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Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is a nonionic, water-soluble cellulose ether produced by modifying cellulose with methyl and hydroxyethyl substituents to provide thickening, water retention, and rheology control.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is widely used in construction materials, coatings, and household products to improve viscosity, workability, open time, and stability of water-based formulations.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is valued for strong water retention, salt tolerance, good film-forming behavior, and reliable thickening across a wide range of pH and formulation types.
CAS Number: 9032-42-2 (commonly listed for MHEC / cellulose ether; supplier grade dependent)
EC Number: Not uniquely assigned (polymer / mixture; supplier grade dependent)
Molecular Formula: Variable (cellulose ether polymer)
Molecular Weight: Variable (polymer; grade dependent)
Synonyms: Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose, MHEC, Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose, HEMC, Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Ether, Cellulose Ether MHEC, MHEC Thickener, Water Retention Agent MHEC, Construction Grade MHEC, Paint Thickener MHEC, Tile Adhesive MHEC, Cement Additive MHEC, Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose, MHEC, Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose, HEMC, Modified Cellulose Ether MHEC, Nonionic Cellulose Ether MHEC, Cellulose Ether Methylhydroxyethyl, MHEC Polymer, MHEC Thickener, MHEC Rheology Modifier, MHEC Water-Soluble Polymer, MHEC Cellulose Gum, MHEC Binder, MHEC Film-Forming Polymer, MHEC Construction Grade, MHEC Industrial Grade, MHEC Technical Grade, MHEC High Viscosity Grade, MHEC Medium Viscosity Grade, MHEC Low Viscosity Grade, MHEC Mortar Additive, MHEC Tile Adhesive Additive, MHEC Cement Additive, MHEC Gypsum Additive, MHEC Plaster Additive, MHEC Putty Additive, MHEC Paint Thickener, MHEC Coating Thickener, MHEC Latex Thickener, MHEC Emulsion Stabilizer, MHEC Water Retention Agent, MHEC Anti-Sag Agent, MHEC Stabilizing Agent, MHEC Suspension Agent, MHEC Protective Colloid, MHEC Personal Care Grade, MHEC Cosmetic Grade, MHEC Shampoo Thickener, MHEC Detergent Thickener, MHEC Cleaning Product Thickener, MHEC Textile Printing Thickener, MHEC Paper Coating Additive, MHEC Adhesive Thickener, MHEC Wallpaper Paste Additive
APPLICATIONS
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in cement-based tile adhesives to improve workability and reduce sag.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in tile adhesive formulations to increase open time and improve wetting of substrates.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is incorporated into C1 and C2 tile adhesives to enhance water retention and bond performance.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in gypsum plasters to improve consistency and reduce cracking from rapid water loss.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is incorporated into gypsum-based joint compounds to improve spreadability and reduce tool drag.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in skim coats to improve smoothness and provide better leveling during application.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in cement renders and plasters to improve water retention and reduce premature drying.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is incorporated into façade finishing coats to improve trowelability and reduce surface defects.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in repair mortars to improve adhesion and extend working time during placement.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in self-leveling underlayments to control flow and reduce segregation.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is incorporated into floor leveling compounds to improve smoothness and reduce bleeding.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in cementitious grouts to improve water retention and reduce pinholes.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in cement-based waterproofing slurries to improve consistency and reduce sag on vertical surfaces.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is incorporated into crack-filling mortars to improve handling and reduce shrinkage defects.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in EIFS and insulation board adhesives to improve bonding and application stability.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in dry-mix mortars to stabilize air content and improve workability.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is incorporated into masonry mortars to improve water retention and reduce substrate suction issues.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in block-laying mortars to improve consistency and reduce slump during application.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in ready-mix cement additives to improve pumpability and reduce water demand in certain systems.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is incorporated into concrete repair mixes to improve cohesion and reduce segregation during placement.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used where improved wetting and uniform mixing enhances jobsite consistency.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in water-based paints as a thickener to control viscosity and prevent pigment settling.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is incorporated into interior wall paints to improve brushability and roller spatter resistance.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in decorative coatings to improve leveling and reduce sag on vertical surfaces.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in latex paints to improve storage stability and reduce syneresis.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is incorporated into primer formulations to improve flow and wetting on porous substrates.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in textured coatings to stabilize aggregates and improve application feel.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in aqueous adhesives to improve viscosity and control penetration into porous materials.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is incorporated into wallpaper adhesives to improve slip and open time during positioning.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in paper and packaging adhesives to improve consistency and reduce dripping.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in household detergents to increase viscosity and improve pour behavior.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is incorporated into liquid cleaners to improve cling on vertical surfaces.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in bathroom cleaners to improve foam stability and reduce run-off.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in personal care cleansers as a rheology modifier to improve texture and reduce watery feel.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is incorporated into shampoos to improve flow and enhance foam feel in compatible systems.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in lotions and gels to improve consistency and suspension stability.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in ceramic slurries to improve cohesion and reduce cracking during drying.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is incorporated into tile glazes and slips to improve flow and reduce settling.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in extrusion and molding processes to improve green strength and handling.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is used in drilling fluids and construction grouts to improve viscosity and reduce fluid loss.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is incorporated into water-based systems where shear-thinning behavior improves pumping and application.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is valued across industries because it provides thickening, water retention, and stable rheology control in water-based formulations.
DESCRIPTION
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is typically supplied as an off-white to white free-flowing powder.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is a cellulose ether that hydrates in water to form viscous solutions with pseudoplastic, shear-thinning behavior.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is nonionic, which supports good compatibility with many salts, cement systems, and formulation additives.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) improves water retention by slowing water migration into porous substrates and reducing evaporation during curing.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) improves workability by providing lubrication and consistency in mortars, plasters, and adhesives.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) helps stabilize suspensions by increasing viscosity and reducing particle settling.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) performance depends on viscosity grade, substitution level, particle size, and dispersion technique.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) may require controlled addition and proper mixing to avoid lump formation during hydration.
Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) should be protected from moisture and contamination to maintain consistent performance.
PROPERTIES
Common Name: Methylhydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC)
Chemical Type: Cellulose ether (nonionic rheology modifier)
Appearance: White to off-white powder
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Dispersible in cold water; forms viscous aqueous solutions; insoluble in most nonpolar solvents
Viscosity: Wide range available depending on grade (measured in aqueous solution)
pH (2% solution): Typically ~5.0–8.0 (grade dependent)
Thermal Behavior: Shows thickening and gelation behavior influenced by temperature and substitution level
Water Retention: High water retention in cement and gypsum systems (grade dependent)
Film Formation: Forms flexible films upon drying in many systems
Bulk Density: Grade dependent
Stability: Stable under normal storage; avoid moisture pickup and excessive heat
Storage Temperature: 15–30°C, dry, tightly closed
Shelf Life: Typically 24 months in original sealed packaging (supplier dependent)
FIRST AID
Inhalation:
Move to fresh air if dust is inhaled.
Seek medical attention if coughing or respiratory irritation persists.
Avoid breathing dust during handling and transfer.
Skin Contact:
Wash with soap and water after contact.
Remove contaminated clothing and wash before reuse.
Seek medical advice if irritation develops or persists.
Eye Contact:
Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
Remove contact lenses if present and easy to do, then continue rinsing.
Seek medical attention if irritation persists.
Ingestion:
Rinse mouth with water.
Do not induce vomiting unless directed by medical personnel.
Seek medical attention if a large amount is swallowed or discomfort occurs.
Note to Physicians:
Treat symptomatically.
No specific antidote is required.
Provide supportive care based on exposure route and symptoms.
HANDLING AND STORAGE
Handling:
Use appropriate PPE including gloves and safety glasses.
Avoid generating dust during weighing, pouring, or conveying.
Wash hands after handling and before eating, drinking, or smoking.
Ventilation:
Use local exhaust or general ventilation where dust may be generated.
Maintain good airflow during charging and mixing operations.
Minimize airborne particulate accumulation in enclosed areas.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture and humidity.
Keep containers tightly sealed and properly labeled.
Protect from contamination to maintain consistent hydration and viscosity performance.
Spill and Leak Procedures:
Sweep or vacuum spilled material using methods that minimize dust generation.
Collect in suitable containers for disposal according to local regulations.
Clean residue with water while preventing slip hazards, as wet cellulose ether can be slippery.
Handling Precautions:
Avoid moisture pickup because it can cause lumping and reduced dispersibility.
Use clean, dedicated equipment for construction and coating grade production to prevent contamination.
Rotate stock using FIFO practices to maintain consistent quality and performance.
