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Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (HEMC) – Premium Thickening & Water Retention Agent

Celix Pro Model: EM-30U, EM-55U, EM-65U, EM-75U

CAS No.: 9032-42-2

Type: Chemical Auxiliary Agent

Appearance: White To Off-White Powder Substance

Viscosity Range: 20,000-75,000 mPa.s (Brookfield,2% water solution)

HS Code: 39123900

Usage: Tile Adhesive, Wall Putty, Painting, Dry Mix Mortar,  ETICS/EIFS, Detergent, Liquid Soap


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Specification
Process
FAQs
More Cellulose Ethers

Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose(HEMC/MHEC) Overview

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Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (HEMC/MHEC) is a nonionic natural polymer derived from the refine cotton linter. Like other methyl cellulose derivatives, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose has many of the same advantages, including effective thickening and water retention. It is widely used in the C1TE,C2TE tile adhesive, wall putty, latex painting, detergent and liquid soap.

MHEC Characteristics

Higher Gel Temperature

Higher Gel Temperature

It maintains excellent water-retention capabilities even in high-temperature summer conditions (e.g., above 35°C) and does not easily lose its effectiveness.

Water Retention & Thickening

Water Retention & Thickening

Ensure adequate hydration of the cement or gypsum matrix to prevent the mortar from drying out too rapidly or becoming powdery.

Sag Resistance

Sag Resistance

Provides excellent slip resistance during vertical surface applications (such as installing large-format wall tiles or plastering).

Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose(HEMC/MHEC) Specification


SpecificationEM-30UEM-55UEM-65UEM-75U
ExteriorWhite or light yellow powder
Methoxyl, %18.0 - 24.0
Hydroxyethyl, %8.0 - 16.0
pH value5.0 - 8.5
Moisture, %≤6
Ash, %≤3
Graininess100 mesh 98.5% pass, 80 mesh 100% pass
Viscosity(2%, 20℃, Mpa.s)24,000-45,00045,000-60,00055,000-65,00065,000-75,000
Gel temperature,℃70-90

* Asking for Free 500g Sample 


Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose(HEMC/MHEC) is similar in properties to HPMC, but due to the presence of hydroxyethyl group, HEMC is more soluble in water, the solution is more compatible with salts, and the gel temperature is higher.
Adhesion Enhancement

Adhesion Enhancement

Weather Resistance

Weather Resistance

Sustainability

Sustainability

Water Retention

Water Retention

Compatibility & Synergy

Compatibility & Synergy

Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose(HEMC/MHEC) Manufacturing Process

Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose(HEMC/MHEC) Manufacturing Process

The production of hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC) follows a similar process to HPMC, beginning with the alkali treatment of refined cotton. Ethylene oxide and chloromethane act as etherifying agents, introducing hydroxyethyl and methyl groups into the cellulose backbone under controlled temperature and pressure. After etherification, the product undergoes neutralization, washing, drying, and milling to yield the finished HEMC with the desired substitution degree.

At Celix, HEMC quality begins with carefully selected raw materials and continues through every step of production. Automated DCS systems ensure stable reaction conditions, while real-time monitoring safeguards viscosity, substitution, and consistency. Advanced testing methods like IR and GPC guarantee reliable performance and product uniformity, delivering confidence in every batch.

Classified Applications

Tile Adhesives celix mhec.jpg         Gypsum plastering celix mhec.jpg

Tile Adhesives:Extend open time and enhance slip resistance.                                   Gypsum-based Plaster:Improves the fluidity of the gypsum and provides 

                                                                                                                                              a smooth application feel.


EIFSETICS celix mhec        wall putty celix mhec.jpg

EIFS/ETICS:Enhance the bond strength between the base coat                               Wall Putty / Skim Coat:Improve scraping efficiency and surface smoothness.

 mortar and the insulation board (EPS/XPS).

Why Global Formulators Partner with Celix for MHEC

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DCS Automated Consistency: Our manufacturing facility utilizes a fully automated German-engineered DCS (Distributed Control System). By stabilizing the etherification temperature and substitution ratios (-OCH₃ and -OCH₂CH₂OH), we eliminate human error to guarantee strict batch-to-batch viscosity tolerances.






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30,000-Ton Annual Capacity: Large-scale, continuous factory production shields your business from sudden market shortages, ensuring competitive factory-direct wholesale pricing and stable, long-term contract fulfillment.










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International Quality Standards: Operating under stringent ISO9001 and ISO14001 management, every batch undergoes strict QC laboratory testing for ash content (≤5%), moisture (≤5%), and thermal gel point before leaving our facility.



Localized Exclusive Services

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Customized Modification & Viscosity: Whether your formulation requires an ultra-high viscosity for thick-layer gypsum plaster or modified slip resistance for C2-grade tile adhesives, our in-house R&D lab adjusts substitution levels to fit your local aggregates and climate.







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Seaworthy & OEM Packaging: We offer standard 25kg multi-layer moisture-proof paper-plastic bags with PE liners, jumbo bags, or customized private-label OEM branding tailored to your local market distribution network.









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Streamlined Global Logistics: With 20 years of cross-border experience exporting to over 150 countries, our logistics team optimizes container volume (including mixed-container loading of MHEC, HPMC, and VAE RDP) to drastically reduce your ocean freight per ton.



Request a Free Sample for Laboratory Testing

Don’t compromise on dry-mix mortar workability. Contact our technical team today to request a complimentary sample of Celix MHEC (CAS 9032-42-2) and download the complete Technical Data Sheet (TDS) / SDS.




 Free MHEC Sample                 Download MHEC TDS 

HEMC Buyer's Guide & FAQs

What are the uses of HEMC?

Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC) is widely used in construction materials like tile adhesives, wall putty, gypsum, and coatings to improve workability and water retention. It is also applied in personal care and detergent formulations as a thickener, stabilizer, and film-forming agent for consistent product performance.

What is the difference between HPMC and HEMC?

Both HPMC and HEMC are cellulose ethers used for thickening, water retention, and stability. The key difference lies in substitution: HEMC introduces hydroxyethyl groups, enhancing salt and temperature resistance, while HPMC introduces hydroxypropyl groups, offering broader solubility. Choice depends on application demands in construction, detergents, or pharmaceuticals.

How can you guarantee the quality?

Celix guarantees HEMC quality through strict raw material selection, advanced DCS-controlled manufacturing, and real-time monitoring of viscosity and substitution. Every batch undergoes testing with infrared spectroscopy (IR) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). These controls ensure consistent performance, reliability, and compliance with international standards for construction and industrial applications.

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Partner with Celix for Superior Cellulose Ether Solutions!

Celix Cellulose Co., Ltd, is an integrated chemical cellulose manufacturer with in-house R&D, factories, and global sales sites.


Our products include HPMC, HEC, MHEC, VAE RDP, PCE, PVA, Defoamers, PP fibers, HPS, SHP and Gypsum Retarder.

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