HEMC Hydroxyethyl Methylcellulose powder factory price
Introduction: What is HEMC?
Hydroxyethyl Methylcellulose (HEMC) is a versatile cellulose ether derived from natural cellulose sources such as cotton or wood pulp. It appears as a white, odorless powder that dissolves in cold water to form a clear, viscous solution. With its non-toxic properties and unique performance characteristics, HEMC finds widespread applications in construction, personal care, pharmaceuticals, food, and many other industries.
I. Chemical Structure and Core Properties of HEMC
- Molecular Structure Analysis
The molecular chain of HEMC contains hydroxyethyl (-OCH₂CH(CH₃)) and methoxy (-OCH₃) substituents, endowing it with strong hydrophilicity and gelation capabilities. The degree of substitution (DS) directly influences its solubility and functional performance. Its structural formula can be simplified as:
OR = −OH, −OCH₃, −[OCH₂CH(CH₃)]ₙOH or −[OCH₂CH(CH₃)]OCH₃ - Key Physical and Chemical Properties
- Appearance: White/light yellow/off-white granular powder.
- Solubility: Soluble in both hot and cold water, insoluble in most organic solvents.
- pH Stability: Stable within the pH range of 3.0-11.0.
- Metabolic Characteristics: Inert, not metabolized by humans or the environment.
- Functional Performance:
✅ Dispersant, emulsifier, protective colloid
✅ Excellent mold resistance and water retention
✅ Thermally reversible gelation (gels upon heating, returns to solution upon cooling)
II. Six Core Application Fields
HEMC’s multifaceted performance makes it a “universal additive” across various industries:
| Industry | Application Scenarios | Core Value |
|---|---|---|
| Construction Materials | Mortar, tile adhesive, self-leveling cement | Enhances crack resistance, water retention, and extends working time |
| Personal Care | Shampoo, facial cream, lotion | Optimizes foam stability and enhances skin feel lubrication |
| Pharmaceutical Preparations | Tablets, capsules, sustained-release formulations | Acts as a binder to improve drug forming rate |
| Food & Beverage | Dairy products, baked goods, sauces | Stabilizes texture and extends shelf life |
| Coatings & Inks | Latex paint, industrial coatings | Increases viscosity and adhesion, prevents pigment sedimentation |
| Oil & Gas Extraction | Drilling fluid additive | Enhances drilling fluid stability and reduces water phase loss |
III. Innovative Application Cases of HEMC
- Smart Building Materials: Reduces water-cement ratio in cement-based materials to minimize shrinkage cracks.
- Eco-Friendly Coatings: Formulated with acrylic emulsion to produce zero-VOC coatings, enhancing film formation density.
- Bio-Based Materials: Serves as a 3D printing support material for precise molding of complex structures.
- Agricultural Water Retention Agent: Improves soil structure and enhances irrigation water use efficiency.
IV. Safety and Environmental Advantages
Safety:
🔹 FDA-approved food-grade ingredient (INS 466)
🔹 May cause sensitization upon skin contact; protective gloves should be worn during use
Environmental Friendliness:
♻️ Biodegradation rate >90% (within 28 days)
♻️ No volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions during production
V. Why Choose HEMC?
| Comparison Item | Traditional Thickeners (e.g., CMC) | HEMC |
|---|---|---|
| Water Retention Efficiency | Moderate (~75%) | High (>85%) |
| Salt Tolerance | Sensitive (requires formulation adjustment) | Strong (suitable for high-electrolyte systems) |
| Thermal Stability | Degrades at high temperatures | Stable below 120℃ |
| Application Cost | Lower | Better cost-effectiveness (overall performance improvement of 30-50%) |
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]