MEIKAI EgeCe™ Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is an essential component of latex paints used to decorate ceilings, walls, and exterior walls. Just as the addition of different spices improves the taste of a dish, Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is an essential additive for latex paints. Adding it to the production process of latex paints helps to improve the overall application and effect of the paint, in addition to enhancing the stability and durability of the paint.
Latex paint is a kind of organic paint. It is a kind of water-based paint (paint with water as solvent or dispersion medium) made of synthetic resin emulsion, adding color filler and various additives. At present, latex paint is widely used as an environmentally friendly coating for housing construction because of its advantages of fast film formation, shortening construction period, saving construction cost, good air permeability, environmental protection, no odor, scrub resistance, etc.
What is HEC?
MEIKAI EgeCel™ Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer that can thicken, suspend, bind, emulsify, form films, stabilize, disperse, retain water, and provide protective colloid action. It is readily soluble in hot or cold water and can be used to prepare solutions with a wide range of viscosities. The main application for HEC is water base paints.
The importance of Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) in latex paint
What properties does EgeCel™ Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) improve in latex paints?
• Rheological properties such as leveling and spattering
• Storage stability
• Open time
• Hiding power
• Film formation
Paints additives are used in very small amounts, but can significantly improve the performance of paints. For low viscosity water-based paints, hydroxyethyl cellulose is a very important additive.
Effects of MEIKAI EgeCel™ Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC)：
• Good thickening effect, providing excellent coating performance and improving the scrub resistance of the coating.
• Good compatibility with polymer emulsions, additives, pigments, fillers, etc.
• Excellent workability and improved spattering resistance.
• Good water retention, hiding power, and film formation of the coating material are enhanced.
• Good rheological properties, dispersion, and solubility.
• Good anti-sagging
The main role of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) in latex paint is still thickening so that the paint can reach the required storage and viscosity for construction, and there will be no serious delamination during storage or dripping and hanging in the process of use. Secondly, MEIKAI EgeCel™HEC acts as a protective colloid by preventing the agglomeration of the solid particles. This leads to better storage stability and easier agitation of the paint. HEC is better for latex paints than HPMC and HEMC because it enhances mechanical properties and improves their durability through effective storage stability, which is why most latex paint manufacturers prefer to use HEC in latex paints rather than other alternatives.
Effects of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) with Different Viscosity in Latex Paints
We can classify the thickening effect of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) in latex paints into three; high density, medium, and low density. These levels of viscosity affect latex paints in different ways. As a manufacturer or customer, you can choose which one to use depending on its application.
For latex paints with a high thickening effect of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), you can use it for mastic coatings. This high viscosity provides additional protection for building materials and enhances durability.
For projects involving high pigment volume concentrations, latex paints with a medium level of HEC viscosity are appropriate.
EgeCel™ is a trademark for MEIKAI’s cellulose products and derivatives. We offer both standard and customized/tailored grade products for your specific industrial application. If you want to learn more, please contact us.