CAS 9004-62-0
HEC / Rheology modifiers
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) and rheology modifiers thicken water-based paints and other formulations, controlling viscosity, sag, spatter and storage stability.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether. In emulsion paint it builds viscosity so the paint does not sag on a wall or settle in the can, and it holds water so the film dries evenly. It is compatible with a wide range of pigments, salts and pH values, which makes it the default thickener for architectural paints.
HEC is offered in viscosity grades from low to very high. Surface-treated (glyoxal-treated) grades disperse in water without lumping and only hydrate when the pH is raised. Associative synthetic thickeners (HEUR and HASE types) are used alongside HEC to improve flow, levelling and brush resistance.
- CAS number
- 9004-62-0
- Grades / forms
- Various viscosity
- Industries
- Paints, Inks & Coatings
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Request a quotation- Certificate of Analysis with every batch
- MSDS in destination format
- Toll manufacturing to your specification
- Private label packing available
Typical applications
- Emulsion paints and textured coatings
- Tile adhesives, renders and joint compounds
- Oil well completion and workover fluids
- Shampoos, liquid soaps and personal care
- Wallpaper paste and adhesives
Packing options
- 25 kg multi-wall paper bags with PE liner
Storage & handling
Keep sealed and dry. HEC is hygroscopic and should be used within its shelf life, typically two years.
Documentation
Certificate of Analysis, MSDS, Certificate of Origin, dangerous goods declaration where applicable, and third-party pre-shipment inspection on request.
Typical specification
- Viscosity grades
- From about 300 to 100,000 mPa·s (2% solution)
- Moisture
- ≤ 6%
- pH (1% solution)
- 6.0–8.5
- Treatment
- Standard or surface-treated for delayed hydration
Typical values for reference. The exact specification is agreed before the order and confirmed on the Certificate of Analysis for each batch.
HEC / Rheology modifiers — frequently asked
Surface-treated HEC is dispersed in neutral water, where it does not dissolve immediately, so it mixes without lumps. Raising the pH to about 8 or above with ammonia or AMP then triggers rapid hydration and thickening.
HEC thickens by entangling water-swollen polymer chains, giving good in-can viscosity and sag resistance. Associative thickeners link to the binder particles, giving better flow, levelling and brush drag. Many paints combine both.
Yes. Cellulose thickeners are susceptible to enzymes produced by bacteria, which break the chains and cause viscosity loss in the can. An effective in-can preservative prevents this.
Yes. Chemtrade manufactures and exports HEC / Rheology modifiers (CAS 9004-62-0) from Surat, Gujarat, India to more than 55 countries, for customers in Paints, Inks & Coatings. Send your grade, quantity and destination port for a quotation within one business day.
Every shipment of HEC / Rheology modifiers from Chemtrade includes a batch-specific Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Certificate of Origin, third-party pre-shipment inspection and destination-specific regulatory documentation are arranged on request.
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