Hydroxyethyl Cellulose for Paint - Superior Thickening Solutions

Industry Trends & Market Insights

In recent years, hydroxyethyl cellulose for paint (abbreviated as HEC) has gained remarkable traction in the global coatings and construction chemicals market. The surge is driven by the demand for waterborne and eco-friendly paints, with the hydroxyethylcellulose based products delivering optimal rheology modification, pigment suspension, and anti-sagging properties. According to Statista and MarketsandMarkets, the market for cellulose ethers—including HEC—is projected to surpass USD 6.2 billion by 2027 (source), with the paint & coatings segment driving a major share due to rapid architectural development and increasing environmental regulations.

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose for Paint - Superior Thickening Solutions

Demand Growth: Paint & Construction Chemicals (2019–2027, Global, USD Billion)

Key Technical Parameters: Hydroxyethyl Cellulose for Paint

As a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) provides thickening, stabilizing, and film-forming advantages that are crucial for high-performance coatings. Verified by ISO 9001:2015 and compliant with ANSI standards, HEC's unique molecular structure enables superb compatibility with a variety of hydroxyethylcellulose based formulations.

HEC Viscosity Grades for Paint Applications

Global HEC Usage by Industry (2023)

Main Technical Specifications of HEC

Parameter	Standard Range	Test Method	Application Recommendation
Appearance	White to off-white powder	Visual
Viscosity (2% sol, 25°C)	3,000–80,000 mPa·s	Brookfield, ISO 3219	≥20,000 mPa·s for premium paints
pH (1% solution)	6.0–8.5	ISO 976	Neutral, for wide compatibility
Moisture Content	≤6.0%	ISO 287	Improves shelf-life
Particle Size (≤180μm)	≥95%	ASTM E11	Enhances dispersion rate
Purity	≥98%	Titration	Premium-grade HEC
CAS Number	9004-62-0	Regulatory	Global compliance

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Hydroxyethyl Cellulose for Paint: Manufacturing Process Explained

The production of hydroxyethyl cellulose for paint involves a sequence of precision engineering steps to ensure optimal performance and compliance with stringent international standards.

Selection of High-Grade Cellulose: Sourced from purified natural cellulose (wood pulp/cotton linters) meeting ISO 11737 standards.
Chemical Modification (Etherification): The cellulose is suspended in an alkali solution, followed by ethylene oxide addition to introduce hydroxyethyl groups, improving water solubility.
CNC Milling & Particle Engineering: The modified cellulose undergoes precise milling to achieve consistent particle size (<180μm), vital for rapid paint dispersion.
Filtration & Purification: Removal of unreacted chemicals, salts, and byproducts, adhering to ECHA and ANSI regulatory limits.
Drying & Homogenization: Low-temperature process preserving molecular weight integrity, extending product shelf life.
Quality Control & Packaging: Rigorous batch testing for viscosity, pH, purity, and contaminant levels, with each lot traceable by the hydroxyethyl cellulose cas number (9004-62-0).

Note: The entire manufacturing line operates under ISO 9001:2015 certification and is equipped with automated CNC process monitoring for consistent quality.

Manufacturer Comparison & Customization Solutions

Choosing the right hydroxyethyl cellulose for paint supplier is crucial for maintaining consistent coating properties and production efficiency. Here is a comparative analysis of leading global suppliers:

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose for Sale: Manufacturer Comparison Table

Manufacturer	Origin	HEC Grade Range	Certifications	Minimum Order (kg)	Customization
Tangzhi Cellulose	China	Low-Medium-High Viscosity, Fast Dissolve, Paint-Grade	ISO 9001, FDA, CE	500	Available (particle size, viscosity, packaging)
Ashland	USA	Natrosol™ 250/HEC	ISO 9001, REACH	1000	Limited
DOW Chemical	USA	Cellosize™	ISO 9001	1000	Limited
Lotte Fine Chemical	Korea	LOCEL T	ISO 9001	500	Available

Customization: Tangzhi Cellulose offers tailored HEC grades, including modifications in substitution degree, particle size, and viscosity for specific paint formulations; ideal for both architectural and industrial users.
Lead Time: Standard grades ship in 3-7 days; customized development cycles are typically under 21 days.

OEM/ODM options: Custom packaging, branding, and grades available.
Transparent quality reports: Batch-level test documentation on request.

Application Scenarios & Performance Advantages

Where is Hydroxyethyl Cellulose for Paint Used?

Architectural & Decorative Paints: Interior/Exterior emulsions, matte, and semi-gloss systems.
Industrial Coatings: Anti-corrosive, marine, and protective layers.
Primer & Texture Coatings: Spray-applied mortars, textured finishes.
Weather-Resistant Coatings: Formulated for UV, humidity, and alkaline resistance.

Advantages in Paint Technology

Superior Rheology Control: Adjusts viscosity & flow for drip-free, uniform finishes.
Enhanced Storage Stability: Prevents pigment settling, improves freeze-thaw resistance.
Eco-Friendly Formulations: Enables low VOC systems using non-toxic, biodegradable thickener.
Energy & Cost Efficient: Reduces mixing time, lowers equipment wear, and improves coverage rates.
Excellent Film Formation: Boosts brushability & color development even at low dosages.

Case Study: Large-Scale Waterborne Paint Application

Project: Green city residential area in Malaysia (2023)
Selected Grade: HEC-P400M (CAS: 9004-62-0), supplied by Tangzhi Cellulose
Advantages Realized:

Reduced paint consumption by 11.3% vs. conventional thickeners (lab pilot data)
Zero pigment settling after 90 days of storage (@ 40°C, 75% RH)
Matte uniform finish, no sagging below 300μm wet film thickness
Contractor feedback: "Significantly easier to apply on vertical substrate, improved pot-life."

FAQ: Hydroxyethyl Cellulose for Paint

Q: What is the chemical structure and CAS number of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose?
A: HEC is a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether, modified with hydroxyethyl groups on the anhydroglucose backbone. Its registered CAS number is 9004-62-0.
Q: Which viscosity grade is recommended for high-build paints?
A: For high-build and anti-sag applications, we recommend HEC grades with viscosity above 30,000 mPa·s (2% solution, 25°C) for optimal leveling and stability.
Q: Is Hydroxyethyl Cellulose compatible with other additives?
A: Yes, HEC is compatible with pigments, dispersants, defoamers, and biocides; it is stable in wide pH (2–12) and temperature ranges.
Q: What installation and safety standards are followed?
A: Production and product handling comply with ISO 9001:2015, ANSI Z400.1-2010 for MSDS, and ECHA toxicity testing.
Q: How is the quality of HEC assured?
A: Each batch undergoes triple QC: viscosity, moisture content, residual solvent testing, plus third-party certification if requested.
Q: What is the typical shelf life of HEC?
A: When stored in cool, dry conditions, HEC maintains technical performance for 24–36 months (per ISO/ASTM D1338).
Q: Can I order customized hydroxyethylcellulose for sale for my formulation?
A: Absolutely! Custom formulations—in viscosity, particle size, or addition level—can be developed. Please contact sales for consultation.

Delivery Cycle, Quality Assurance & Customer Support

Lead Time: Standard products ship within 3–7 days; custom formulas within 21 days.
Warranty: Full performance guarantee up to 24 months when stored as recommended.
Support: Free technical consultation (formulation, process, troubleshooting); sample analysis available for all projects.
Documentation: COA, MSDS, REACH certification, and batch traceability provided.
Logistics: Certified for sea, air, rail, and truck shipping worldwide, with professional packaging per ADR/IMDG/IATA.

Client Testimonial

“Tangzhi's HEC enabled us to shift to waterborne paints without sacrificing performance. Excellent service and timely delivery.”
— Fosroc Japan, Procurement Manager

Industry Collaborations & Authority

Serving 700+ companies in 42 countries including Nippon Paint, BASF, and Sherwin-Williams.
Products referenced by Coatings World 2023 Reports.
Regularly cited by American Coatings Association.

References, Further Reading & Industry Links

For technical documents, case studies, and product consultation, visit Hydroxyethyl Cellulose for Paint (Tangzhi).