Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) for Emulsion Paint: The Viscosity Solution

About LANDU Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)

How Does Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Improve Emulsion Paint Viscosity?

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose, a natural component of plant cell walls. Think of it as a microscopic network builder. It’s created by modifying cellulose with ethylene oxide, resulting in hydroxyethyl ether groups attached to the cellulose backbone. This modification gives HEC its unique properties, especially its ability to thicken water-based solutions like emulsion paint. But what is the magic of HEC? Imagine building a tiny jungle gym of molecules within the paint. These act like the supporting structure of playground equipment, which is responsible to hold the weight from all directions.

The Molecular Jungle Gym: How HEC Works

Hydration

When HEC is added to water, the hydroxyethyl groups attract and bind water molecules. This process, called hydration, causes the HEC polymer to swell and unfold.

Stabilization

HEC prevents the separation of the pigment, binder, and other components. It increases the viscosity of the continuous phase, which reduces the rate of settling and creaming.

Entanglement

As the HEC polymers hydrate, they begin to entangle with each other, forming a three-dimensional network. This network is what gives the paint its increased viscosity.

Rheology Modification

HEC provides excellent shear thinning. This means the paint becomes thinner when stirred or brushed but quickly regains its viscosity once applied.

Water Retention

Landercoll HEC network also traps water within the paint film, preventing it from evaporating too quickly. This is crucial for proper film formation and adhesion.

Pigment Suspension

HEC assists in keeping the pigments evenly dispersed throughout the paint, preventing them from settling at the bottom of the can.

Applying to Different Grades: Tailoring HEC to Your Paint Needs

HEC plays varying roles based on the quality and intended use of the paint:

LANDU-Hydroxyethyl-Cellulose-HEC-free-sample
LANDU-Textured-Paints

01.

Economy Grade

In these paints, HEC primarily functions as a cost-effective thickener and stabilizer, preventing pigment settling and providing basic application properties.

02.

Standard Grade

HEC provides improved viscosity control, leading to better hiding power, leveling, and sag resistance compared to economy paints.

03.

Premium Grade

Here, HEC works in synergy with other additives to create a high-performance paint with exceptional application properties, durability, and color retention. It ensures smooth flow, excellent coverage, and long-lasting protection.

Unlock the Power of HEC: Key Benefits for Emulsion Paints

Using HEC in your emulsion paint formulations offers a range of compelling advantages
LANDU-Hydroxyethyl-Cellulose-solution

Enhanced Viscosity Control

Achieving the perfect consistency is key to a great paint job. HEC delivers that.
  • Precise control over paint viscosity.
  • Improved application properties (brushing, rolling, spraying).
  • Reduced dripping and sagging.
Painted wall

Improved Stability

Increase shelf life and maintain quality over time.

  • Prevents separation of paint components (pigment, binder, etc.).
  • Enhances freeze-thaw stability.
  • Maintains consistent viscosity and performance.
Painter painting wall with paint roller in turquoise room

Superior Water Retention

Prevent premature drying for a smoother finish.

  • Extended open time for easier blending and lapping.
  • Improved film formation and adhesion.
  • Reduced cracking and peeling.
Mix of dark red pigment

Optimized Pigment Suspension

Keep those colors vibrant and consistent.
  • Prevents pigment settling during storage.
  • Ensures uniform color distribution in the paint film.
  • Enhances hiding power and coverage.
Close up of an artist's hand in a orange glove painting a wall with a paint roller, copy space.

Enhanced Application

Improve workability and deliver a professional-looking finish.
  • Smoother flow and leveling properties.
  • Reduced brush marks and roller stipple.
  • Improved resistance to spattering during application.

LANDU: Your Partner for High-Performance HEC Solutions

LANDU offers a comprehensive range of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose products tailored to meet the specific requirements of emulsion paint formulations. Our LANDERCOLL series is known for its consistent quality, excellent performance, and ease of use.

LANDU-Hydroxyethyl-Cellulose-HEC

All LANDERCOLL products are available with global shipping and custom formulation support. Contact us for a free sample!

Product Name Viscosity (Brookfield 1%) Key Features Recommended Use
LANDERCOLL HE15MBE 800 - 1500 Biostable Type: Fast dissolving, good leveling, excellent pigment suspension. Excellent leveling performance and dispersion of color paste.
LANDERCOLL HE60 2500 - 3500 Standard Type: High viscosity, excellent water retention, superior sag resistance. Standard and premium grade interior/exterior paints.
LANDERCOLL MEB7000 6000 - 8000 Hydrophobic Type: Very high viscosity, exceptional thickening efficiency, long-term stability. High-build coatings, textured paints, and specialty coatings.
LANDERCOLL D60 400-800 Associative type: Enhanced workability and anti-sag performance. Suitable for coatings and water-based paste putty.

Selecting the Right LANDERCOLL HEC: A Quick Guide

Choosing the appropriate HEC grade is essential for achieving optimal paint performance. Consider these factors:
Close-up color swatches of interior textured paint

Paint Type

Interior, exterior, primer, texture.

Painting the walls

Viscosity Requirements

Desired paint consistency for application.

Hillside houses in Tromso in winter

Climate Conditions

Temperature and humidity during application.
The girl paints the wall with a brush

Application Method

Brushing, rolling, spraying.

Here’s a quick reference table:
Condition Paint Type LANDERCOLL Recommendation
Interior, Economy Latex Paint LANDERCOLL HE30M
Interior, Standard Acrylic Paint LANDERCOLL HE60M
Exterior, Premium Elastomeric Coating LANDERCOLL HE100M
High Humidity Interior/Exterior LANDERCOLL MEB30M or MEB60M
Delayed Thickening Desired Tint Bases LANDERCOLL MHE500

Troubleshooting: Common Problems & LANDERCOLL Solutions

Problem Solution
Pigment settling during storage Use a higher viscosity LANDERCOLL grade (e.g., switch from HE30M to HE60M) to improve pigment suspension.
Paint drips or sags after application Increase the HEC concentration or use a higher viscosity grade (e.g., switch from HE60M to HE100M) to enhance sag resistance.
Poor leveling and brush marks Use a lower viscosity LANDERCOLL grade (e.g., switch from HE60M to LR) to improve flow and leveling properties.

Application Guide & Best Practices

Choosing the appropriate HEC grade is essential for achieving optimal paint performance. Consider these factors:
LANDU-Hydroxyethyl-Cellulose-dispersion
Success Key Suggestion: Allow the HEC solution to fully hydrate (typically 20-30 minutes) before evaluating viscosity.
Pre-Dispersion

Slowly add LANDERCOLL HEC to water with vigorous agitation to prevent lumping. Using warm water can accelerate the process.

Mixing

Continue mixing until the HEC is fully dissolved and the solution is clear and homogeneous.

Addition

Add the HEC solution to the paint formulation during the let-down phase.

Adjustment

Adjust the HEC concentration as needed to achieve the desired viscosity and performance characteristics.

About LANDU Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)

Ordering Information

Feature Detail
Packaging 25 kg multi-layer paper bags
MOQ 500 kg
Lead Time 7-14 days. This may vary according to order requirements.
Payment Terms T/T, L/C, OA, and more
Shipping Sea Freight by CIF, FOB, CFR, and more
Sample Policy Free samples available upon request
LANDU-cellulose-ether-production-cyclone-mixing-equipment

Quality Control & R&D Excellence

LANDU is committed to providing high-quality HEC products. We are continuously exploring new applications and modifications of HEC to enhance its functionality and sustainability.

Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is equipped with advanced process control systems and analytical equipment to ensure consistent product quality.

Innovation R&D Center

Our R&D team is dedicated to developing innovative HEC solutions with advanced rheological testing, particle size analysis, and other techniques.

Ready to transform your emulsion paint?

Contact LANDU today for a free sample and discuss your specific requirements and learn about our custom formulation services. We’re here to help you create the best possible emulsion paint!