High Quality Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Thickener for Water-Based Paints
Shanghai Prior Chemical Scientific & Technical Co., Ltd. was established in 2016 and specialty chemical materials. Our main products include Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC), Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose (HPMC), Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC), Ethyl Cellulose (EC), Nitrocellulose (NC), and Ammonium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC-NH4).
Backed by strong manufacturing resources and technical expertise, we provide reliable products for coatings, construction materials, ceramics, oilfield chemicals, and other industrial applications.
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose produced through the reaction of cellulose with ethylene oxide. It appears as a white to off-white powder and offers excellent thickening, suspending, binding, emulsifying, film-forming, and water-retention properties.
HEC dissolves readily in both cold and hot water, forming clear and stable solutions over a wide viscosity range. Its excellent compatibility with salts, surfactants, and other water-soluble polymers makes it a highly effective rheology modifier and protective colloid for various industrial formulations.
- Excellent thickening and rheology control
- Superior water retention performance
- Good compatibility with electrolytes and surfactants
- Non-ionic and chemically stable
- Effective suspension and dispersion properties
- Excellent film-forming capability
- Suitable for a wide range of industrial applications
HEC is widely used as a thickener and stabilizer in latex paints and water-based coatings. It improves viscosity control, pigment suspension, color development, and storage stability.
HEC provides excellent thickening and dispersion properties for water-based inks, enhancing print quality and color uniformity.
HEC functions as a thickener and fluid-loss control agent in drilling fluids, completion fluids, and cementing systems, improving operational efficiency and fluid stability.
HEC is used in cement-based products, wall putty, tile adhesives, and gypsum formulations to improve water retention, workability, and adhesion.
HEC is commonly used in shampoos, liquid detergents, hand soaps, and personal care products as a thickener and stabilizer.
HEC serves as a binder, thickener, suspending agent, and film-forming material in pharmaceutical formulations, while also finding applications in textiles, papermaking, ceramics, and polymer manufacturing.
HEC grades are identified by application code and viscosity specification.
Examples:
- D3000 – Latex Paint Grade
- C3000 – Daily Chemical Grade
- B3000 – Construction, Coating, Oilfield and General Industrial Grade
The numeric value indicates the viscosity specification, while the letter represents the primary application field.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Appearance | yellowish or white odorless and tasteless granular powder. |
| Viscosity | See viscosity specification sheet |
| Moisture, % ≤ | 5 |
| Ash, % ≤ | 5 |
| pH (1%, solution) | 6~8.5 |
| Viscosity specification | Viscosity range(1%),mpa.s | Viscosity range(2%),mpa.s | Viscosity range(5%),mpa.s | Rotor number | Rotate speed,rpm |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09 | 75-150 | 1 | 30 | ||
| 3 | / | 150-400 | 2 | 60 | |
| 40 | 25-105 | 1 | 30 | ||
| 300 | / | 150-400 | 2 | 30 | |
| 2000 | / | 1500-2500 | 3 | 30 | |
| 6000 | / | 4500-6500 | 4 | 60 | |
| 15000 | 700-1500 | 3 | 30 | ||
| 30000 | 1500-2400 | 3 | 30 | ||
| 50000 | 2400-3300 | 3 | 30 | ||
| 100000 | 3300-6000 | 4 | 30 |
Attention: The above viscosity values are all obtained using Brookfield Viscometer at 25℃, LVD.
N.W.: 25±0.25kg / package
Inner: Polyethylene plastic film bag
Outer: Three-in-one composite paper bag or barrel
- Keep away from rain, sunshine and hook during transportation.
- Store in a ventilated/dry place, avoid moisture, don't store tog with other chemicals.
- n Easy to absorb moisture. Please seal and pack after opening and store in a dry place.
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Q1: Are you a trading company or a manufacturer?A: Trading company.
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Q2:What can I buy from you?A: Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose (HEC), Ethyl Cellulose (EC), CMC-NH4, Chlorinated Polypropylene (CPP), N-Butyryl Chloride, HPMC, Red Base KD.
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Q3: What are your payment terms?A: T/T (Telegraphic Transfer), L/C (Letter of Credit), D/A (Documents Against Acceptance), D/P (Documents Against Payment), or as per customer requirements.
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Q4: Can you specify your company's payment terms?A: Typically:100% advance T/T payment, or
30% advance T/T payment with the balance against copy of B/L, or
100% L/C at sight. -
Q5:Do you provide samples? Are they free or chargeable?A: Yes, we provide free samples (≤500g), but shipping costs are at the buyer's expense.
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Q6: What is your delivery time?A: Usually 7–10 working days after payment.
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Q7:How do you ensure quality?A: We monitor the goods throughout the production-to-sales process and resolve any issues for our customers.
Get in Touch
Have questions about our products or want to discuss a custom order? Our team is ready to help you.

