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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.
Description
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
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