Product Description of Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose CAS#9032-42-2
Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC), alternatively designated as methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC), is a non-ionic cellulose ether derived from naturally occurring cellulose. Supplied in powder form, HEMC delivers performance benefits comparable to those of conventional methylcellulose derivatives. Its notable water retention properties contribute to improved adhesion and formulation stability, while its pronounced film-forming capability renders it highly adaptable to numerous construction-related applications.
Methyl 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose Chemical Properties
| density | 1.28-1.30 g/cm3 (20℃) |
| bulk density | 350kg/m3 |
| storage temp. | Store below +30°C. |
| solubility | H2O: 20 mg/mL, soluble |
| form | powder |
| color | white to faint beige |
| Water Solubility | H2O: soluble 20mg/mL |
| EPA Substance Registry System | Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl methyl ether (9032-42-2) |
| WGK Germany | 1 |
| Autoignition Temperature | >360 °C |
| HS Code | 3912 39 85 |
| Toxicity | LD50 orally in Rabbit: > 2000 mg/kg |
Product Application of Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (CAS#9032-42-2)
Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (HEMC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether with excellent thickening, water retention, film-forming and high salt-tolerant properties. Its core applications are summarized below:
Construction Materials: Serves as a high-performance water-retaining and thickening admixture for tile adhesives, gypsum mortars and self-leveling compounds, improving construction workability and bonding strength .
Water-based Coatings & Inks: Acts as a rheology modifier and protective colloid, preventing pigment sedimentation and optimizing film-forming performance for latex paints and printing inks .
Pharmaceutical Excipients: Used as a sustained-release matrix, suspending agent and film-coating material for oral tablets, suspensions and topical preparations, compliant with USP/EP standards .
Daily Chemicals: Functions as a mild thickener and foam stabilizer in toothpaste, shampoos, creams and detergent formulations .
Food Processing: Food-grade HEMC acts as an emulsifier and stabilizer for baked goods, dairy products and sauces to improve texture uniformity .
Oilfield Drilling: Applied in drilling mud and fracturing fluids to reduce fluid loss and maintain stable rheology under high-temperature, high-salinity downhole conditions .
Textile Industry: Used as a warp sizing agent and printing paste thickener to enhance yarn wear resistance and pattern clarity .
