Product line
Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC)
Product overview
What HEC is
HEC is the standard non-ionic thickener for latex paints and a reliable water-retention agent in cement-based systems. It is soluble in hot and cold water without surface treatment, which makes it easy to incorporate in paint production lines.
Benefits
Key benefits
Standard thickener for water-based architectural paints
Dissolves in hot and cold water without surface treatment
Non-ionic: compatible with a wide range of formulation additives
Applications
Typical applications
- Water-based paint
- Cement mortar
- Wall putty
- Emulsion systems
Key facts
HEC at a glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 9004-62-0 |
| HS code | 3912.39 |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Pack sizes | 25 kg · 12.5 kg · 6.25 kg · 1,000 kg jumbo bag |
The HS code is the international 6-digit code; destination customs classification governs. Pack sizes are the standard range — other sizes are quoted on request.
Packaging & loading
How HEC ships
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Pack sizes | 25 kg · 12.5 kg · 6.25 kg · 1,000 kg jumbo bag |
| 20′ FCL — loose | 13–14 t — estimated |
| 20′ FCL — palletised | 12 t (20 pallets × 600 kg) — estimated |
| Custom printing | Available on all pack sizes; artwork design free of charge |
Loading figures are for a 20-foot container. Exact quantity depends on pallet pattern and on how the bags are stacked — we confirm it against your order. Figures marked estimated are converted from the measured bulk volume.
Part of ALCellu's 60,000 t/yr production capacity.
FAQ
Questions buyers ask about HEC
What is HEC used for?
HEC is the standard non-ionic thickener for water-based architectural paints, and it also works as a water-retention agent in cement mortar, wall putty and emulsion systems. It thickens the aqueous phase without reacting with the binder, so it is compatible with a wide range of formulation additives. The chemistry is CAS 9004-62-0.
Does HEC need surface treatment to dissolve?
No. HEC dissolves in both hot and cold water without any surface treatment, which is the difference that matters on a paint line: you can add it at the dispersion stage and it goes into solution as the batch is mixed. Delayed-solubility grades only exist for cellulose ethers that would otherwise lump in cold water, and HEC is not one of them.
How is HEC packed and shipped?
HEC ships in 25 kg, 12.5 kg and 6.25 kg bags or 1,000 kg jumbo bags. Custom printing is available on all pack sizes and the artwork design is free of charge. The minimum order is 1 metric ton. A 20-foot container takes 13–14 t loose or 12 t on pallets. Converted from packed volume per tonne; confirm the load per order. A free sample is available so you can run a trial mix before ordering.
Ask for the HEC TDS and a free sample
Tell us the system you are formulating and the standard you work to. We reply with the TDS, the pack sizes and the loading figure for your quantity.