MHEC for Putty, Cement & Coatings | Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

QingQuan Cellulose manufactures Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC), a versatile cellulose ether. It works as a thickener for putty, an additive for cement, and an emulsifier for coatings. Our MHEC improves water retention, makes application easier, and stops materials from sagging on vertical surfaces.

What is MHEC?

Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is a nonionic cellulose ether. Like HPMC and other cellulose ethers, it has good dispersing, emulsifying, thickening, bonding, and water retention properties. It dissolves in water and also in ethanol and acetone below 70°C. You can use it widely as a thickener and adhesive.

Thanks to its thickening, dispersing, emulsifying, and film-forming abilities, MHEC is used in:

• Petrochemicals

• Building materials

• Ceramics

• Textiles

• Daily chemicals

• Synthetic resins

• Coatings

• Electronics

Chemical Formula

MHEC is a modified cellulose ether. It's produced by alkalizing cellulose and then reacting it with methylating and hydroxyethylating agents.

HPMC/MHEC Grades from QingQuan

Here are the different grades we offer (based on MK/75HPMC as reference):

ME (60HPMC)

• Methoxy content: 28.0-30.0%

• Hydroxypropyloxy content: 7.5-12.0%

• Gel temperature: 58.0-64.0°C

MF (65HPMC)

• Methoxy content: 27.0-30.0%

• Hydroxypropyloxy content: 4.0-7.5%

• Gel temperature: 62.0-68.0°C

MJ (70HPMC)

• Methoxy content: 16.5-20.0%

• Hydroxypropyloxy content: 23.0-32.0%

• Gel temperature: 68.0-75.0°C

MK (75HPMC)

• Methoxy content: 19.0-24.0%

• Hydroxypropyloxy content: 4.0-12.0%

• Gel temperature: 70.0-90.0°C

All grades share:

• Ash: ≤1.0%

• Moisture: ≤5.0%

• pH value: 4.0-8.5

• Viscosity (2% solution, 20°C): (ND-J) 10000-200000 mPa·s

• Appearance: White powder

• Surface tension (CCL4): 10 × 10⁻³ N/M²

MHEC in Cement Mortar

MHEC plays many roles in construction materials. You can add it to masonry mortar, plastering mortar, stucco, and plastering paste. Even a small amount makes a big difference. In cement and gypsum plasters, MHEC's water retention gives you higher bond strength and better hardness after curing.

Good water retention lets cement hydrate fully. That means stronger bonds, better tensile and shear strength in hardened mortar, and easier handling.

When you're working with cement mortar, you need good water retention. Bricks and walls soak up water quickly, and mortar usually has a lot of sand. Without enough water retention, bricks pull water out too fast. The mortar loses water in spots, and the cement doesn't hydrate fully. Mortar made with sand, lime, and cement has low natural bond strength. But add cellulose ether, and bond strength goes way up – even under heavy loads or sideways stress.

Applications

Water-Resistant Putty

In water-resistant putty, cellulose ether holds water, improves adhesion, and adds slip. It stops cracks and powdering from fast water loss. It also cuts down on sagging, so application is smoother, takes less effort, and gives you more control.

Plastering

In gypsum products, cellulose ether provides water retention, thickening, and lubrication. It also slows things down just a little, which stops bulging and cracking during application. It also keeps initial strength from failing and gives you longer working time.

Interfacial Agents

MHEC works mainly as a thickener here. It boosts tensile and shear bond strength, improves surface coating, and increases adhesion.

Tile Adhesives

MHEC holds water well. When you're putting up tiles, you don't need to soak or pre-wet them. Bond strength goes way up. The mix stays fine and uniform, so you can work longer and it's easier to apply.

Slurry Spraying

Spray slurry with cellulose works well for protecting interior and exterior walls, roofs, floors, and tunnels. Cellulose creates a kind of combing effect in the spray material. It increases cohesion and adhesion, stops cracking, and makes the sprayed layer more waterproof and durable.

Daily-Use Chemicals

You'll find MHEC in cosmetics, shampoos, shower gels, and other daily products. It thickens well, forming a colloid with water molecules. It makes products thicker and easier to apply. It also holds moisture, absorbing and retaining water.

Caulking

Adding MHEC gives good edge bonding, low shrinkage, and high wear resistance. It protects the base material from damage and stops water from soaking into the building.

Self-Leveling Cement Mortar

Use low viscosity MHEC in self-leveling cement mortar. It improves flow, speeds up application, and gives high surface strength after drying with low shrinkage.

Latex Paints

In paint, MHEC works as a film-former, thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer. It gives paint films better wear resistance, uniformity, and adhesion. It also improves surface tension and keeps pH stable.

Gypsum Decorative Materials

Gypsum products are light, insulate heat, resist fire, and help control indoor temperature. Adding MHEC lets gypsum hydrate fully, ensures good bonding, and stops cracks.