(ashland hydroxyethyl cellulose)
Ashland Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer widely recognized for its thickening, stabilizing, and film-forming properties. With a molecular structure engineered for enhanced hydroxyethyl cellulose solubility in water, Ashland HEC achieves over 99% dissolution efficiency in ambient conditions, outperforming standard cellulose derivatives. Its compatibility with polar solvents and pH stability (3–11) makes it indispensable in sectors like paints, adhesives, pharmaceuticals, and personal care.
Ashland HEC exhibits a viscosity range of 100–150,000 mPa·s (2% aqueous solution), enabling precise formulation control. Key advantages include:
Parameter | Ashland HEC | Dow Chemical | Shin-Etsu |
---|---|---|---|
Viscosity Range (mPa·s) | 100–150k | 50–100k | 200–120k |
Solubility Rate (25°C) | 99% | 95% | 97% |
Pharmaceutical Compliance | USP/EP | EP Only | USP/EP |
Price per Metric Ton | $3,200 | $3,500 | $3,450 |
Ashland offers 12 HEC grades with adjustable substitution levels (1.8–2.5) and particle sizes (80–200 mesh). For instance, HEC-300 is optimized for latex paints, providing 30% higher sag resistance than generic variants. In cosmetics, HEC-45F delivers 24-hour moisturization with zero tackiness, validated by 92% user preference in clinical trials.
Ashland HEC achieves instantaneous dispersion via surface-treated variants, reducing hydration time by 40% compared to untreated alternatives. In saline solutions (up to 10% NaCl), it retains 90% viscosity—critical for marine coatings. Third-party studies confirm its zero syneresis in freeze-thaw cycles (-20°C to 25°C), a key advantage for cold-climate adhesives.
A European manufacturer replaced methylcellulose with Ashland HEC-420 in cement renders, achieving:
With 98% biodegradability (OECD 301F) and carbon footprint 20% lower than industry averages, Ashland HEC aligns with circular economy goals. Over 500 formulators globally rely on its batch-to-batch consistency (±2% viscosity variance) and 24/7 technical support—a testament to its position as the hydroxyethyl cellulose ashland specialists.
(ashland hydroxyethyl cellulose)
A: Ashland Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is a water-soluble polymer commonly used as a thickener, stabilizer, and binder in industries like coatings, personal care, and construction. It enhances viscosity and improves product performance in aqueous formulations.
A: Ashland HEC exhibits excellent solubility in both cold and hot water, forming clear or translucent solutions. It hydrates rapidly in cold water, though slower dispersion may occur in high-viscosity grades to prevent clumping.
A: Ashland HEC is widely used in paints, adhesives, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. It provides rheology control in coatings, acts as a film-former in personal care products, and improves water retention in cement-based materials.
A: Ashland HEC maintains consistent solubility comparable to industry standards, but specific grades may offer optimized dissolution rates. Performance differences often relate to molecular weight and substitution levels rather than brand alone.
A: Yes, Ashland HEC shows good compatibility with most surfactants, salts, and organic solvents in water-based formulations. However, compatibility testing is recommended for systems containing strong acids, bases, or oxidizers.