HEC Hydroksyetylcellulose

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.