor productivity on the job site.
Plaster · iv.
05
Controlled water retention, smooth spreading behavior, and stable workability — for both manual and machine application.
Cement Render & Plaster — HEMC / MHEC improves mortar handling during both manual and machine application. It helps the render spread more evenly, reduces surface tearing, maintains workable consistency throughout the session, supports better surface finishing, and contributes to consistent pump behavior and spray pattern stability in machine-applied systems.
Gypsum Plaster — HEMC / MHEC helps improve water retention and workability in gypsum plaster without excessively retarding the setting process. Because gypsum systems are sensitive to set time, HEMC / MHEC grade and dosage selection must be carefully tested.
Used across all system layers to improve open time, anti-sag behavior, stable consistency, and application reliability. In adhesive mortar, extends open time for accurate insulation board placement. In base coat, provides anti-sag and smooth mesh embedding. In finishing coat, supports smooth application and surface quality.
For waterproof mortar: stable mortar consistency, smooth coating behavior, controlled water retention, and uniform application thickness on surfaces exposed to water. For repair mortar: anti-sag behavior for vertical and overhead applications, improved water retention on absorptive substrates, and better workability and finishing control during surface restoration.
For self-leveling compounds: controlled flow behavior, improved water retention reducing bleeding risk, better system stability, and smoother final surface formation. Low to medium viscosity grades at carefully controlled dosage. For ready-mix dry mortar: consistent batch-to-batch quality and reliable performance across varying site conditions.
Designed for tile adhesive formulations requiring open time extension, anti-slip performance, strong water retention, troweling comfort, and application consistency. Surface-treated grades commonly preferred for drymix tile adhesive production.
Designed for wall putty and skim coat systems requiring smooth scraping behavior, fine surface finish, water retention, and stable workability throughout the application session.
Designed for cement plaster and gypsum plaster systems where smooth spreading, consistent water retention, and controlled application behavior are required — for both manual and machine application.
Designed for insulation system mortars requiring good open time, stable consistency, anti-sag performance, and reliable application behavior across adhesive, base coat, and finishing coat layers.
Designed for self-leveling compounds where controlled flow, water retention, and system stability must be carefully balanced. Low to medium viscosity grades used at carefully controlled dosage levels.
Designed for repair mortar systems where workability, sag resistance, water retention, and controlled surface finishing are important — particularly for vertical and overhead repair applications.
Cellulose ethers are a family of water-soluble polymers, each with distinct chemical structures and performance profiles. The table below helps formulators understand the key differences and select the most appropriate product. LANDERCOLL supplies HEMC / MHEC, HPMC, HEC, and CMC.
Strong construction performance: water retention, open time, anti-sag, workability in drymix mortar.
Tile adhesive · Wall putty · Plaster · EIFS / ETICS · Masonry mortar · Drymix systemsVersatile across multiple industries: water retention, thickening, film forming, broad compatibility.
Construction · Pharma · Food · Personal care · Detergents · IndustrialExcellent rheology control in aqueous and latex systems, strong latex compatibility.
Water-based paints · Coatings · Cleaners · Personal careThickening, binding, stabilization, texture control; cost-effective in many systems.
Food · Detergents · Ceramics · Pharma · Oilfield · PaperBoth are non-ionic methyl cellulose ethers used in drymix construction materials and can deliver similar core functions. The choice depends on specific performance targets, regional market preferences, formulation system, raw material compatibility, and cost considerations. In many European and international drymix construction markets, HEMC / MHEC is particularly established for tile adhesive, plaster, and EIFS / ETICS. HPMC is more widely used across a broader range of industries. Neither product is universally superior — the right choice should be determined by formulation testing in your specific system.
Both HEMC / MHEC and HPMC are non-ionic methyl cellulose ethers, but they differ in their secondary substitution group: HPMC uses hydroxypropyl groups (–OCH₂CHOHCH₃) while HEMC / MHEC uses hydroxyethyl groups (–OCH₂CH₂OH). This structural difference affects water retention behavior, dissolution profile, and performance characteristics in specific mortar systems — making grade selection and formulation testing essential for determining the optimal product for your application.
LANDERCOLL HEMC / MHEC is supplied in industrial packaging suitable for transportation, storage, and production handling. Cellulose ether powders are hygroscopic — proper storage conditions help maintain powder flowability, dissolution performance, and application effectiveness throughout product 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 HEMC / MHEC 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., tile adhesive, wall putty, gypsum plaster, EIFS mortar) and formulation system type (cement-based, gypsum-based, or mixed system).
Current HEMC / MHEC or HPMC grade reference, if available. Main performance target — e.g., open time, water retention, anti-sag, surface finish. Application method: manual troweling, scraping, machine spraying, or pouring.
Current formulation challenge or performance gap, if applicable. 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.
HEMC / MHEC (CAS 9032-42-2) is primarily used as a functional additive in drymix construction materials. It improves water retention, workability, open time, anti-sag performance, mortar consistency, and application behavior in tile adhesive, wall putty, skim coat, cement plaster, gypsum plaster, masonry mortar, EIFS / ETICS mortar, waterproof mortar, repair mortar, and ready-mix dry mortar systems.
Yes. HEMC (Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose) and MHEC (Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose) are two names for the same product family. The difference is only in naming convention — HEMC emphasizes the hydroxyethyl group first, while MHEC emphasizes the methyl group first. Both refer to the same chemical substance (CAS 9032-42-2) and are widely used in the cellulose ether and construction materials industry.
The commonly referenced CAS number for HEMC / MHEC is 9032-42-2.
In tile adhesive, HEMC / MHEC improves water retention to support cement hydration and bond strength, extends open time to give installers more working time for tile positioning, provides anti-slip behavior to prevent tiles from sliding on vertical surfaces, and improves troweling feel and application consistency. High to extra-high viscosity grades are typically used at dosages of 0.2%–0.4% of the dry mix weight.
The typical reference dosage is approximately 0.1%–0.5% by weight of the dry mix, depending on the application. For tile adhesive: 0.2%–0.4%. For wall putty and skim coat: 0.2%–0.5%. For gypsum plaster and masonry mortar: 0.1%–0.3%. Final dosage must always be confirmed through laboratory testing and job-site performance evaluation.
In wall putty and skim coat, HEMC / MHEC improves water retention to prevent rapid drying, enhances scraping smoothness and surface finish quality, improves spreading behavior and workability, and helps maintain consistent product texture throughout the application session. Medium to high viscosity grades are typically used.
Both HEMC / MHEC and HPMC are used in tile adhesive and can deliver similar core performance. Neither is universally superior. HEMC / MHEC is particularly established in European and international drymix construction markets. HPMC is more widely used across a broader range of industries. The right choice depends on your specific formulation, raw material system, performance targets, and market requirements. Formulation testing is always recommended.
Yes. HEMC / MHEC can be used in gypsum plaster and related gypsum-based systems to improve water retention, workability, smooth spreading behavior, and application consistency. However, because gypsum systems are sensitive to set time, HEMC / MHEC grade and dosage must be carefully selected and tested to avoid excessive retardation of the gypsum setting reaction.
Tile adhesive typically uses high to extra-high viscosity HEMC / MHEC, generally in the range of 60,000–200,000 mPa·s (measured at 2% aqueous solution). The exact viscosity grade depends on the formulation type, tile size and weight, required open time, anti-slip performance target, and application conditions. Final grade selection should be confirmed through formulation testing.
Surface-treated HEMC / MHEC delays hydration when the powder contacts water, preventing premature lump formation during mixing and allowing the powder to disperse evenly before viscosity develops — important in drymix mortar systems where the powder is mixed with water on the job site. Non-surface-treated HEMC / MHEC dissolves more quickly and is used in systems where fast viscosity development is required.
The right HEMC / MHEC grade depends on your application, required viscosity level, formulation system (cement-based or gypsum-based), water retention target, open time requirement, anti-sag performance need, application method, and raw material system. Contact LANDERCOLL with your application details, and our team can recommend suitable grade directions and support your formulation evaluation.
Beyond the HEMC / MHEC grade and dosage, performance in drymix mortar is significantly affected by cement type and quality, filler system (sand, calcium carbonate, talc), gypsum quality, ambient temperature, water quality, redispersible polymer powder content, starch ether addition, aggregate particle size, and application method. These factors should all be considered when conducting formulation testing and grade selection.
LANDERCOLL HEMC / MHEC is designed specifically for drymix mortar, tile adhesive, wall putty, plaster, and related building material applications. Our product development and technical support are focused on the practical performance requirements of construction material manufacturers.
We help customers select HEMC / MHEC grades based on real performance requirements — water retention level, viscosity, open time, anti-sag behavior, surface finish, and application method — rather than simply providing a product list.
LANDERCOLL HEMC / MHEC supports tile adhesive, tile grout, wall putty, skim coat, cement render, gypsum plaster, masonry mortar, EIFS / ETICS mortar, waterproof mortar, repair mortar, and ready-mix dry mortar systems.
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 HEMC / MHEC supports manufacturers of tile adhesive, wall putty, skim coat, cement plaster, gypsum plaster, EIFS / ETICS mortar, masonry mortar, waterproof mortar, repair mortar, and ready-mix dry mortar systems. Whether you are developing a new drymix formulation, optimizing an existing product, or evaluating a new cellulose ether supplier, our team can help you identify the most suitable grade.
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