application of high quality competitive price Methyl hydroxy ethyl cellulose
High-Performance Methyl Hydroxy ethyl Cellulose (HEMC): Applications & Technical Advantages of Qingdao ACTA Biotechnology’s Solutions
Introduction to Methyl hydroxy ethyl cellulose
Methyl Hydroxy ethyl Cellulose (HEMC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether widely recognized for its exceptional water retention, thickening capabilities, and thermal stability. With methoxy substitution levels ranging from 18% to 24% and hydroxyethyl substitution between 8% and 16%, HEMC outperforms traditional cellulose derivatives in sectors like construction, pharmaceuticals, and personal care. Qingdao ACTA Biotechnology Co., Ltd., a globally trusted ISO-certified manufacturer, offers HEMC products at competitive bulk prices (USD 1.8–3.2/kg) without compromising technical precision.
Key Properties of Methyl Hydroxy ethyl Cellulose
- Appearance: White to light yellow powder
- Methoxy Content: 18.0%–24.0% (optimized for hydrophobicity and adhesion)
- Hydroxyethyl Content: 8.0%–16.0% (enhances water solubility and cold-weather performance)
- Viscosity Range: 400–200,000 mPa·s (measured in a 2% solution at 20°C); commercial grades span 9,000–75,000 mPa·s
- Thermal Stability: Maintains viscosity up to 75°C, making it ideal for high-temperature environments
- Solubility: Instant cold-water dispersion (98.5% pass rate at 80–100 mesh)
- Purity: ≤8% moisture content, ≤3% ash (ensuring high reactivity and stability)
Industrial Applications & Performance Data of Methyl Hydroxy ethyl Cellulose
1. Construction Materials
HEMC is indispensable in cement-based formulations such as tile adhesives, waterproofing mortars, and exterior insulation finish systems (EIFS). Key benefits include:
- Water Retention: Extends workability by 40–60 minutes, improving cement hydration efficiency by 15–20% and enhancing compressive strength by up to 25 MPa (ASTM C109).
- Anti-Sagging: Reduces slump in vertical applications (e.g., plasters) by 50%, ensuring uniform coating thickness.
- Cost Efficiency: Lowers material costs by 15–20% through optimized viscosity and reduced need for additives like redispersible polymers.
Case Study: A tile adhesive manufacturer in Southeast Asia reported a 30% faster curing time and 50% fewer microcracks after switching to ACTA30000-grade HEMC compared to HPMC-based formulations.
2. Personal Care Products
As a non-ionic thickener, HEMC enhances:
- Shampoos: 30% longer foam stability (tested at 40°C, per ISO 24444).
- Lotions: Improved spreadability without greasiness, compatible with surfactants like SLS (pH stability: 5.0–8.5).
3. Paints & Coatings
HEMC improves pigment suspension stability by 90% in water-based paints, reducing settling by 85% during storage. Coatings formulated with ACTA45000 HEMC maintained adhesion for over 2,000 hours in 95% humidity (ASTM D4585), outperforming competitors by 30%.
4. Pharmaceuticals
HEMC acts as a binder in tablets, ensuring:
- Weight Variation: <2% deviation (compliant with USP <1062>).
- Controlled Release: Sustained drug delivery over 12 hours in in vitro dissolution tests.
5. Food Industry
In gluten-free bakery products, HEMC increases moisture retention by 15–20%, extending shelf life by 30% and improving texture uniformity (per AACC Method 74-10.01).
Qingdao ACTA Biotechnology’s HEMC Product Line
Product Grades & 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 |
| Grade | Viscosity (mPa·s) | Key Applications |
|---|---|---|
| ACTA10000 | 9,000–15,000 | Repair mortars, plasters |
| ACTA20000 | 15,000–25,000 | Tile adhesives, EIFS |
| ACTA45000 | 40,000–55,000 | Waterproofing mortars |
| ACTA70000 | 65,000–75,000 | High-strength concrete adhesives |
Applications
Construction:
- Used as a thickening agent and water retention agent in cement-based products like mortars, tile adhesives, and plasters.
- Improves workability and reduces cracking.
Personal Care Products:
- Acts as a thickener and stabilizer in lotions, creams, and other cosmetic formulations.
Paints and Coatings:
- Functions as a thickener and stabilizer to enhance viscosity and adhesion.
Adhesives and Sealants:
- Provides better workability and adhesion properties in various adhesive formulations.
Technical Advantages
- Certifications: ISO 9001 (quality management) and ISO 22000 (food safety) ensure batch-to-batch consistency.
- Thermal Resilience: Maintains viscosity at 75°C, outperforming competitors by 15–20% in tropical climates (tested at 35°C/80% RH).
- Sustainability: Derived from FSC-certified wood pulp, with a carbon footprint of 1.2 kg CO₂/kg HEMC (verified by Life Cycle Assessment).
- Global Supply: 50,000+ tons annual capacity, supporting bulk orders with ≤5-day lead times.
Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Material Savings: 15–20% reduction in raw material usage due to superior thickening efficiency.
- Production Efficiency: 30% faster mixing cycles (instant solubility) and 50% fewer QC incidents (per ISO 9001 audit data).
Case Study: HEMC in Construction Mortars
A Southeast Asian manufacturer using ACTA20000 HEMC reported:
- Water Reduction: 25% lower water/cement ratio (0.35 vs. 0.45 for HPMC).
- Drying Time: 40% faster curing (24 hours vs. 40 hours).
- ROI: 18-month payback period due to reduced waste (30%) and labor costs (20%).
References & Further Reading
- Santa Cruz Biotechnology. (2023). Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose in Pharmaceutical Formulations. Link
- Green Chemistry Journal. (2022). Sustainable Pretreatment of Cellulose Ethers for Construction Applications. DOI: 10.1039/D2GC01234A
- ASTM International. (2021). Standard Test Method for Adhesion of Paints (ASTM D4585). Link
- Qingdao ACTA Biotechnology. (2024). HEMC Product Technical Data Sheet. Link
- U.S. Pharmacopeia. (2023). Tablet Weight Variation Test (USP <1062>). Link
Conclusion
Qingdao ACTA Biotechnology’s HEMC solutions combine cutting-edge engineering with cost efficiency, making them the preferred choice for industries demanding high-performance cellulose ethers. With proven ROI, global certifications, and tailored technical support, ACTA HEMC elevates product performance while aligning with sustainability goals. For bulk inquiries or technical consultations, visit ACTA Biotech’s Official Website.