The Difference Between HPMC and HEC

Both hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose are cellulose, what is the difference between the two?

“The Difference Between HPMC and HEC”

01 HPMC and HEC
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (Hypromellose), also known as hypromellose, is a kind of non-ionic cellulose mixed ether. It is a semisynthetic, inactive, viscoelastic polymer commonly used as a lubricant in ophthalmology, or as an excipient or vehicle in oral medicines.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), chemical formula (C2H6O2)n, is a white or light yellow, odorless, non-toxic fibrous or powdery solid composed of alkaline cellulose and ethylene oxide (or chloroethanol) It is prepared by etherification and belongs to non-ionic soluble cellulose ethers. Because HEC has good properties of thickening, suspending, dispersing, emulsifying, bonding, film-forming, protecting moisture and providing protective colloid, it has been widely used in oil exploration, coatings, construction, medicine and food, textile, paper and polymer Polymerization and other fields, 40 mesh sieving rate ≥ 99%.

02 difference
Although both are cellulose, there are many differences between the two:
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose differ in properties, uses, and solubility.

1. Different Features
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose: (HPMC) is white or similar white fiber or granular powder, belonging to various nonionic cellulose mixed ethers. It is a semi-synthetic non-living viscoelastic polymer.
Hydroxyethylcellulose: (HEC) is a white or yellow, odorless and nontoxic fiber or powder solid. It is etherified by alkaline cellulose and ethylene oxide (or chlorohydrin). It belongs to non-ionic soluble cellulose ether.

2. Different solubility
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose: almost insoluble in absolute ethanol, ether and acetone. Clear or slightly cloudy colloidal solution dissolved in cold water.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose: It has the properties of thickening, suspending, binding, emulsifying, dispersing and moisturizing. It can prepare solutions in different viscosity ranges and has excellent salt solubility for electrolytes.
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose has the characteristics of thickening ability, low salt resistance, pH stability, water retention, dimensional stability, excellent film-forming properties, extensive enzyme resistance, dispersibility and cohesiveness.

There are many differences between the two, and their usefulness in the industry is also quite different.

Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose is mostly used as thickener, dispersant and stabilizer in the coating industry, and has good solubility in water or organic solvents. In the construction industry, it can be used in cement, gypsum, latex putty, plaster, etc., to improve the dispersibility of cement sand and greatly improve the plasticity and water retention of mortar.
Hydroxyethyl cellulose has the properties of thickening, suspending, binding, emulsifying, dispersing and moisturizing. It can prepare solutions in different viscosity ranges and has excellent salt solubility for electrolytes. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is an effective film former, tackifier, thickener, stabilizer and dispersant in shampoos, hair sprays, neutralizers, conditioners and cosmetics; in washing powders In the middle is a kind of dirt redeposition agent. Hydroxyethyl cellulose dissolves quickly at high temperature, which can speed up the production process and improve production efficiency. The obvious feature of detergents containing hydroxyethyl cellulose is that it can improve the smoothness and mercerization of fabrics.