Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC) is a water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose. It is a non-ionic, non-toxic, and non-flammable compound that is widely used in various industrial and consumer applications. HEMC is valued for its ability to act as a thickener, binder, and rheology modifier in many products.
HEMC is made by chemically modifying natural cellulose fibers. In this process, the cellulose fibers are treated with sodium hydroxide to form alkali cellulose. Ethylene oxide is then added to the mixture, which reacts with the cellulose to create hydroxyethyl cellulose. Finally, methyl chloride is added to the mixture to create HEMC.
HEMC is used in a wide range of applications, including construction, food, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. One of the primary uses of HEMC is in construction, where it is used in various products such as dry mix mortars, putties, tile adhesives, and gypsum products.
In dry mix mortars, HEMC is used as a thickener, binder, and water retention agent. It helps to improve the workability of the mortar and allows for better control of the water content. This is important because the water content of the mortar affects its consistency, setting time, and final strength.
In putties, HEMC is primarily used as a thickener and binder. The addition of HEMC to the mix helps to improve the workability of the putty and allows for better control of the water content. HEMC also helps to prevent the separation of the various components in the putty formulation, and it improves the adhesion of the putty to substrates.
In tile adhesives, HEMC is primarily used as a water retention agent. The addition of HEMC to the mix helps to improve the workability of the adhesive and allows for better control of the water content. HEMC also helps to prevent the separation of the various components in the adhesive formulation, and it improves the adhesion of the adhesive to substrates.
In gypsum products, HEMC is used as a thickener, binder, and water retention agent. It helps to improve the workability of the gypsum product and allows for better control of the water content. This is important because the water content of the gypsum product affects its setting time and final strength.
In food products, HEMC is commonly used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. It is used in many different types of food products, including sauces, dressings, and dairy products. HEMC is valued for its ability to improve the texture and stability of these products.
In personal care products, HEMC is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier. It is used in many different types of personal care products, including shampoos, conditioners, and lotions. HEMC is valued for its ability to improve the texture and stability of these products.
In pharmaceuticals, HEMC is used as a binder and disintegrant. It is used in tablet formulations to improve the tablet’s mechanical strength and to aid in the tablet’s disintegration and dissolution in the body.