Methyl Hydroxy ethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is a versatile, non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether derived from natural cellulose through advanced chemical modification. Praised for its multi-functionality, MHEC excels as a high-performance thickener, water retention agent, stabilizer, and film-former across diverse industries, including construction, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food packaging. Its unique molecular architecture, featuring both methoxyl (-OCH₃) and hydroxyethyl (-OCH₂CH₂OH) substitutions, strikes an ideal balance between solubility, thermal gelation, and biodegradability. This makes it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly substitute for synthetic polymers.
Key Technical Specifications of Methyl hydroxy ethyl cellulose
Parameter
Typical Value/Range
Appearance
White to off-white powder
Particle Size
≥98% through 100 mesh
Moisture Content
≤5.0%
pH (2% solution)
5.0–8.0
Apparent Density
0.30–0.60 g/cm³
Viscosity (2% solution)
48,000–240,000 mPa·s (NDJ, various grades)
Solubility
Soluble in cold water, insoluble in hot water
Ash Content
Low (refined production process)
Thermal Gelation
Gels at elevated temperatures (50–60°C)
Salt Tolerance
Stable in moderate electrolyte concentrations
Mildew Resistance
Excellent
Film-forming Ability
Strong, forms uniform films
CAS Number
9032-42-2
Typical Grades & Viscosity (2% Solution, NDJ):
Grade
Viscosity (mPa·s)
MHEC MH60M
48,000–72,000
MHEC MH100M
80,000–120,000
MHEC MH150M
120,000–180,000
MHEC MH200M
160,000–240,000
Property
Specification
Appearance
White or light yellow powder
Methoxy Content (%)
18.0 – 24.0
Hydroxyethyl Content (%)
8.0 – 16.0
pH Value
5.0 – 8.5
Moisture Content (%)
≤ 8
Ash Content (%)
≤ 3
Mesh Size
100 mesh (98.5% pass), 80 mesh (100% pass)
Viscosity (2%, 20°C, mPa.s)
400 – 200,000
2. Applications & Dosage Guidelines of Methyl hydroxy ethyl cellulose
MHEC’s remarkable adaptability spans across multiple industries. Below, we outline key applications and recommended dosages:
Grade
Viscosity (mPa.s, 2% solution)
Applications
ACTA10000
9000 – 15000
Render
ACTA20000
15000 – 25000
Tile adhesive, EIFS, plaster, joint filler, grout
ACTA30000
25000 – 40000
Tile adhesive, EIFS, gypsum finishing plaster
ACTA45000
40000 – 55000
Tile adhesive, waterproofing mortar
ACTA50000
50000 – 65000
Tile adhesive, EIFS
ACTA70000
65000 – 75000
Tile adhesive, concrete adhesive
2.1 Construction Materials
Functions: MHEC acts as a thickener, water retention agent, and binder in cement-based mortars, tile adhesives, and gypsum plasters. It enhances workability, reduces cracking, and improves adhesion.
Dosage: Use 0.1–0.5% by weight of dry mix to achieve optimal viscosity and adhesion.
Benefits:
Retains 80–90% moisture in construction materials, preventing premature drying and enhancing durability.
Improves sag resistance and open time, ensuring efficient application and reduced material waste
2.2 Pharmaceuticals
Functions: MHEC is used in controlled-release drug delivery systems, such as transdermal patches and hydrogels, due to its thermoreversible gelation properties and biocompatibility.
Dosage: Varies by formulation, but typically ranges from 1–5% in hydrogels for sustained drug release.
Benefits:
Forms gels at body temperature, enabling targeted and controlled drug delivery.
Non-toxic and FDA-approved for medical applications, ensuring safety and efficacy.
2.3 Personal Care & Cosmetics
Functions: MHEC serves as a stabilizer and thickener in shampoos, creams, and lotions, providing non-Newtonian rheology for improved texture and stability.
Dosage: Use 0.2–1.0% in cosmetic formulations to achieve desired texture and viscosity.
Benefits:
Enhances product stability and spreadability, improving user experience.
Mild on skin and hair, making it suitable for sensitive formulations and a wide range of cosmetic products.
2.4 Food Packaging
Functions: MHEC forms biodegradable films with excellent moisture barrier properties, extending the shelf life of perishable goods.
Dosage: Use 2–4% in edible coatings, often combined with plasticizers like glycerol, to achieve optimal film-forming properties.
Benefits:
Biodegradable and environmentally friendly, reducing plastic waste and environmental impact.
Safe for food contact, with FDA GRAS status ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.
3. Unique Properties & Performance Advantages
3.1 Chemical Structure & Properties
Structure: MHEC combines methoxyl (-OCH₃) and hydroxyethyl (-OCH₂CH₂OH) substitutions on the cellulose backbone, resulting in a balanced molecular structure.
Key Properties:
Thermoreversible Gelation: Forms gels at temperatures between 50–60°C, making it ideal for applications in drug delivery and 3D bioprinting.
High Water Retention: Retains up to 90% moisture in construction materials, improving workability and reducing cracking.
Biodegradability: Decomposes into harmless byproducts, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic polymers.
3.2 Comparison with HEC & MC
Property
HEC
MC
MHEC
Chemical Structure
Hydroxyethyl groups dominate
Methyl groups dominate
Balanced methyl/hydroxyethyl groups
Water Solubility
High (cold water)
Low (cold water)
High (cold water)
Thermal Gelation
No
Yes
Yes
Applications
Cosmetics, paints
Pharmaceuticals, food coatings
Construction, controlled-release systems
4. Why Choose QINGDAO ACTA BIOTECHNOLOGY’s MHEC?
4.1 Superior Product Quality
High Purity: Consistent white/off-white appearance with minimal impurities, ensuring product integrity.
Stable Viscosity: Maintains consistent viscosity even after long-term storage, guaranteeing reliable performance.
Low Ash Content: Advanced refining processes result in low ash content, minimizing interference in sensitive formulations.
4.2 Wide Range of Grades
Customizable Solutions: Offers multiple viscosity grades (48,000–240,000 mPa·s) to suit diverse applications and industry needs.
Tailored Specifications: Provides customized solutions to meet specific customer requirements and application challenges.
4.3 Competitive Pricing
Price Range: USD 3.5–6.0 per kg (bulk, FOB China), depending on viscosity and order size.
Cost Advantage: Offers a 30–50% lower price compared to international brands (USD 8–15 per kg), without compromising on quality.
4.4 Regulatory Compliance
Certifications: Products comply with ISO quality management systems, FDA GRAS, and EU regulations, ensuring safety and compliance.
Safety: Non-toxic, inert, and safe for ingestion, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including food and pharmaceuticals.
4.5 Environmental & Safety Advantages
Biodegradable: Reduces environmental impact by decomposing into harmless byproducts.
Safe Handling: Non-hazardous to operators and end-users, ensuring safe handling and disposal.
5. Technical Support & Supply Reliability
Expertise: Dedicated technical team available for formulation optimization, troubleshooting, and technical support.
Large-Scale Production: State-of-the-art manufacturing facilities ensure stable supply and short lead times.
Logistics: Efficient global shipping and distribution network to meet customer needs worldwide.
6. Conclusion: Your Optimal Choice for MHEC
QINGDAO ACTA BIOTECHNOLOGY’s MHEC stands out as a high-quality, competitively priced solution for industries demanding exceptional performance and reliability. With advanced technology, rigorous quality control, and a commitment to sustainability, our MHEC delivers outstanding results in construction, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and more.
Experience the ACTA Difference Contact us today to request samples, technical support, and customized solutions tailored to your specific needs.