What is the use of hydroxyethyl methylcellulose?

Hydroxyethyl methylcellulose (HEMC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether widely used in many industries. It is a white or off-white powder made from natural polymer material – refined cotton through chemical reactions such as alkalization and etherification. It has good water solubility, water retention, film-forming property, thickening property, emulsification and stability.

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1. Application in the construction industry

Hydroxyethyl methylcellulose is widely used in the construction industry, especially in dry-mixed mortar products, which is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

Strong water retention: After adding HEMC to cement mortar or gypsum products, its water retention performance can be significantly improved, preventing excessive water loss, promoting cement hydration, and enhancing adhesion and strength.

Improve construction performance: HEMC can improve the lubricity and workability of mortar, make plastering, brick laying and other processes smoother, reduce tool adhesion, and improve construction efficiency.

Anti-sagging property: In vertical construction products such as tile adhesive and putty powder, HEMC can significantly enhance its anti-sagging property and prevent the material from flowing during construction.

Thickening effect: HEMC can increase the viscosity of mortar, making it easier to adhere to the surface of the substrate, enhancing the coating and slurry properties.

Improve working time: Extend the open time, improve operational flexibility, and facilitate construction adjustments.

Common application products include: tile adhesive, exterior wall insulation mortar, putty powder, plastering mortar, self-leveling mortar, dry mixed mortar, etc.

2. Application in the coating industry

In the coating and paint industry, hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose is used as a thickener, emulsifier, dispersant and film-forming agent. Its functions are as follows:

Thickening and stabilization: HEMC can effectively increase the viscosity of latex paint, prevent pigment precipitation, and improve storage stability.

Improve brushing performance: Improve the brushing, rolling or spraying performance of the paint, making its construction smoother and reducing splashing and dripping.

Water retention and film formation: Maintaining the balance of moisture on the surface of the paint is conducive to film formation and improving the uniformity and smoothness of the paint film.

Good pH stability: HEMC can be stably present in a wide pH range (3~11) and is suitable for a variety of paint systems.

Therefore, HEMC is used in water-based paints such as interior and exterior wall latex paints, water-based industrial paints, and wood paints.

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3. Application in daily chemical products

Hydroxyethyl methylcellulose is widely used in daily chemical products such as shampoo, shower gel, toothpaste, and skin care products. Its main functions are:

Thickener: Enhance the viscosity of liquid products and improve the product experience.

Emulsification and suspension: Stabilize the emulsion system, prevent the separation of oil phase and water phase, and make the paste stable and uniform.

Moisturizing effect: It has good water retention performance, prevents the evaporation of water on the skin or hair, and increases the lubrication.

Good mildness: HEMC is a non-ionic cellulose that does not irritate the skin and is suitable for sensitive skin and baby products.

4. Application in the pharmaceutical and food industries

Although the main uses of HEMC are concentrated in the industrial field, HEMC can also be used in the pharmaceutical and food industries under certain specifications.

Pharmaceutical excipients: HEMC is used as a binder, film former and sustained-release material for tablets to control the release rate of drugs.

Food additives: In some countries/regions, HEMC is allowed to be used as a food thickener, emulsifier and stabilizer, such as in frozen foods, candies, condiments, etc.

Sustained-release coating materials: HEMC is used to prepare sustained-release drugs, and its film-forming properties control the release time and rate of drugs in the gastrointestinal tract.

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5. Application in other industries

Oil drilling: HEMC is used as a filtrate reducer and thickener in drilling fluid to improve drilling fluid stability and reduce liquid loss.

Papermaking industry: HEMC can be used for paper surface treatment to improve its smoothness, oil resistance and printability.

Textile industry: Used as printing and dyeing slurry to give fabrics good sizing and washing properties.

Ceramic industry: During the ceramic forming process, HEMC enhances the strength of the green body and improves the uniformity of glazing.

 

Hydroxyethyl methylcellulose is a multifunctional cellulose ether with excellent performance and wide application. Its thickening, water retention, film-forming, emulsifying and other properties make it occupy an important position in many industries such as construction, coatings, daily chemicals, medicine, and food. With the advancement of green environmental protection and sustainable development concepts, HEMC, as an environmentally friendly additive derived from natural fibers, is expected to continue to expand its market demand and application areas.


Post time: May-20-2025