HEMC Methyl hydroxyethyl Cellulose – The Secret Ingredient
Methyl hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEMC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether renowned for its exceptional solubility in both hot and cold water. This versatile compound serves as a critical additive across multiple industries due to its unique combination of thickening, suspending, dispersing, bonding, emulsifying, film-forming, and water retention properties.
Key Properties of HEMC/MHEC
- Thickening Agent: Enhances viscosity in products ranging from toothpaste to cosmetic formulations
- Emulsifying Agent: Stabilizes oil-water mixtures in pharmaceuticals and personal care products
- Water Retention: Excellent moisture retention for paper coatings and construction materials
- Thermal Stability: Maintains performance under high-temperature conditions
- Anti-Sagging Effects: Improves workability in construction applications
Technical Specifications
CAS Number: 9032-42-2
Molecular Formula: C34H66O24
Molecular Weight: 858.9 g/mol
Industrial Applications
Construction Industry
HEMC is indispensable in tile adhesives, plaster, and mortars where it improves workability, water retention, and adhesion. Its anti-sagging properties ensure proper material placement during application.
Personal Care Products
Widely used in creams, lotions, and shampoos for its thickening and emulsifying properties, HEMC helps create stable, luxurious textures in cosmetic formulations.
Food and Pharmaceutical Industries
In food applications, HEMC serves as a thickening agent in sauces and protective coating for produce. Pharmaceutical manufacturers utilize it in controlled-release drug systems and tablet binding.
Paints and Coatings
HEMC improves workability, durability, and application properties in water-based paints and industrial coatings.
Qingdao ACTA Biotechnology CO., LTD specializes in high-quality Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (HEMC) with exceptional performance characteristics:
Viscosity Range: 15000 – 40000 mPa.s (2% solution)
Methoxy Content: 18.0-24.0%
Hydroxyethyl Content: 8.0-16.0%
pH Value: 5.0-8.5
Moisture Content: ≤8%
Ash Content: ≤3%
Product Grades and Applications
| Grade | Viscosity (mPa.s) | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|
| ACTA10000 | 9000 – 15000 | Render |
| ACTA20000 | 15000 – 25000 | Tile adhesive, EIFS, plaster |
| ACTA30000 | 25000 – 40000 | Tile adhesive, gypsum plaster |
| ACTA45000 | 40000 – 55000 | Waterproofing mortar |
| ACTA50000 | 50000 – 65000 | Tile adhesive, EIFS |
| ACTA70000 | 65000 – 75000 | Concrete adhesive |
Why Choose ACTA Biotechnology’s HEMC?
- Superior Quality: Rigorous quality control ensures consistent performance
- Technical Expertise: Custom formulations available for specific applications
- Global Compliance: Meets ISO9001, ISO22000, HALAL, and KOSHER standards
- Reliable Supply: Established global distribution network
- Technical Support: Expert guidance for optimal product performance
Optimizing HEMC Performance
- Dispersion: Gradually sprinkle into cold water while stirring to prevent clumping
- pH Range: Most effective between pH 3-11
- Compatibility Testing: Recommended when combining with surfactants or salts
- Temperature Considerations: Maintains stability across wide temperature ranges
HEMC’s multifunctional properties make it an essential additive across construction, personal care, food, and pharmaceutical industries. For manufacturers seeking reliable, high-performance cellulose ethers, Qingdao ACTA Biotechnology’s HEMC products offer exceptional quality, technical support, and customized solutions backed by international certifications.
For product inquiries or technical assistance, contact Qingdao ACTA Biotechnology directly through their official channels.
References
1.Revealing the effect of hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose ether on rheological characteristics and hydration kinetics of Ultra-High Performance Concrete with high thixotropy https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0950061824045306
2.Silva, L.S.; Lima, L.C.B.; Silva, F.C.; Matos, J.M.E.; Santos, M.R.M.C.; Santos Júnior, L.S.; Sousa, K.S.; da Silva Filho, E.C. Dye anionic sorption in aqueous solution onto a cellulose surface chemically modified with aminoethanethiol. Chem. Eng. J. 2013, 218, 89–98. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]