Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose. It is a white to off-white, odorless and tasteless powder that is commonly used as a thickener, binder, stabilizer, and suspending agent in a variety of applications.
HEC is widely used in the food industry as a food additive to improve the texture, viscosity, and stability of food products such as sauces, dressings, and soups. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry as a binder and as a controlled-release agent in drug delivery systems. Additionally, HEC is used in the cosmetic industry as a thickener and emulsifier in lotions, creams, and shampoos.
HEC is soluble in both cold and hot water, and its viscosity can be adjusted by varying the degree of substitution (DS) of the hydroxyl groups in the cellulose molecule. Higher DS results in a higher viscosity of the HEC solution.
HEC is considered to be safe for consumption by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). It is a versatile and cost-effective polymer that is widely used in various industries due to its excellent thickening and stabilizing properties.