What is the difference between HEC(hydroxyethyl cellulose) and HPMC(hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose)
HPMC and HEC are all cellulose ethers which is made from refined cotton. They can be used in various applications as the thickener, but there are still some differences in chemical content, features,stability and applications etc. Hope our more details about this issue could be helpful for you to choose the right cellulose ether.
-Chemical content difference between HPMC and HEC
HPMC:
Full name: hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose
CAS NUMBER: 9004-65-3
Molecular structure formula:
HEC:
Full name: hydroxyethyl cellulose
CAS NUMBER：9004-62-0
Molecular structure formula:
-The features of HPMC(hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose) and HEC(hydroxyethyl cellulose)
(1) Gelation temperature:
For HPMC, based on the different gelation temperature, normally distinguished as 3 grades"60 type", "65 type" and "75 type".
When the temperature reach HPMC's gelation temperature, HPMC will separate from the solution and the "HPMC solution" will loss viscosity.
Before the temperautre reach gelation temperature, the viscosity decline with the temperature increasing.
For HEC, there is no gelation temperature, but the viscosity still decline with the temperature increasing.
(2) Water solubility
Both of HEC and HPMC can dissolve in cold water. But in hot water, HPMC can't dissolve because of the gelation temperature. In the hot water(temperature ＞80℃), HPMC can only disperse in hot water, but not dissolved in hot water.
-The stability of HPMC(hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose) and HEC(hydroxyethyl cellulose)
(1) In high temperature environment, HEC have better stablity than HPMC.
(2) HEC have better mold resistance than HPMC
-The recommended applications of HPMC(hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose) and HEC(hydroxyethyl cellulose)
Based on the difference between HPMC and HEC.
Their recommended applications are different also.
HEC is normally recommended to be used in water based system:
-Water based paint and coatings
-Oil drilling
-Home care and personal care products
HPMC is normally recommended to be used in dry mix system and several water based system:
- Dry mix mortar
- Detergent / alcoholic gel
etc
Jinan Maiseen New Material Co.,Ltd is the leading manufacturer of cellulose ether and redispersible polymer powder.
Porduct includes:
HPMC(hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose)
HEMC(hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose)
HEC(hydroxyethyl cellulose)
RDP(rediserpsible polymer powder)
Welcome to contact with for more information to choose your Cellulose Ether.
