Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose

Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC, CAS 9032-42-2) is a non-ionic cellulose ether produced by the combined etherification of cellulose with methyl and hydroxyethyl groups.

Where is Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose used?

• Construction: rheology modifier, thickener and water-retention agent in dry-mix mortars, tile adhesives and cement-based renders
• Personal care: viscosity builder in shampoos, lotions and gel-based products
• Paints: sag resistance and pigment dispersion stabiliser
• Textile and paper processing: surface sizing and finishing agent
• In dry-mix mortars it controls workability and prevents premature water loss during curing.

Good to know: Pharmaceutical supply conforms to USP or Ph. Eur. specifications.

Commercial specifications

• Viscosity grades range from low to high molecular weight variants