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Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is a nonionic cellulose ether widely used as a thickener, water retention agent, and stabilizer in construction materials, paints, coatings, adhesives, and personal care formulations.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) improves workability, consistency, and setting performance in cement- and gypsum-based systems.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) provides excellent water-retention, film-forming ability, and compatibility with mineral binders and polymer emulsions.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is valued for its stability, surface activity, and viscosity-enhancing performance across a wide pH and temperature range.
CAS Number: 9032-42-2
EC Number: Not applicable (polymer)
Molecular Formula: Cellulose derivative (C6H7O2(OH)3-x(OCH3)x(OCH2CH2OH)x)n
Molecular Weight: High polymeric range (grade-dependent)
Synonyms: Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose, HEMC, Cellulose ether MHEC, Modified cellulose polymer, Nonionic cellulose thickener, Construction-grade cellulose ether, Paint-grade MHEC, Water-retention cellulose, Cement additive cellulose polymer, Methyl-hydroxyethyl cellulose binder, Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC), MHEC, Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose, Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, MHPC, Cellulose Methyl Hydroxyethyl Ether, Cellulose Ether MHEC, Modified Cellulose MHEC, Water-soluble MHEC, Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Binder, Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose Binder, MHEC Thickener, MHEC Rheology Modifier, MHEC Additive, MHEC Polymer, MHEC Cellulose Ether, Construction Grade MHEC, Pharmaceutical Grade MHEC, Cosmetic Grade MHEC, Industrial Grade MHEC, Technical Grade MHEC, High-Viscosity MHEC, Low-Viscosity MHEC, Surface-treated MHEC, Non-surface-treated MHEC, MHEC Powder, MHEC Granules, MHEC Water Retention Agent, MHEC Water Retainer, MHEC Cement Additive, MHEC Mortar Additive, MHEC Plaster Additive, MHEC Tile Adhesive Polymer, MHEC Renders Additive, MHEC Wall Putty Additive, MHEC Gypsum Additive, MHEC EIFS Additive, MHEC Ready-Mix Mortar Polymer, MHEC Building Chemical Additive, MHEC Paint Thickener, MHEC Coating Thickener, MHEC Latex Paint Additive, MHEC Water-Based Paint Additive, MHEC Emulsion Paint Additive, MHEC Coating Additive, MHEC Ink Additive, MHEC Adhesive Thickener, MHEC Textile Printing Thickener, MHEC Personal Care Thickener, MHEC Shampoo Thickener
APPLICATIONS
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is used in cement-based mortars.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) improves water retention and open time in tile adhesives.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) enhances adhesion and slip resistance in construction mortars.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is used in gypsum-based plasters and putty.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) enhances workability and smooth application.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) prevents premature drying and cracking.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is used in wall-putty and skim coating compounds.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) improves spreadability and surface finish.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) aids leveling and prevents sagging.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is used in dry-mix construction chemicals.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) provides hydration control and consistency.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) enhances rheology and cohesion.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is used in latex paints and coatings.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) improves viscosity and anti-splash properties.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) enhances pigment suspension and stability.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is used in ceramic extrusion and tile production.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) improves molding, lubrication, and green strength.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) prevents cracking during drying.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is used in adhesives and sealants.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) provides thickening and film-forming capability.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) enhances open time and tack.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is used in detergent and cleaning formulations.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) stabilizes surfactant systems and modifies texture.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) improves foam structure and uniformity.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is used in cosmetic and personal care products.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) forms smooth gels and enhances skin feel.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) stabilizes emulsions in creams and lotions.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is used in agriculture as a seed-coating binder.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) improves adhesion and water retention for germination.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) enhances crop-treatment formulations.
DESCRIPTION
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is a white to off-white free-flowing powder.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) hydrates and forms clear or milky solutions in cold water.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is nonionic and compatible with most additives.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) provides strong thickening at low dosage levels.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) improves moisture retention and curing stability.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) enhances lubrication and workability in mortars.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is resistant to salt and alkaline environments.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) forms flexible, protective films after drying.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) stabilizes aqueous dispersions.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) has slow dissolution and controlled hydration properties.
Methylhydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is suitable for automated dry-mix processing.
PROPERTIES
Appearance: White to off-white powder
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Soluble in cold water; insoluble in hot water and most organics
Viscosity: Grade-dependent, high thickening efficiency
pH Stability: Stable in alkaline and neutral systems
Thermal Gelation: Exhibits reversible thermal gel behavior
Bulk Density: ~0.3–0.5 g/cm³
Moisture Content: Typically <5%
Storage Temperature: Store in a dry, cool environment sealed from humidity
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if powder is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water.
Seek medical help if irritation occurs.
Eye Contact:
Flush with plenty of water for 15 minutes.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth and drink water.
Seek medical advice if discomfort occurs.
Note to Physicians:
Treat irritation symptomatically; polymer is generally non-toxic.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use gloves and dust protection during material transfer.
Avoid generating airborne dust.
Ventilation:
Use adequate ventilation when handling powders.
Avoidance:
Avoid contact with strong oxidizers.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Sweep carefully to avoid dust; do not mix with water during cleanup.
Clean residue to avoid slip hazards.
Storage:
Store in original sealed packaging in a dry, cool place.
Protect from moisture and humidity.
Handling Cautions:
Add slowly into water with good agitation when preparing solutions.
Avoid clumping by mixing gradually and evenly.
