Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Supplier
Industrial Grade CAS 9004-62-0 | High Purity ≥99% | 15+ Years Manufacturing Experience
- ISO 9001:2015 Certified
- 5000+ Tons Annual Output
- 7-10 Days Global Delivery
HEC (Hydroxyethyl cellulose)
Michem Hydroxyethyl cellulose(HEC) has good water retention, thickening, and suspension properties, Michem HEC offers functional properties and enhances product performance in emulsion-based building materials.
| HEC CAS No. | 9004-62-0 |
| Packing | 25kg/bag, custom packing available |
| Delivery | 7-10 working days |
| Payment Terms | T/T or L/C at sight |
Challenges You May Face with HEC Suppliers
As a Formulation Engineer/Purchasing Manager, are you experiencing:
Inconsistent Viscosity
Many suppliers provide HEC with batch-to-batch viscosity variations, causing formulation instability in your final products.
Long Lead Times
Standard 30-45 day delivery delays your production schedule and increases inventory costs.
Poor Water Retention
Low-quality HEC fails to maintain water retention in cement-based applications, affecting workability.
“We tested HEC from seven suppliers, and only Michem’s batch reports truly aligned with our SOP.”
—— Technical Director at a European Top 10 Coatings Company
The Michem Solution
🔬 We don't sell “powder”; we sell “formulation certainty.”
±1% Viscosity Tolerance
Advanced process control ensures every batch meets strict viscosity specifications (3000-5000 mPa.s).
7-10 Day Delivery
Strategic warehouse locations in Shanghai and Rotterdam enable rapid global distribution.
99.5% Purity Guarantee
Multi-stage purification removes impurities, ensuring superior water retention (>95% in standard tests).
🏭 We are not “traders”; we are vertically integrated manufacturer.
- 15+ years dedicated to cellulose ether R&D (not a newcomer)
- Holding over 20 affiliated chemical enterprises, with self-controlled raw material costs
- 5,000 tons/year production capacity, ISO 9001:2015 full-process quality control
- From cotton pulp to finished bags, every step requires QC approval.
We don't do one-time deals—Michem's R&D team can customize viscosity curves for you and even assist in optimizing your formulation system.
HEC Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification | Test Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder | Visual Inspection |
| CAS Number | 9004-62-0 | Chemical Registry |
| Viscosity (2% solution) | 3000-5000 mPa.s | Brookfield LV, 25°C |
| Moisture Content | ≤5.0% | GB/T 12005.2 |
| pH Value (1% solution) | 6.0-8.5 | GB/T 12005.4 |
| Particle Size (through 80 mesh) | ≥95% | Sieve Analysis |
| Molar Substitution (MS) | 1.8-2.5 | Zeisel Method |
| Bulk Density | 0.35-0.55 g/cm³ | ASTM D1895 |
Select Your Right Michem HEC Grades
| Grade | Viscosity mPa.s NDJ-1, 2% solution, 20C) | Recommend Application | Product Advantages |
| HE30KB | 28000-33000 | Interior paints Exterior paints | Good suspension & Excellent workability |
| HE60KB | 55000-65000 | Interior paints Exterior paints | Good suspension & High viscosity & High temperature stability |
| HE100KB | 85000-110000 | Interior paints Exterior paints | Good suspension & High viscosity & High temperature stability |
Michem Hydroxyethyl cellulose(HEC) Benefits
Michem Hydroxyethyl cellulose(HEC) is non-ionic, water-soluble material that is derived from cellulose. Michem HEc provides good properties such as waterretention, thickening, suspension, anti-microbial erosion, and pHinsensitivity. They have been applied in various industries, including paints and coatings, oil drilling, personal care products, etc.
- Water Retention
- Great Thickening
- Good Suspension
- Anti-microbial Erosion
- pH Insensitivity
Main Applications of HEC
HEC in Paint Applications
HEC in paints and coatings offers wide compatibility with various paint components and colorants. It acts as an effective rheology modifier, providing pseudoplastic or associative viscosity build-up. Additionally, it ensures viscosity stability and maintains excellent long-term stability on aging.
HEC in Detergent Applications
HEC is used as a thickening agent in variousdetergent products, including washing powderspastes,soaps, and emulsions.lt enhances theconsistency and performance of these products,ensuring effective cleaning and user satisfaction.
HEC in Oil Field Applications
HEC offers high thickening efficiency and easydissolving properties, making it an ideal choicefor oil field applications. As an eco-friendlymaterial, it supports sustainable practices whileenhancing performance in various oil extractionand processing activities.
Michem HEC HE30KB
For Interior Paints
Excellent anti-splash & Good suspension & Long open time
Michem HEC HE60KB
For Oil Drilling
Excellent suspension & High viscosity & Long open time
Five Star Products！
We offer the most suitable grades for different uses. Get a cellulose ether solution according to your applications.
HEC Applications by Industry
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose for Water-Based Paints
HEC serves as a rheology modifier in latex paints, providing:
- Pseudoplastic flow – prevents sagging on vertical surfaces
- Excellent color development – enhances pigment dispersion
- Long-term stability – maintains viscosity during storage
- Biocide compatibility – resists microbial degradation
Recommended Grade: HEC-3000 for interior paints, HEC-5000 for exterior coatings
Typical Dosage: 0.3-0.6% by weight
HEC for Oilfield Applications
In drilling fluids, HEC functions as a viscosifier and fluid loss control agent:
- High salt tolerance – performs in saturated brine solutions
- Temperature stability – effective up to 120°C
- Low solids content – minimizes formation damage
- Easy mixing – disperses rapidly in water-based systems
Recommended Grade: HEC-TE10W (high viscosity)
API Specifications: Meets API 13A standards
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose in Cosmetics
Cosmetic-grade HEC provides:
- Thickening – creates elegant textures in lotions and creams
- Film formation – improves skin feel and product stability
- Non-ionic compatibility – works with broad range of ingredients
- Clear solutions – ideal for transparent formulations
Recommended Grade: HEC-Cosmetic (low ash content)
Compliance: Meets USP/NF and EP standards
HEC for Building Materials
In cement-based products, HEC delivers:
- Water retention – prevents rapid moisture loss in mortar
- Workability – improves troweling and application
- Adhesion – enhances bond strength to substrates
- Open time extension – allows adjustment of tiles
Recommended Grade: HEC-Construction (retarded dissolution)
Typical Dosage: 0.1-0.3% in tile adhesives
Why Choose Michem Chemical
Supply Chain Resilience
Maintained a 98% on-time delivery rate during the pandemic (industry average: 67%).
Technical Support
Free technical training, formulation workshops, and on-site process diagnostics.
Financial Security
Supports T/T or L/C at sight, ensuring risk-free transactions.
Sample Verification
Free 500g sample shipment with full COA test report included. Try before you buy.
HEC vs HPMC: Which Cellulose Ether to Choose?
Understanding the difference between Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC) helps select the right additive for your formulation.
| Feature | HEC | HPMC |
|---|---|---|
| Water Solubility | ★★★★★ Excellent | ★★★★☆ Good |
| pH Stability | ★★★★★ pH 2-12 | ★★★★★ pH 3-11 |
| Thermal Gelation | ★★☆☆☆ None | ★★★★★ Reversible |
| Surface Activity | ★★★★★ High | ★★★☆☆ Moderate |
| Best For | High-gloss paints Clear cosmetics Oil drilling | Cement mortars Tile adhesives Self-leveling |
| Price Level | $$$ | $$ |
Frequently Asked Questions
We have selected the most common questions that our customers have asked in the past, to ensure that we provide the best solutions and support to you.
The CAS number of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is 9004-62-0. This unique chemical identifier confirms the molecular structure of HEC and is essential for regulatory documentation and safety data sheets (SDS). Our HEC products strictly adhere to this CAS registry standard.
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is a versatile non-ionic water-soluble polymer used primarily as a:
- Thickener in paints, coatings, and personal care products
- Water retention agent in construction materials
- Rheology modifier in oil drilling fluids
- Stabilizer in adhesives and textiles
- Film former in pharmaceutical coatings
Its unique combination of water solubility, pH stability, and surface activity makes it irreplaceable in many industrial formulations.
Yes, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for food contact applications. In cosmetics, it is approved by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) expert panel.
Safety Profile:
- Non-toxic and non-irritating to skin
- Biodegradable and environmentally friendly
- No volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
- Safe handling with standard dust masks
Available safety documentation: SDS, COA, Food Contact Compliance Letters.
While both are cellulose derivatives, key differences include:
- Charge: HEC is non-ionic; CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose) is anionic
- Salt Tolerance: HEC performs better in high-electrolyte systems
- pH Range: HEC stable pH 2-12; CMC limited to pH 5-9
- Film Clarity: HEC produces clearer films than CMC
Choose HEC for applications requiring electrolyte compatibility and optical clarity.
Proper dissolution is critical for HEC performance:
- Dispersion: Add HEC slowly to vortex of agitated water (not vice versa)
- Particle Size: Use fine mesh grades (80-100 mesh) for faster dissolution
- Temperature: Start with cold water (15-25°C); heat after hydration
- pH Adjustment: Add acids/bases only after full hydration
- Time: Allow 20-30 minutes for complete hydration
Pro Tip: Pre-dispersing in glycerol or alcohol prevents lumping in high-shear systems.
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose pricing depends on:
- Viscosity grade: Higher viscosity = higher price
- Purity level: Industrial vs. cosmetic vs. pharmaceutical grade
- Order volume: Bulk orders (FCL) receive significant discounts
- Customization: Special particle sizes or packaging
Price Range (2024):
- Industrial Grade: $3.50-5.50/kg
- Cosmetic Grade: $5.50-8.00/kg
- Pharmaceutical Grade: $8.00-15.00/kg
Request a quote for current pricing and volume discounts.
Yes, we do have equivalent products of MECELLOSE®, WALOCEL™, Tylose®, and other well-known brands. Our products are formulated to provide similar performance and quality as the branded products. We take pride in offering cost-effective solutions. Please provide us with the brand& grade you are using now so we can recommend the best matching replacement.
Contact Us
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Let the next batch of HEC be the raw material you least need to worry about.
Technical Consultation
Submit your formulation system to receive customized HEC selection recommendations.
Sample Request
Samples shipped within 48 hours, accompanied by batch stability comparison reports.
Production Capacity Lock-in
Annual framework agreements enjoy priority scheduling + tiered pricing.
