A non-ionic cellulose ether that is easily dispersed and dissolved in water, delivering reliable thickening, water retention and rheology control for water-based systems — from latex paint to drilling fluids.
HEC is a non-ionic cellulose ether that is easily dispersed and dissolved in water. It builds viscosity efficiently and holds that rheology steady across a wide pH range and in electrolyte-rich systems.

| Property | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical name | Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) |
| CAS No. | 9004-62-0 |
| HS Code | 3912.39 (CN export 39123900) |
| EINECS | 618-387-5 |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Ionic type | Non-ionic |
| Molar substitution degree (MS) | 1.8 ~ 2.5 |
| Particle size (100%) | 0.15 ~ 0.18 mm |
| Water insolubles | ≤ 0.5% |
| Viscosity (2% aqueous, Brookfield) | 5,000 ~ 60,000 mPa·s (per grade) |
| Moisture | ≤ 5.0% |
| Ash content (sodium chloride) | ≤ 3.0% (low-salt grade on request) |
| pH value | 6.0 ~ 8.5 |
| Solubility | Easily dispersed and dissolved in cold & hot water — clear solution |
| Packaging | 25 kg PP woven bag with PE lining |
Values are typical ranges — exact specification sheets per grade are available on request.
Standard grades cover most water-based applications. Tell us your system and target viscosity — we match the grade and send samples.
Delivers the thickening, sag control and smooth leveling that emulsion paints need — with good color acceptance.
Raises viscosity and controls fluid loss in water-based drilling fluids, with good salt and temperature tolerance.
Clear, mild thickener for shampoos, body washes and creams — suspends particles without cloudy residues.
A non-ionic thickener and stabilizer for wall putty, personal care, tile adhesive, mortar, honeycomb ceramic and coatings.

Thickener and water-retention aid for interior and exterior wall putty — improves workability, open time and surface smoothness.
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Clear, mild thickener for shampoos, body washes, shower gels and lotions — suspends particles with transparent, smooth gel texture.
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Thickener and water-retention aid for cement-based tile adhesive — improves workability, open time and non-sag performance.
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Thickener and water-retention aid for cement mortar and masonry — improves workability, cohesion and water retention.
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Binder and plasticizer for ceramic honeycomb extrusion — gives green strength and smooth, defect-free cell walls.
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Rheology modifier for water-based latex paints, primers and texture coatings — anti-sag, anti-splash and smooth leveling.
Get a quote →Also widely used in: oil drilling fluids · gypsum plaster · toothpaste & daily chemicals · printing ink · textile printing & dyeing · paper & board coating · self-leveling · EIFS · suspension polymerization.
Tell us your application (e.g. water-based latex paint, tile adhesive, drilling fluid) and target viscosity — we will recommend the right grade.
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