Hebei Kunchang Chemical Technology Co., Ltd. sales@kunchangchem.com

HEMC (MHEC) — Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose

A non-ionic cellulose ether made from cotton and wood through alkalization and etherification. Similar to HPMC in nature, but the hydroxyethyl group makes HEMC easier to dissolve in water, more compatible with salt and higher in gel temperature.

CAS No. 9032-42-2 HS Code 3912.39 (CN export 39123900) EINECS 618-528-0

Water Retention & Workability for Dry-Mix Mortar

HEMC acts as thickener, binder, water-retention agent, dispersant, suspending agent, emulsifier and stabilizer. It holds water in the mix long enough for full cement hydration and gives mortar the smooth, non-sag feel applicators expect.

Good thickening — efficient viscosity build in cement and gypsum systems.
Water retention & anti-sag — holds water for full hydration and resists flow on vertical surfaces.
Good rheological control — smooth, stable flow from mixing through application.
Longer open time — adhesive stays workable, tiles stay adjustable.
Good surface finish — creamy trowelling with fewer defects.
Strong shear-thinning — flows and pumps easily, then holds shape at rest.
High gel temperature — stable in hot climates and warm mixing water.
Non-ionic form — compatible with cement, gypsum and most additives.
Good solubility — dissolves readily in cold and hot water; better salt tolerance than HPMC.
Stable pH value — consistent performance from acidic to alkaline systems.
HEMC methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose powder sample
Technical Data

Typical Specifications

PropertyTypical Value
Chemical nameHydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC / MHEC)
CAS No.9032-42-2
HS Code3912.39 (CN export 39123900)
EINECS618-528-0
FormWhite powder
Ionic typeNon-ionic
Viscosity (Brookfield LV, 2% aqueous, 20°C)18,000 ~ 70,000 mPa·s (per grade)
Moisture≤ 7.0%
Ash content≤ 5.0%
pH value4.0 ~ 8.0
Gel temperatureHigher than HPMC (65 ~ 85°C, per grade)
SolubilityReadily dissolved in cold & hot water; good salt compatibility
Packaging25 kg PP woven bag with PE lining

Values are typical ranges — exact specification sheets per grade are available on request.

Main Grades

HE Series — Standard HEMC Grades

Five standard grades covering tile adhesive and plastering mortar systems. Custom viscosity and gel temperature available on request.

Grade Viscosity (mPa·s, BK 2%) Typical Characteristic Tile Adhesive Mortar / Plastering
HE5515 18,000 ~ 22,000 Good temperature resistance ●●● ●●●
HE6509 30,000 ~ 35,000 High temperature resistance ●●● ●●●
HE7511 45,000 ~ 55,000 High temperature resistance ●●● ●●●
HE8515 60,000 ~ 70,000 High temperature resistance ●●● ●●●
HE9516 20,000 High temperature resistance ●●● ●●●

●●● = highly suitable. Other viscosities and customized specifications supplied on request.

Grade Selection

Pick the Right HEMC for Your Formula

HEMC performs like HPMC in most mortar systems, with its own rheology profile. We match viscosity and gel temperature to your local raw materials.

For Tile Adhesive

High-Retention Tile Grade

Extends open time and slip resistance so ceramic and porcelain tiles stay adjustable and locked in position.

  • Longer open & adjustment time
  • Excellent anti-slip on vertical surfaces
  • Good bond strength development
For Gypsum & Wall Putty

Plaster & Putty Grade

Keeps gypsum plaster and skim coats workable and crack-free — ideal for machine and hand application.

  • Controls water demand of gypsum
  • Smoother trowelling & sanding
  • Reduces dusting and surface cracks
For Self-Leveling

Self-Leveling Grade

Balances fluidity and anti-segregation so leveling mortars flow flat and stay uniform without bleeding.

  • Stable flow & leveling
  • Prevents segregation and bleeding
  • Compatible with RDP and fillers
Applications

Where HEMC Works Best

A non-ionic thickener and stabilizer for wall putty, personal care, tile adhesive, mortar, honeycomb ceramic and coatings.

Wall putty application with HEMC thickener

Wall Putty

HEMC thickener with strong water retention for interior and exterior wall putty — methyl substitution extends open time and resists enzymatic thinning for a smoother trowel finish.

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Personal care products with HEMC thickener

Personal Care

Clear, non-ionic HEMC thickener for shampoos, body washes and lotions — stable clarity, good salt tolerance and a smooth, mild gel feel.

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Tile adhesive application with HEMC thickener

Tile Adhesive

HEMC water-retention and thickener for cement-based tile adhesive — longer open time, reliable non-sag and steady workability for ceramic and stone.

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Mortar application with HEMC thickener

Mortar

HEMC builds cohesion and water retention in cement mortar and masonry — easier spreading, less sag and consistent hydration.

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Honeycomb ceramic extrusion with HEMC binder

Honeycomb Ceramic

HEMC binder and plasticizer for ceramic honeycomb extrusion — reliable green strength and clean, defect-free cell walls.

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Water-based latex paint application with HEMC thickener

Coatings

HEMC rheology modifier for water-based latex paints, primers and texture coatings — anti-sag, anti-splash and smooth, even leveling.

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Also widely used in: oil drilling fluids · gypsum plaster · toothpaste & daily chemicals · printing ink · textile printing & dyeing · paper & board coating · self-leveling · EIFS · suspension polymerization.

Request HEMC Quotation & Samples

Tell us your application (e.g. tile adhesive, plastering mortar, self-leveling) and required viscosity — we will recommend the right grade.

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