Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Supplier South Africa

What Is Hydroxyethyl Cellulose?

Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic water-soluble cellulose ether produced by reacting alkali cellulose with ethylene oxide. Its non-ionic character gives it compatibility with anionic, cationic, and nonionic surfactants, and tolerance to dissolved salts and electrolytes that would cause ionic thickeners to lose viscosity. HEC dissolves in both hot and cold water and produces clear to slightly hazy pseudoplastic solutions across a very wide pH range (2–12).

Formulation Advantages

In cleaning products HEC is valued for providing clean, transparent viscosity without affecting formulation pH, colour, or odour. Its wide pH tolerance means it functions in acid descalers, alkaline degreasers, and neutral hand soaps without modification. Crucially, it maintains viscosity in the presence of electrolytes such as sodium chloride, magnesium sulphate, and sodium percarbonate, making it suitable for building viscosity in high-salt detergent systems where salt-sensitive thickeners fail.

Construction and Other Applications

HEC is extensively used in tile adhesive and cement mortar formulations to improve workability, extend open time, and prevent segregation of dry mixes. In paint it is the standard aqueous-phase thickener for water-based architectural coatings. Terracore Chemicals supplies multiple molecular weight grades of HEC in 25 kg bags for formulators in cleaning products, personal care, construction chemicals, and paints.