MHEC: Enhancing Performance in Construction, Paints & Personal Care: Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose for Industry

Description

HEMC: The Versatile Cellulose Ether for Modern Formulations

Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEMC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether renowned for its adaptability and robust performance across a spectrum of uses, notably in construction and personal care. It stands out for its unique properties that enhance product efficacy and simplify processing.

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Specifications of HEMC

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

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Viscosity Grades and Applications of HEMC

HEMC is available in various grades, each with specific viscosity ranges and applications:

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

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Key Advantages of HEMC

• Effortless Blending: HEMC dissolves readily in cold water, speeding up preparation and integration into various mixtures.
• Heat Resilience: Maintains crucial stability at temperatures up to 75°C, making it reliable in diverse environments.
• Extended Workability: Its excellent water retention prolongs the open time of cement-based products, significantly improving ease of application and reducing common issues like cracking.
• Enhanced Flow: HEMC provides lubrication, which refines the processing characteristics of mortars and other compounds.
• pH Flexibility: Offers consistent stability within a broad pH range of 3 to 11.
• Smart Gelling: Exhibits thermal gelation, forming a gel at high temperatures and reverting to a liquid state upon cooling, offering unique formulation control.
• Protective Film: Forms a durable film with effective waterproof and oil-proof qualities.

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Broad-Ranging Applications of HEMC

• Construction: As a vital thickening and water-retention agent, HEMC boosts the performance of cement-based materials like mortars, tile adhesives, and plasters, leading to better workability and reduced cracking.
• Personal Care: It functions as an effective thickener and stabilizer, perfect for enhancing the texture and consistency of lotions, creams, and cosmetic formulations.
• Paints & Coatings: Improves the viscosity and adhesion of paints and coatings, ensuring a smoother, more uniform finish.
• Adhesives & Sealants: Contributes to superior workability and bonding strength in various adhesive formulations.

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Market Leadership & Future Growth

HEMC is increasingly gaining favor in the international construction sector, particularly due to its superior thermal stability when compared to other cellulose ethers like HPMC. This makes it exceptionally valuable for building projects in warmer climates where consistent water retention under heat is critical. As industries continue to seek high-performance materials, HEMC’s versatility and unique attributes position it for substantial market expansion, solidifying its role as a leading choice in a wide array of demanding applications.

References

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Methyl-2-hydroxyethyl-cellulose