Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water soluble cellulose ether that can be used in combination with other water-soluble polymers, surfactants and salts. HEC can be used extensively in the paint, cosmetics, oil drilling, and other sectors because of its thickening, suspending, bonding, emulsifying, film forming, dispersion, water retention, anti-microbial, and protective colloid characteristics.

Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is an ideal thickener used in paint and cosmetics. In common applications, the thickening property is combined with suspension, stabilization, dispersion and water retention therefore resulting in a better effect.

It means that the solution viscosity decreases as the shear rate increases. Latex paints containing HEC have an excellent workability by simply using brush or roller, providing superior surface smoothness while improving the work efficiency. Hair shampoos having HEC are viscous and can easily disperse when applied to the hair.

HEC is non-ionic and very stable in high concentration salt solutions. In electroplating, it enables the plating surface more uniform and brighter. It can help maintain ideal viscosity when applied in latex paints that contain borates, silicates, and carbonates.

The film-forming property of HEC enables it to be used in many industries. In papermaking industry, HEC makes paper coating impervious to oils, greases, and other solvents. In textile industry, HEC increases the elasticity of fibers therefore minimizing the mechanical damage of fibers. During the fabric processing, HEC serves as a temporary protective coating, which can be washed off when protection is no longer required.

HEC contributes to keep ideal water content of formulations. Because that the solution having small amount of HEC can deliver a very efficient water retention result, reducing the amount of water needed in formulations.