Key Specifications & Physical-Chemical Properties

HEC standard specifications (customizable for industry needs):

• CAS Number: 9004-62-0

• EINECS Number: 222-634-2

• Chemical Formula: (C₂H₆O₂)ₙ

• Molecular Weight:10,000–2,000,000 (varies by polymerization degree)

• Appearance: White to pale yellow fibrous/powdery solid, no visible impurities

• Solubility: Soluble in cold/hot water (clear viscous solution); insoluble in most organic solvents

• Density: 1.30–1.40 g/cm³ (bulk: 0.5–0.7 g/cm³)

• Moisture Content: ≤5.0%

• pH Value: 6.0–8.0 (1% aqueous solution, 25℃)

• Viscosity Range: 50–100,000 mPa·s (2% aqueous solution, 25℃), customizable

• Substitution Degree (DS): 1.5–2.5

• Screen Pass Rate (40 mesh): ≥99%

• Thermal Stability: Stable below 130℃; decomposes above 180℃ (no thermal gelation)

• Flash Point: ≥150℃ (closed cup)

Core Advantages

Key advantages of HEC:

• Excellent Water Solubility: Soluble in cold/hot water, no boiling precipitation, non-thermal gelation.

• Superior Thickening & Water Retention: Strong thickening effect; water retention twice that of methyl cellulose.

• Strong Compatibility: Non-ionic, compatible with water-soluble polymers, surfactants and salts (suitable for high-electrolyte solutions).

• Good Protective Colloid & Emulsifying Ability: Stabilizes emulsions/dispersions, better than methyl/hydroxypropyl cellulose.

• Stable Chemical Properties: Acid/alkali resistant (pH 2–12), good thermal stability, no heating gelation.

• Safe & Non-Toxic: Odorless, non-irritating, compliant with international standards (suitable for daily chemical/food/pharmaceutical auxiliaries).

• Easy to Process: Surface-modified HEC disperses in cold water without clumping.

Application Fields

Key HEC application scenarios:

1. Petroleum Drilling Industry

• Thickener for drilling muds, improving fluidity and stability.

• Enhances mud carrying capacity, prevents water seepage into oil layers.

• Used in well cementing/fracturing to improve efficiency and wellbore stability.

2. Coatings & Inks Industry

• Protective colloid/thickener for water-based coatings, improving stability and pigment dispersion.

• Enhances film-forming, water resistance and weather resistance of coatings.

• Speeds up drying and prevents penetration in water-based inks.

3. Construction Industry

• Thickener/binder for cement mortar and gypsum, improving workability and bonding strength.

• Extends water evaporation time, prevents cracking, boosts initial strength.

• Enhances water retention and construction performance of putty, tile adhesive.

4. Daily Chemical Industry

• Used in shampoos, body washes as thickener and stabilizer, improving viscosity and texture.

• Added to creams, lotions and toothpaste to enhance stability and usability.

5. Other Industries

• Textile industry: Sizing agent and finishing agent, improving fabric softness and strength.

• Papermaking industry: Surface sizing agent, enhancing paper smoothness and water resistance.

• Polymer polymerization: Protective colloid for emulsion polymerization, ensuring product stability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Common questions about HEC CAS 9004-62-0:

Q1: What is the difference between HEC and other cellulose ethers (e.g., HPMC, MC)?

A: HEC is fully soluble in both cold and hot water (no thermal gelation), while HPMC/MC gel when heated. HEC has better water retention and protective colloid performance than MC, and stronger compatibility with electrolytes than HPMC.

Q2: How to dissolve HEC without clumping?

A: Mix HEC with inert powder (1:5–1:10) to dilute, then slowly add to stirring cold water (≥200 rpm) until fully dissolved. Surface-modified HEC can be directly added to cold water with stirring.

Q3: What is HEC’s shelf life and storage method?

A: Shelf life is 24 months. Store in a cool, dry, ventilated area (RH ≤60%), sealed packaging, away from heat, light and moisture. Avoid mixing with strong acids/alkalis.

Q4: Is HEC safe for food and pharmaceutical use?

A: Yes. HEC is non-toxic, non-irritating, compliant with FDA and WHO standards, and can be used as an auxiliary in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Q5: Can HEC’s viscosity and substitution degree be customized?

A: Yes. Viscosity (50–100,000 mPa·s) and substitution degree (1.5–2.5) can be tailored to meet specific industry needs.

Q6: What is HEC’s standard packaging?

A: Standard: 25kg/bag (moisture-proof woven bag with PE liner). Custom packaging (1kg/5kg/10kg) is available.

Q7: Is HEC compatible with high-electrolyte solutions?

A: Yes. HEC’s non-ionic nature makes it compatible with high-electrolyte solutions, suitable for applications with salts or surfactants.

Contact Us

For questions about HEC (specifications, customization, pricing, samples), contact us for professional support.

• Email: lisa@aozunchem.com

• Wechat/WhatsApp: +86-186 5121 5887

We look forward to cooperating with you!