Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a water-soluble polymer compound with the chemical formula [C6H7O2(OH)2OC2H4OH]n. It appears as a white or slightly yellow amorphous short fibrous powder, odorless and tasteless, easily hygroscopic, with a specific gravity of 0.55~0.75 [2]. It is easily soluble in water and soluble in a few polar solvents such as formic acid, formaldehyde, dimethyl sulfone, dimethylformamide, and dimethylacetamide. It partially dissolves or swells when drawn into fibers in butyraldehyde and acetic acid. HEC does not ionize in water, has good acid and alkali resistance, and does not react with heavy metals to form precipitates. When pH < 3, HEC will acidify, causing the viscosity of the aqueous solution to decrease. Under strong alkali, HEC will undergo oxidative degradation, and the viscosity of its aqueous solution will decrease due to heat and light. It is stable in the pH range of 6.5~8.0.

Physicochemical Properties

• Chemical Properties: Hydroxyethyl cellulose (C₂H₆O₂)ₙ is a non-ionic cellulose ether. It does not ionize in water, exhibits good acid and alkali resistance, and does not react with heavy metals to form precipitates. Its aqueous solution possesses excellent thickening, suspending, binding, emulsifying, dispersing, water-retaining, and colloid-protecting properties.
• Solubility: It is readily soluble in cold and hot water, and its aqueous solution does not exhibit gelling properties. It is insoluble in common organic solvents but soluble in a few polar solvents such as formic acid, dimethyl sulfone, and dimethylformamide. It has excellent salt solubility in electrolytes and can be used to prepare solutions with varying viscosity ranges.
• Preparation Methods: Primarily prepared by alkalizing cellulose with sodium hydroxide followed by etherification with ethylene oxide. Production processes include both gas-phase and liquid-phase methods. Raw material consumption includes cotton linters or low-gluten pulp, liquid alkali, ethylene oxide, and alcohol.

Thickening Effect

It significantly increases the viscosity of liquid or semi-solid systems, giving products a suitable consistency for easy application and use. For example, in coatings, cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals, thickening improves product texture and stability.

Suspension and Dispersion Effect

It prevents solid particles (such as pigments, fillers, and pharmaceutical ingredients) from settling or agglomerating in liquids, maintaining the homogeneity of the system. It is commonly used in coatings, inks, pesticide formulations, and pharmaceutical suspensions.

Emulsification and Stabilization Effect

As an emulsifier, it helps form and stabilize emulsions, preventing oil-water separation and extending product shelf life. It is widely used in emulsion products in cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals.

Film Forming Effect

It forms a uniform, flexible film on a surface, providing water retention, protection, and isolation functions. It can be used for coating film formation, drug coating, food packaging, and medical dressings.

Water Retention and Moisturizing Effects

It possesses strong water absorption and retention capabilities, locking in moisture and keeping products or materials moist. It is commonly used in skincare products, cosmetics, agricultural sprays, and building materials to help prevent drying and cracking.

Adhesion and Bonding Effects

It can be used as an adhesive to bind different materials or components together, improving product strength and stability. Applications include paper, textiles, ceramics, and construction.

Rheology Modulation Effects

It exhibits pseudoplastic rheological properties, meaning its viscosity decreases under high shear stress, facilitating application (e.g., spraying, smearing), while recovering viscosity at rest to maintain product stability. It is widely used in coatings, inks, and drilling fluids.

Salt and Electrolyte Resistance

Under nonionic properties, it remains stable in high salt concentrations or electrolyte environments, resisting precipitation or degradation. Suitable for brine drilling fluids, seawater treatment, and pharmaceutical preparations.

Biostability and Preservative Effects

It effectively resists microbial attack, extending product lifespan. Commonly used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and other fields sensitive to microorganisms.

Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a nonionic, water-soluble cellulose ether. Due to its excellent thickening, suspending, dispersing, emulsifying, and film-forming properties, it has wide applications in various fields. Its main applications are as follows:

Daily Chemical Products

• Toothpaste: As a binder and thickener, it helps mix solid and liquid ingredients, giving toothpaste appropriate viscosity and stability, especially in high-salt or high-ionic environments.
• Shower Gel, Hand Wash: Used to thicken and stabilize emulsion systems, preventing ingredient separation, while improving product flowability and user experience.
• Skin Cream, Lotion: As a thickener and film-forming agent, it helps lock in moisture, forming a protective film, enhancing moisturizing effects and product stability.

Shaanxi Yuantai Biotechnology Co., Ltd. was established in 2014, mainly supplying herbal extracts, functional cosmetic raw materials, organic products, etc. We have our own factories, R&D and quality inspection teams, and have the conditions for development, production, and quality assurance. At present, we have obtained ISO9001, ISO22000, HALAL, KOSHER, HACCP, FDA and other certificates. Therefore, the quality of our products is guaranteed, and it is our original intention to bring high-quality products to customers.

packaging

1KG/Aluminium bags , 25kg/barrel

Storage: Store in a cool, dry, clean place away from moisture and direct light.

We also have special packaging for special products, such as: retinal - cold chain transportation; deoxyarbutin - vacuum transportation