What is the use of hydroxyethyl cellulose HEC?

Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic water-soluble polymer widely used in many industries. It is obtained by chemical treatment of natural cellulose such as alkalization and etherification. It has good thickening, emulsification, dispersion, suspension, water retention and film-forming properties, so it is widely used in construction, coatings, oil extraction, medicine, cosmetics, papermaking, textiles and other fields.

1. Construction industry

In the construction industry, HEC is mainly used in products such as cement mortar, putty powder, coatings and tile adhesives. It can improve the water retention of construction materials and prevent mortar from cracking and reducing strength due to rapid water loss. In addition, HEC can also improve the rheology of construction materials, improve the smoothness and operability of construction, and make the coating and bonding more uniform.

2. Paint industry

HEC is an important additive for latex paint and water-based paint, which plays a role in thickening, stabilization and anti-sedimentation. It can adjust the rheological properties of the paint, make the coating uniform and delicate, and enhance the sag performance of the paint. In addition, HEC can also improve the washability and durability of the coating, avoid peeling or powdering of the paint film, and improve the overall quality of the coating.

3. Oil extraction

In the field of oil extraction, HEC is used in drilling fluid, completion fluid and fracturing fluid. It can enhance the viscosity of drilling fluid, improve the carrying capacity of drilling fluid, and effectively reduce the risk of well wall collapse during drilling. In addition, HEC also has good salt resistance and temperature resistance, suitable for different geological conditions, and improves drilling efficiency and safety.

4. Medicine and cosmetics

HEC is widely used in the fields of medicine and cosmetics due to its good biocompatibility and non-toxicity. In the pharmaceutical industry, HEC can be used to prepare sustained-release tablets, gels, eye drops and other pharmaceuticals as a thickener and stabilizer to adjust the release rate of drugs. In cosmetics, it is often used in products such as lotions, shampoos, shower gels and facial masks to play the role of thickening, moisturizing and emulsification stabilization, making the product experience better.

5. Papermaking and textile industry

In the papermaking industry, HEC can be used as a pulp additive to improve the water resistance and strength of paper, make the paper surface smoother, and improve the printing quality. In the textile industry, HEC can be used for fabric sizing to improve the wear resistance and softness of fabrics. In addition, it can also be used in the printing and dyeing process to enhance the adhesion of dyes and improve the uniformity of dyeing.

6. Other applications

HEC is also used in industries such as pesticides, detergents, batteries, ceramics, and food. For example, in pesticide formulations, HEC can be used as a suspending agent to improve the uniform distribution of pesticides; in detergents, it can improve the viscosity and foam stability of the washing liquid; in the ceramic industry, it can enhance the suspension of glazes and improve the finish of ceramic products.

HEC is widely used in construction, coatings, petroleum, medicine, cosmetics, papermaking, and textile industries due to its excellent thickening, water retention, film-forming, and stabilizing properties. It not only improves the performance of the product, but also improves the production process and the quality of the final product, playing an important role in many industrial fields.