Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) Supplier in Malaysia
- Also known as
- HEC
- Hydroxyethylcellulose
Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether used to control rheology in aqueous formulations. ChemTrade handles hydroxyethyl cellulose enquiries in Malaysia, with the grade selected against the buyer's viscosity target, hydration behaviour and end use.
HEC is supplied as a free-flowing powder across low, medium and high viscosity grades, plus surface-treated grades that delay hydration long enough for dispersion before thickening begins. Viscosity figures are meaningful only with the solution concentration, temperature and test method, so buyers should send the full reference specification or current grade designation.
In water-based paints and coatings, HEC builds viscosity, helps suspend pigments and supports sag control, flow and application feel. Construction formulations use selected grades for water retention and workability in cementitious or gypsum systems, while personal-care and cleaning formulations use it to build body and stabilise suspended ingredients in suitable aqueous systems.
Send the required viscosity or grade, test basis, application, quantity and delivery location with the enquiry. Availability, packing, documentation, route and timing are confirmed with the quotation.
- CAS number
- 9004-62-0
- Grade
- low viscosity, medium viscosity, high viscosity, delayed hydration
- Appearance
- white to cream-coloured, free-flowing powder
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose grades and forms
We supply several forms to suit different formulating and dosing setups. If you need a size that is not listed, ask us.
| Grade | Form | Assay | Typical use | Packing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low-viscosity HEC | free-flowing powder | — | Lower viscosity build for aqueous systems that must retain easy flow, pumping or spray application, including selected coatings, cleaners and personal-care formulations. | — |
| Medium-viscosity HEC | free-flowing powder | — | General-purpose rheology control and suspension in emulsion paints, water-based adhesives, shampoos, lotions and liquid cleaning products. | — |
| High-viscosity HEC | free-flowing powder | — | Stronger viscosity build and water retention at a comparable addition level for high-build coatings and selected cementitious or gypsum systems. | — |
| Delayed-hydration HEC | surface-treated powder | — | Designed to disperse before viscosity develops, helping reduce surface lumps when HEC is added directly to water during batch mixing. | — |
How to buy hydroxyethyl cellulose from ChemTrade
Request a quote for hydroxyethyl cellulose
Use the form below to request a quotation. You can also email sales@chemtrademalaysia.com or send us a message on WhatsApp.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | white to cream-coloured, free-flowing powder | — |
| Polymer type | non-ionic hydroxyethyl cellulose ether | — |
| Water solubility | soluble in cold or hot water; hydration rate depends on grade and mixing conditions | — |
| Viscosity | grade dependent; compare using the stated solution concentration, temperature and test method | — |
| Hydration behaviour | standard or delayed hydration, depending on surface treatment and grade | — |
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose applications
Safety and handling
Store sealed in cool, dry conditions and protect the powder from moisture. Minimise dust when opening and charging containers, and follow the safety data for the quoted grade and the site's handling procedures.
Common questions about hydroxyethyl cellulose
How do I choose the right HEC viscosity grade?
Compare HEC viscosity on the same test basis. Send the target viscosity, solution concentration, temperature and method, together with the application and current grade code. Low, medium and high labels are not interchangeable between producers, so the quoted material should be matched to the complete specification.
What is the difference between standard and delayed-hydration HEC?
Standard HEC begins hydrating as it wets, while a surface-treated grade delays viscosity development long enough for the particles to disperse. This can reduce fish-eyes and surface lumps during direct addition to water, although hydration onset still depends on pH, agitation and the formulation.
Which HEC grade is used in water-based paint?
Coating formulators choose HEC by target viscosity, flow and application response rather than by the product name alone. State the paint type, pigment loading, application method and required balance of suspension, sag control, levelling and spatter resistance so the viscosity grade can be matched.
Can hydroxyethyl cellulose be used in cement and gypsum products?
Selected HEC grades are used for viscosity, water retention and workability in mortars, plasters and joint compounds. State whether the system is cementitious or gypsum based, how the powder is added and the required working profile. HEC should not be treated as an automatic substitute for another cellulose ether without formulation testing.
What should personal-care buyers specify for HEC?
Send the target viscosity and appearance together with the formulation pH, surfactant or electrolyte system and intended product type. State any documentation requirement with the enquiry so it can be checked against the grade being quoted rather than assumed from a general HEC description.
How should HEC powder be dispersed without lumping?
Add the powder gradually into well-agitated water so the particles separate before their surfaces hydrate. Avoid dumping a full charge onto still water and allow enough mixing time for the selected grade to develop viscosity. A delayed-hydration grade can help where direct addition is part of the batch process.