Description

Methyl 2-Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether derived from natural cellulose, offering a unique combination of properties from both methylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose. This versatile polymer is valued for its excellent thickening, water retention, film-forming, and surface activity, making it a critical performance additive in numerous industrial formulations. Key industries that rely on this material include pharmaceuticals, personal care, construction, and paints & coatings, where it acts as a stabilizer, binder, and rheology modifier.

Application

• Pharmaceuticals: Used as a binder, film-coating agent, and controlled-release matrix in tablet formulations.
• Personal Care & Cosmetics: Functions as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsion agent in shampoos, creams, lotions, and toothpaste.
• Construction Materials: Serves as a water-retention agent and workability aid in cement-based products like tile adhesives, grouts, and renders.
• Paints & Coatings: Acts as a thickener and rheology modifier to prevent sagging and improve application properties in water-based paints.
• Adhesives & Sealants: Provides viscosity control and enhances open time in various adhesive formulations.
• Ceramics: Used as a binder and plasticizer in the shaping of ceramic bodies.

Basic Information

Product Name	Methyl 2-Hydroxyethyl Cellulose
CAS No.	9032-42-2
Molecular Formula	(C6H7O2(OH)3-m-n(OCH3)m(OCH2CH2OH)n)x
Molecular Weight	Variable (Polymer)
Synonyms	Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose; HEMC; Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose; Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl methyl ether; MHEC; Methylcellulose, hydroxethyl ether; Tylose® MH grades; Culminal® MHEC; Walocel® HM
EINECS	Contact for details

Quality Control

Our Methyl 2-Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is manufactured under a strict quality management system. Each batch is tested against rigorous in-house specifications to ensure consistent performance, including parameters for viscosity, methoxyl and hydroxyethoxyl substitution, moisture content, and purity. Certificates of Analysis (COA) documenting these results are available upon request.

Storage

Preserve in a tightly closed container, protected from light. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area at room temperature (15-25°C). This product is hygroscopic (moisture-sensitive); the original container must be kept tightly sealed after use to prevent caking or lump formation due to moisture absorption.

Specification

Item	Specification
Appearance	White to off-white powder
Identification (IR)	Conforms
Viscosity (2% aqueous solution)	As per grade (e.g., 100 - 100,000 mPa·s)
Methoxyl Content	As per grade (Typical range: 15.0 - 30.0 %)
Hydroxyethoxyl Content	As per grade (Typical range: 5.0 - 15.0 %)
Moisture Content	≤ 5.0 %
pH (1% solution)	5.0 - 8.0
Ash Content	≤ 1.5 %

Note: Specifications can be tailored. Please contact us for the detailed technical data sheet of a specific grade.