CELLOSIZE™ Hydroxyethylcellulose

CELLOSIZE™ Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a line of nonionic, water-soluble cellulose ether polymers from Dow. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is produced by reacting alkali cellulose with ethylene oxide to convert hydroxyl groups on the cellulose polymer to hydroxyethyl groups. The resulting polymer is a cellulose ether primarily used as a thickener for water-based paint, ink, and adhesive formulations. Identified under CAS number 9004-62-0, these biopolymers have good solubility in water and some organic solvents. 

CELLOSIZE™ Hydroxyethyl Cellulose grades are defined by their molecular weight, which correlates to a viscosity range they impart to an aqueous solution at 2% by weight. For example, CELLOSIZE™ QP-300 will produce a solution of 300 cPs when added to water at 2%. Solutions of low–molecular weight CELLOSIZE™ grades impart Newtonian rheology and are used in applications that require a stable viscosity regardless of the shear applied. However, solutions of high–molecular weight CELLOSIZE™ behave in a non-Newtonian manner and will impart a pseudoplastic rheology. In addition to its utility as a rheology modifier, CELLOSIZE™ HEC also provides benefits as a suspension aid, binder, emulsifier, film former, emulsion stabilizer, dispersant, water retention aid, and protective colloid. 

CELLOSIZE™ Hydroxyethyl Cellulose offers narrow viscosity ranges, consistent viscosity reproducibility, and high solution clarities. There are myriad applications for CELLOSIZE™. In the industrial space, it is primarily used for general thickening applications in latex paints, household cleaners, and tape–joint compounds. For example, the pseudoplastic rheology of high-viscosity CELLOSIZE™ grades makes them an ideal thickener for latex paint applications where the paint must stay on the brush yet flow out easily upon brushing. In general, it easily dissolves into lump-free solutions, contains low levels of impurities, and resists forming insoluble gels. 

Select a grade below for more information, or contact us to speak with one of our dedicated product experts. To explore CELLOSIZE™ engineered for cosmetic and personal care applications, click here. ChemPoint is a Dow-authorized distributor of CELLOSIZE™ Hydroxyethyl Cellulose in industrial applications, providing dedicated marketing, sales, order fulfillment, and technical support for customers in the United States, Canada, and Europe. 

Issues pertaining to inconsistent viscosity in products such as paints and adhesives, ensuring better application and performance 

Separation or deposition of ingredients in formulations, particularly in emulsions and suspensions 

Difficulties keeping building materials hydrated and workable 

Adhesion issues in adhesives, causing poor tack and bonding properties 

Uneven or unstable films with surface defects 

Handling and application issues in various formulations