Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether, MW 720,000, also known as hydroxyethyl cellulose or HEC, is a water-soluble nonionic cellulose derivative used in viscosity modification, film formation, binding, coatings, adhesives, personal care formulation, and industrial thickening systems.
Synonyms / related names: HEC; hydroxyethyl cellulose; cellulose hydroxyethyl ether; cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether.
This product is supplied as a powder with a molecular weight of 720,000. Its 2% aqueous viscosity specification of 4,500-6,500 cps makes it useful in aqueous formulation workflows where thickening, rheology control, water retention, and polymeric stabilization are important.
Researchers, formulators, and industrial users may use cellulose hydroxyethyl ether in coatings, adhesives, construction materials, personal care and cosmetic formulations, binder systems, and industrial aqueous formulations.
Key Properties
- Water-soluble nonionic cellulose derivative
- CAS Number: 9004-62-0
- Product Number: 05569
- Synonyms: HEC, hydroxyethyl cellulose
- Molecular Weight: 720,000 powder
- Intrinsic Viscosity: 2% AQ = 4,500-6,500 cps
- Viscosity: 2% AQ = 4,500-6,500 cps
- Useful for thickening, film formation, binding, and water retention
- Suitable for aqueous formulation and rheology modification work
Applications
Rheology Modification & Thickening
Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether is used to increase viscosity and modify flow behavior in aqueous formulations where controlled texture, suspension behavior, or stability is required.
Coatings & Adhesives
HEC may be used in coatings, paints, glues, and adhesive systems where viscosity control, film formation, adhesion support, and water retention are important formulation considerations.
Personal Care & Cosmetic Formulations
This cellulose derivative may be evaluated in lotions, shampoos, gels, and skin-care formulations where texture, thickening, and moisture-retention behavior are relevant.
Construction & Cementitious Systems
Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether may be used in plasters, mortars, tile adhesives, and related construction formulations where workability and water retention are important.
Binders & Stabilizers
HEC may be used in binder and stabilizer workflows involving aqueous dispersions, suspensions, and film-forming systems.
Solubility & Formulation Considerations
- Water-soluble cellulose derivative
- Viscosity development depends on concentration, hydration time, mixing method, temperature, and formulation composition
- Nonionic character can support compatibility across a range of aqueous formulations
- Water retention and film properties depend on solids level, drying conditions, substrate, and additive package
- Compatibility should be evaluated with salts, surfactants, pigments, fillers, preservatives, solvents, and other formulation components before scale-up
Final performance should be confirmed under the user’s specific formulation and processing conditions, including polymer concentration, mixing order, hydration time, pH, ionic strength, substrate, and end-use requirements.
Preparation Tips
- Add gradually to water with appropriate agitation to reduce clumping
- Allow sufficient time for full hydration and viscosity development
- Use clean equipment to reduce contamination during solution preparation
- Adjust mixing speed and addition rate to minimize agglomeration
- Run small-scale hydration, viscosity, and compatibility trials before production or process transfer
Handling & Storage
- Store at room temperature
- Use gloves and a fume hood
- Keep container tightly closed when not in use
- Use good ventilation and standard laboratory or industrial safety practices
- Avoid unnecessary dust generation during powder handling
- Refer to the Safety Data Sheet before handling
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FAQ
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1. What is Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether, MW 720,000 used for?
Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether is used in viscosity modification, coatings, adhesives, construction materials, personal care formulations, binders, stabilizers, and aqueous formulation research.
2. What is the molecular weight of this HEC product?
The product page lists the molecular weight as 720,000 powder.
3. What is the viscosity specification?
The product page lists both intrinsic viscosity and viscosity as 2% AQ = 4,500-6,500 cps.
4. Is Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether water-soluble?
Yes. The product description identifies cellulose hydroxyethyl ether as a water-soluble cellulose derivative.
5. How should Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether be stored?
Store Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether at room temperature. Review the Safety Data Sheet for complete storage, handling, and personal protective equipment guidance.
Safety & Documentation
Cellulose hydroxyethyl ether should be handled with gloves, a fume hood, and standard laboratory or industrial safety practices. The product page lists the product as an irritant. Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and product specification for complete handling, storage, hazard, and technical information.
