Ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose: [C6H7O2 (OH)x (OC2H5)y [O(CH2CH2O)mH]z]nEthyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is cellulose in which both ethyl and hydroxyethyl groups are attached to the anhydroglucose units by ether linkages. Ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose is prepared from cellulose by treatment with alkali, ethylene oxide and ethyl chloride. The article of commerce may be specified further by the viscosity of its aqueous solutions. more
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is is a thickening or gelling agent made from cellulose. It is used as an ingredient in solutions such as household cleaning products, soaps, and shampoos. Hydroxyethyl cellulose thickens these solutions and reduces the amount of suds or foam they. This increases the cleaning effect because colloids surround the dirt particles, which then wash away with water. more
hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), a nonionic, water-soluble polymer, is a white, free-flowing granular powder. It is made by reacting ethylene oxide with alkali-cellulose under rigidly controlled conditions. Purified hydroxyethylcellulose for personal care and cosmetic applications is typically sold at 95.0 percent minimum purity (dry basis).Solutions of hydroxyethylcellulose are pseudoplastic or shear-thinning. As a result, personal care products formulated with hydroxyethylcellulose dispense rich and thick from the container, but spread easily on hair and skin.hydroxyethylcellulose has applications in multiple markets including adhesives and sealants, advanced ceramics, building and construction, ceramics, pottery and porcelain, commercial and institutional, oil and gas technologies, metal castings and foundry, paint and coatings, personal care pharmaceutical and pulp and paper. more
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a gelling and thickening agent derived from cellulose. It is widely used in cosmetics, cleaning solutions, and other household products.[1] Hydroxyethyl cellulose and methyl cellulose are frequently used with hydrophobic drugs in capsule formulations, to improve the drugs’ dissolution in the gastrointestinal fluids. This process is known as “Hydrophilization”.Hydroxyethyl cellulose is the main ingredient in the lubricant KY Jelly. It is also a key ingredient in the formation of big bubbles as it possesses the ability to dissolve in water but also provide structural strength to the soap bubble. more
There are different grades of
Hydroxethyl Cellulose with varying formulation requirements. Hydroxethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a free-flowing, extremely easy to use, granular powder that easily disperses into room temperature water without clumping or forming “fish-eyes”. We are currently the only distributor for this particular Hydroxyethcellose (HEC) product, therefore other Hydroxethyl Cellulose products will likely require different formulation technique and procedures.
Hydroxethyl Cellulose (HEC) has an exceptional skin feel and is the perfect ingredient to make crystal clear serums for water soluble active ingredients. It can also be used to make crystal clear, water soluble hair styling gels. In addition, Hydroxethyl Cellulose (HEC) offers excellent functionality when used in the water phase of emulsions to build viscosity and stability. However, Hydroxethyl Cellulose (HEC) is not an emulsifier and will not emulsify oils into water. more
Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic rheology modifier derived from cellulose (wood), a renewable raw material. Like all polymers (gums), the use of Hydroxyethylcellulose in your personal care products will change the flow properties of water. This can benefit a variety of personal care products allowing you to create crystal clear serums, softer creams and lotions, and enhanced cleansing systems.more
In oildrillingA nonionic cellulose derivative with hydroxyethyl groups attached to the polymer structure.
Hydroxyethylcellulose is used as a viscosifier in brines and saline fracturing fluids, workover fluids, completion fluids and drill-in fluids. It gives pseudoplastic rheology but essentially no gel strength development. Hydroxyethylcellulose offers little fluid-loss control, other than its rheological effects. Hydroxyethylcellulose is seldom used in drilling fluids. Cellulose fibers are reacted with caustic soda and ethylene oxide to form Hydroxyethylcellulose. Hydroxyethyl groups attach to the OH groups of the polysaccharide structure by ether linkages. A high degree of substitution (from 1.5 to 2.5 out of 3 maximum) gives Hydroxyethylcellulose superior solubility in water and various brines. Being nonionic, it is not precipitated by hardness ions and disperses well at high salinity. Hydroxyethylcellulose is not degraded by common bacteria. more
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose or HEC is a thickening agent that is used in cosmetics. There are a lot of thickeners, as well as reasons to use certain thickeners. Cetyl Alcohol is a great thickener and feels really wonderful, but some people might be sensitive to it. Cetearyl Alcohol is a nice thickener, but might not have quite as nice of a feel to it. Xanthan Gum, which is a food additive and also a cosmetic, can be used in place of HEC, but has some ionic incompatibility issues in certain products, which is why I alternatively use HEC in some situations. Both Xanthan Gum and HEC are actually water stabilizers and help to create a more stable emulsion in an unstable oil-and-water environment, which is what any lotion is. Basic chemistry states that oil and water do not mix. When you make lotion, you must add an emulsifier, but sometimes an emulsifier alone does not create the most stabile environment and a water stabilizer is needed. Depending on the situation, I use both HEC and Xanthan gum. more
Hydroxyethylcellulose History and OriginHydroxyethylcellulose is derived from cellulose and is used in many industries such as skin care products, hair care products, cleaning solutions and many other common household products that are used every day by the general public. Its importance in the field of medicine makes it an indispensable ingredient in making hydrophobic drugs and medications that are usually packaged in capsule forms. Hydroxyethylcellulose makes this medication easily absorbed by the walls of the gastro intestinal system.
Hydroxyethylcellulose Modern UsesDuring today’s modern times, Hydroxyethylcellulose was created to improve the quality of many care and cleaning products so as to dissolve perfectly in water. This makes this an indispensable additive in most personal care items such as shampoos, body washes, moisturizing gels, shower and bath products.In the cosmetic industry, Hydroxyethylcellulose is perfect in thickening cosmetic emulsions such as concealers, foundations and mascaras. It makes these products easy to apply onto the skin and to remain on the skin as well.This chemical is also found in many household cleaners, household products and other personal care items. more
Mix viscous HydroxyEthylCellulose solutions, using the NovAseptic HS mixer, at small & large scales
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This mixing demonstration illustrates when pilot scale mixing evaluations are developed beforehand it simplifies larger scale mixing trials and improves the likelihood of an efficient mixing process. more
Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose. It has garnered attention across various industries due to its versatile properties, particularly in textile sizing and coating. The use of HEC in these applications offers numerous advantages, which stem from its chemical structure and physical characteristics.
Textile Sizing with Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
Textile sizing is a crucial process in fabric manufacturing, primarily aimed at improving the strength and abrasion resistance of yarns to withstand the stresses of weaving. The application of HEC in textile sizing offers several advantages:
Improved Yarn Strength and Flexibility
HEC forms a film around the yarn, providing a protective layer that enhances its tensile strength. This protective film reduces the likelihood of yarn breakage during weaving, thereby increasing production efficiency. Additionally, HEC imparts flexibility to the yarn, enabling it to endure the dynamic stresses encountered during the weaving process without becoming brittle.
Enhanced Adhesion and Uniformity
One of the key attributes of HEC is its ability to form uniform, continuous films. When used in textile sizing, HEC ensures an even distribution of the sizing agent on the yarn surface, resulting in consistent yarn performance. This uniformity in film formation enhances the adhesion of the size to the yarn, further preventing fiber fraying and shedding.
Superior Water Solubility and Easy Removal
HEC's water solubility is a significant advantage in textile sizing. After the weaving process, the sizing agents need to be removed from the fabric in a process known as desizing. HEC can be easily washed out with water, simplifying the desizing process and reducing the need for harsh chemicals. This not only conserves water but also minimizes the environmental impact of textile manufacturing.
Textile Coating with Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
Textile coating involves applying a layer of material to the fabric surface to impart specific properties such as water resistance, flame retardance, or enhanced durability. Hydroxyethyl cellulose serves as an effective coating agent due to its unique properties:
Film-Forming Capability
HEC is renowned for its excellent film-forming abilities. When used in textile coating, it creates a smooth, continuous layer that can be tailored to meet various functional requirements. This capability is particularly valuable in producing fabrics with specific surface characteristics, such as water repellency or improved abrasion resistance.
Improved Handle and Drapability
The application of HEC in textile coatings contributes to the improved handle and drapability of fabrics. The polymer forms a flexible film that does not compromise the fabric's softness or pliability. This balance between functionality and comfort is essential for textiles used in apparel and home furnishings, where tactile properties are as important as performance.
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Enhanced Printability and Dyeability
HEC coatings enhance the printability and dyeability of fabrics. The smooth, uniform surface created by the HEC film provides an ideal substrate for printing inks and dyes, resulting in sharp, vibrant patterns and colors. This is particularly beneficial in the production of high-quality printed textiles and fashion fabrics.
Environmental and Economic Benefits
The use of hydroxyethyl cellulose in textile sizing and coating also presents significant environmental and economic advantages:
Biodegradability and Sustainability
As a derivative of cellulose, HEC is biodegradable and derived from renewable resources. Its use in textiles aligns with the growing demand for sustainable manufacturing practices. The biodegradability of HEC reduces the environmental footprint of textile waste, contributing to a more sustainable lifecycle for textile products.
Reduction of Harmful Emissions and Effluents
The application of HEC in textile processes reduces the need for synthetic chemicals and harsh solvents. This results in lower emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and reduced chemical effluents in wastewater. Consequently, the overall environmental impact of textile manufacturing is minimized, aligning with stricter environmental regulations and standards.
Cost-Effectiveness
HEC is cost-effective compared to many synthetic polymers used in textile sizing and coating. Its natural abundance and ease of production translate into lower material costs. Additionally, the efficiency gains in weaving and the simplification of the desizing process further contribute to cost savings in textile manufacturing.
Case Studies and Practical Applications
Sizing in Cotton and Synthetic Blends
In the sizing of cotton and synthetic blends, HEC has shown remarkable performance improvements. Studies have demonstrated that HEC-sized yarns exhibit higher tensile strength and reduced hairiness compared to those treated with traditional sizing agents like starch or polyvinyl alcohol. This leads to fewer yarn breakages and defects during weaving, enhancing overall productivity.
Coating for Technical Textiles
HEC-based coatings are extensively used in technical textiles, including medical fabrics, geotextiles, and protective clothing. For instance, in medical fabrics, HEC coatings provide a barrier against fluids while maintaining breathability and comfort. In geotextiles, the enhanced durability and environmental friendliness of HEC coatings support their use in soil stabilization and erosion control applications.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose plays a vital role in textile sizing and coating, offering numerous advantages that enhance fabric quality, process efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Its ability to improve yarn strength, flexibility, and adhesion, combined with its superior film-forming capabilities, makes HEC an invaluable additive in textile manufacturing. Furthermore, its biodegradability and cost-effectiveness align with the industry's shift towards sustainable practices. As the textile industry continues to evolve, the adoption of hydroxyethyl cellulose is likely to increase, driven by its proven benefits and versatility.
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