5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs Hydroxy Ethyl Methyl Cellulose？

&#; The Difference Between HPMC and MHEC

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Thermal Stability

Thermal stability of HPMC and MHEC is affected by their gel temperature. In general, the gel temperature of HPMC is around 60&#;-75&#; depending on its group content and different production technique. Due to the characteristics of MHEC group, it has a higher gel temperature, usually > 80&#;. Therefore its stability under high temperature is better that HPMC. On the other hand, because there are more hydrophilic groups in the structure of MHEC, it has better hydrophilicity. The water retention rate of MHEC in mortar is a little higher than HPMC at the same dosage of products with the same viscosity.

In practical construction, in the hot construction environment in summer, the water holding capacity of MHEC with the same viscosity and dosage is better than that of HPMC. Especially in the Southeast Asian countries and India, mortar will sometimes be constructed at high temperature. Cellulose ether with low gel temperature will lose its thickening and water retention at high temperature, thereby accelerating the hardening of mortar, and affects the construction.

Process Difference

HPMC is a non-ionic cellulose ether made from refined cotton after alkalization, using propylene oxide and methyl chloride as etherification agents, through a series of reactions; and MHEC is produced from refined cotton after alkalization treatment, using ethylene oxide and methyl chloride as etherification agents, after a series of reactions, because the storage and use risk factor of ethylene oxide is higher than that of propylene oxide, so The production technology and process requirements of MHEC are higher. There are fewer manufacturers and the price of MHEC is higher than that of HPMC.

Performance Index Difference

The gel temperature of MHEC is higher, generally the gel temperature can reach about 78-85 &#;; while the gel temperature of HPMC is generally about 60-75 &#;, so HPMC is not as effective as MHEC in high temperature resistance. This is the main reason why many customers in hot areas choose MHEC.

Generally speaking, the water retention of MHEC is higher than that of HPMC, but there is no big difference. Considering the cost and price, if there is not high requirements for the gel temperature, customers generally prefer HPMC. Furthermore, the viscosity stability, mildew resistance, and dispersibility of MHEC are generally higher than that of HPMC.

Application Difference

The application fields of HPMC and MHEC are basically the same. They are both widely used in construction mortar, putty, coatings, daily chemicals, ceramics, papermaking, etc. Among the real stone paint, the effect of using MHEC is better. These two products are mainly used in construction. The main difference is gel temperature. The high temperature resistance of MHEC is better.

The Similar Performances Between HPMC and MHEC in Construction Chemicals

Used as thickener, dispersant, water retention agent and air-entraining agent etc. Mainly used in cement and gypsum based dry mix mortar to increase bond strength, workability, and water retention. Reduce water loss on concrete surface, preventing cracks and increase scrape area. It is widely used in wall plaster and tile adhesive products

In paints, as a protective colloid, HPMC and MHEC can be used in the polymerization of vinyl acetate emulsion to improve the stability of the polymerization system in a wide pH range. Use pigments, fillers and other additives in finished product manufacturing to evenly disperse, stabilize and provide thickening effect.

Derek

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Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose through chemical modification. It possesses a wide range of applications across various industries due to its unique properties such as thickening, stabilizing, film-forming, and water retention capabilities. This versatile polymer finds utility in sectors including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, construction, food, and many others.

1.Pharmaceutical Applications

Oral Drug Delivery: HEC is commonly used as a thickening agent in oral suspensions and solutions. Its ability to control viscosity helps in enhancing the stability and palatability of pharmaceutical formulations. Additionally, it aids in sustaining drug release due to its film-forming properties.

Topical Formulations: In topical formulations such as creams, gels, and ointments, HEC acts as a viscosity modifier, providing desired consistency and spreadability. Its film-forming properties contribute to improved adhesion to the skin, facilitating prolonged drug release.

Ophthalmic Preparations: Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is utilized in eye drops and ointments as a viscosity-enhancing agent to increase ocular residence time, thereby improving the therapeutic efficacy of drugs.

Wound Dressings: Due to its biocompatibility and ability to form transparent films, HEC is incorporated into wound dressings. These dressings provide a moist environment conducive to wound healing while protecting the wound from external contaminants.

2.Personal Care Products

Cosmetic Formulations: HEC serves as a key ingredient in various cosmetic products including shampoos, conditioners, creams, and lotions. It acts as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier, enhancing the texture, consistency, and overall performance of the products.

Hair Care Products: In shampoos and hair styling gels, HEC helps in controlling viscosity and improving the rheological properties, thus ensuring better spreadability and ease of application.

Skin Care Products: Lotions, creams, and facial masks often contain HEC for its moisturizing and film-forming properties. It helps in retaining moisture on the skin's surface, providing hydration and a smooth texture.

Oral Care Products: Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is utilized in toothpaste formulations as a thickening agent and binder. Its ability to form a protective film on the teeth and gums enhances the product's efficacy in plaque removal and oral hygiene maintenance.

3.Construction Industry

Paints and Coatings: HEC is added to paints and coatings as a rheology modifier to control viscosity and prevent sagging or dripping. It improves the application properties and ensures uniform coverage on surfaces.

Tile Adhesives and Grouts: In tile adhesives, HEC acts as a thickener and water retention agent, providing better workability and adhesion properties. In grouts, it enhances the consistency and prevents shrinkage during curing.

Cement and Mortar: Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is used in cement-based products such as renders, stuccos, and mortar for its water retention and thickening properties. It improves workability, reduces water loss, and enhances the bond strength of the mixture.

4.Food Industry

Food Thickening and Stabilization: In food products such as sauces, dressings, and desserts, HEC is employed as a thickening and stabilizing agent. It imparts desired texture, viscosity, and stability to the final product without altering the taste or flavor.

Bakery and Confectionery: Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is used in bakery fillings, icings, and frostings to improve texture, spreadability, and stability. It also prevents syneresis in gel-based fillings and enhances the shelf-life of baked goods.

Dietary Supplements: HEC is utilized in the encapsulation of dietary supplements and vitamins to form controlled-release formulations. Its film-forming properties help in protecting the active ingredients and facilitating their gradual release in the digestive tract.

5.Other Applications

Oil and Gas Industry: In drilling fluids, HEC functions as a viscosifier and fluid loss control agent, maintaining the stability and rheological properties of the fluid under varying downhole conditions.

Textile Industry: Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is used as a thickener in textile printing pastes and as a sizing agent in textile finishing processes to improve fabric handle and stiffness.

Paper Industry: In paper coatings and sizing formulations, HEC acts as a binder and surface modifier, improving printability, ink adhesion, and water resistance of the paper.

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a versatile polymer with a wide range of applications across various industries including pharmaceuticals, personal care products, construction, food, and more. Its unique properties such as thickening, stabilizing, film-forming, and water retention make it indispensable in formulating diverse products and enhancing their performance. As research and development continue to advance, the utilization of HEC is likely to expand further, catering to evolving industrial needs and consumer demands.

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