HPMC VS HEC: How to make a choice?

In recent years, the cellulose industry has seen rapid development, with industrial monosodium glutamate, carboxymethyl cellulose, 

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose, and Hydroxyethyl Cellulose being the most widely produced types. Among these, Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose 

and Hydroxyethyl Cellulose are the most difficult to distinguish from each other. Below, we will differentiate these two types of cellulose based on their uses and functions.

Differences between HPMC and HEC

Appearance

Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose: (HPMC) is a white or similar white fibre or granular powder
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose: (HEC) is a white or yellow, odorless, and non-toxic fibre or powder solid.

Chemical Properties

HPMC is a non-ionic cellulose mixed ether and is a semi-synthetic inactive viscoelastic polymer.
HEC is etherified from basic cellulose and ethylene oxide (or chloroethanol). It is a non-ionic soluble cellulose ether.

Differences in solubility

Hydroxypropyl Methyl cellulose: It is nearly insoluble in anhydrous ethanol, ether, and acetone, but dissolves in cold water to form a clear or slightly turbid colloidal solution.
Hydroxyethyl Cellulose: This cellulose possesses thickening, suspending, bonding, emulsifying, dispersing, and moisturizing properties. 

It is capable of forming solutions with varying viscosities and has excellent solubility in electrolytes.

Dispersibility

HEC has twice the water retention capacity of methylcellulose and offers better flow regulation;

Water Retention

HEC has the least dispersive ability compared to the recognized methyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, but the greatest ability to protect colloids.

Properties

As the methoxyl content of Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) decreases, its gel point increases, water solubility decreases,

and surface activity declines. On the other hand, Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) demonstrates more stable properties.

Application of HPMC and HEC

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is primarily used as a thickener, dispersant, and stabilizer in the coating industry, offering excellent solubility

 in both water and organic solvents. In construction, it is commonly found in cement, gypsum, latex putty, and mortar, where it enhances the 

dispersibility of cement sand and significantly improves the plasticity and water retention of mortar.

Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), on the other hand, serves as an adhesive, surfactant, colloid protector, dispersant, emulsifier, and dispersion stabilizer. 

It is widely used across various industries, including paint, ink, fiber, dyeing, papermaking, cosmetics, pesticides, mineral processing, oil extraction, and pharmaceuticals.

Factors for choosing HEC and HPMC

1.Consider the viscosity and solubility requirements of your application. If a thick, viscous consistency is required, 

HEC may be the better option. However, if a thinner, more fluid consistency is needed, HPMC could be more suitable.

2.Take into account the pH range and film-forming properties needed for your application. For stability and excellent film formation across a wider pH range, 

HEC may be the preferred choice. On the other hand, if stability under acidic conditions is critical or if slightly weaker film formation is acceptable, HPMC might be more appropriate.

Name: Molly.Wang

E-Mail:Molly.wang@jtdf-rdp.com

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