Product line
Methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC)
Product overview
What MHEC is
MHEC and HEMC are two names for the same ether: methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose. We list it separately because purchase specifications and search habits differ by market. MHEC generally delivers more water retention per unit dose in cement systems and has the higher gelation temperature, while HPMC has the wider supply base.
Benefits
Key benefits
Identical chemistry to HEMC, specified as MHEC in many tenders
More water retention per unit dose in cement systems
Available across the same viscosity bands as our HPMC
Applications
Typical applications
- Tile adhesive
- Cement mortar
- Gypsum plaster
- Wall putty
Key facts
MHEC at a glance
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| CAS number | 9032-42-2 |
| 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 MHEC 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 MHEC
What is MHEC used for?
MHEC is used in tile adhesive, cement mortar, gypsum plaster and wall putty where a formulation needs water retention per unit dose rather than a specific viscosity label. MHEC generally delivers more water retention per unit dose in cement systems and has the higher gelation temperature. It is CAS 9032-42-2, supplied as a white to off-white powder.
MHEC or HPMC — which one should I choose?
Choose MHEC when water retention and a higher gelation temperature matter more than supply depth; choose HPMC when you want the wider supply base and the most common specification in the market. Both are non-ionic cellulose ethers and both work in cement and gypsum systems, so the decision is usually driven by the tender wording and by the raw materials your plant already runs.
How is MHEC packed and shipped?
MHEC 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 MHEC 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.