Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

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Hydroxyethyl Cellulose , marketed under brand names such as Natrosol, is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose by reacting alkali cellulose with ethylene oxide. It appears as a white to off-white, free-flowing powder with excellent thickening, binding, and film-forming properties. HEC is widely used as a rheology modifier and stabilizer due to its high water retention, solubility, and compatibility with a broad range of ingredients. It is valued in many industries including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paints, adhesives, and personal care products.

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Categories: Sealants and Adhesives, Additives, Emollients, Emulsifiers, Excipients, Thickeners Tags: Construction Chemicals, HEC, Household cleaning products, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Natrosol, Paints & Coatings Additives, Pharmaceutical excipients, Thickening agent

Description

Table of Contents

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

Primary Uses

Personal Care and Cosmetics

Used extensively as a thickener, binder, and stabilizer in shampoos, lotions, creams, gels, and sunscreens to enhance texture and consistency.
Acts as a film-forming agent that improves product feel and application on skin and hair.
Helps stabilize emulsions and suspensions, preventing ingredient separation in formulations.
Provides moisturizing effects by retaining water in skin-care products.

Pharmaceuticals

Employed as a suspending agent and viscosity enhancer in liquid and semi-solid dosage forms such as eye drops, oral suspensions, and topical gels.
Used as a binder in tablet formulations and controlled-release drug delivery systems.
Serves as a protective colloid and stabilizer in various pharmaceutical preparations.

Paints, Coatings, and Adhesives

Functions as a thickening and rheology modifier in water-based paints, coatings, and adhesives to improve flow, leveling, and stability.
Helps prevent sedimentation of pigments and fillers, ensuring uniform consistency.
Enhances application properties such as brushability and sprayability.

Construction and Cement Industry

Used as a water retention agent and thickener in cement and mortar mixtures, improving workability and adhesion.
Reduces water loss during curing, enhancing surface quality and strength development.

Oil & Gas Industry

Applied as a viscosifier and stabilizer in drilling fluids and fracturing gels, aiding in efficient drilling and well treatment operations.

Secondary Uses

Food Industry

Occasionally used as a stabilizer and thickener in food products, especially in gluten-free baking and dairy analogues (subject to regulatory approvals).

Paper Industry

Employed as a binding and sizing agent to improve paper quality and surface properties.

Textiles

Used as a thickener in textile printing pastes and as a sizing agent to improve fabric strength and texture.

Agriculture

Incorporated in pesticide formulations as a thickener and dispersing agent to enhance application efficiency.

KEY ATTRIBUTES

Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Hydroxyethyl cellulose
Common/Trade Name: Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, HEC, Natrosol
CAS Number: 9004-62-0
HS Code: 3912.90.00
Molecular Formula: (C6H7O2(OH)x(OCH2CH2O)y)n (polymer)
Synonyms: HEC, Natrosol, Cellulose glycol ether

Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: White to off-white powder
Odor: Odorless
Solubility: Soluble in cold and hot water forming clear viscous solutions; insoluble in most organic solvents
Viscosity Range: Can be tailored from low to high depending on molecular weight and substitution
pH Stability: Stable in pH range 3–11
Thermal Stability: Stable up to ~250 °C (decomposes on further heating)

Safety & Hazard Attributes

GHS Classification: Not hazardous; generally regarded as safe
Toxicity: Non-toxic, non-irritating, non-sensitizing
Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits

Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place away from moisture
Container Type: Sealed polyethylene bags or drums
Shelf Life: 24 months under recommended storage
Handling Precautions: Avoid dust formation; use dust masks if airborne concentrations are high

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Approved for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals by FDA, EMA, and other regulatory authorities
Listed in cosmetic ingredient databases (INCI: Hydroxyethyl Cellulose)
Compliant with USP and other pharmacopeial standards

Environmental & Health Impact

Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions
Ecotoxicity: Low environmental toxicity
Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required: Dust mask, gloves, and safety goggles when handling powder
Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; minimize dust generation
Storage Measures: Keep container tightly closed and dry

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air if respiratory discomfort occurs; seek medical attention if symptoms persist
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; non-toxic in small amounts; seek medical advice if large amounts ingested

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Combustible solid; burns with moderate flame
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical powder, or CO₂
Special Precautions: Avoid inhaling combustion fumes; wear protective equipment
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides and other toxic fumes