Hydroxyethyl Cellulose for Paints: Brighten Your Life

1. Introduction

Just as the addition of different ingredients improves the taste one is cooking, the effects of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose HEC for paints enhances the application of latex paints. It is a water-soluble polymer, a non-ionic material that serves as a thickening additive added to the production of latex paints. This tends to improve the overall application and effectiveness of the paint. It also bolsters the stability and durability of latex paints.

Latex paint is a kind of water-based paint prepared by adding pigments, fillers and various additives as the base material of synthetic resin emulsion, also known as synthetic resin emulsion paint, which is a kind of organic paint.We can simply refer to Latexfarbe as a water-based paint, which is identical to acrylic paint. However, one distinct difference between latex paint and acrylic is that the former provides higher coverage when painting large areas.

2. Application of HEC in Latex Paints

The addition of paint additives are often minute in quantity, however, they make significant and effective alterations to the performance of the latex paint. We can identify the tremendous functions of HEC and its importance in painting. Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) possesses certain purposes in the production of latex paints that distinguishes it from other similar additives.

For Latex paint manufacturers, using the HEC in latex paints enables achieve several objectives for their painting. One major function of HEC in latex paints is that it allows an appropriate thickening effect. It also adds to the color of the paint, HEC additives provide additional color variants to latex paints and gives manufacturers the leverage of modifying colors based on clients’ request.

The application of HEC in latex paints also boosts the PH value by improving the non-ionic properties of the paint. This allows the manufacture of stable and strong variations of latex paints, which have a diverse range of formulations. Providing a quick and effective dissolving property is another function of Hydroxyethyl cellulose. Latex paints, with the addition of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), can dissolve fast and this helps to quicken the pace of painting. High-scalability is another function of HEC.

Most producers of Latex paints prefer using HEC in latex paints rather than other alternatives such as Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) und Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC). This is because they consider HEC as the best additive to Latex paints.

As the best option for water-based paints, using HEC in latex paints helps to eliminate sagging during painting by providing the thickening effect. HEC also proves to be better than HPMC and HEMC because it enhances the mechanical properties and improves its durability through effective storage stability. In addition, HEC helps to improve water retention and salt tolerance.

3. Effects of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) with Different Viscosity in Latex Paints

We can categorize the thickening effect of Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) on latex paints into three; high, moderate, and low density. These levels of viscosity influence the latex paints in different ways and this causes a peculiar use of such water-based paints. As a producer or customer, you can choose which to use, depending on its application.

For Latex paints with a high thickening effect of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), you can use them for mastic coating. This high viscosity provides additional protection to construction materials and enhances durability.

For projects involving high pigment volume concentration, the latex paints with a moderate level of HEC viscosity is suitable.

4. MIKEM HEC Products for Latex Paints

MelaColl is a trademark for MIKEM’s cellulose products and derivatives. We offer both standard and customized/tailored grade products for your specific industrial application.

Unser MelaColl HEC products are recommended for use in latex paints with the following properties:

• Water retention
• Improve open time
• High thickening efficiency
• Improved adhesion effect
• Crack resistance
• Gute Verarbeitbarkeit