Hydroxyethyl cellulose is referred to as HEC in the industry, and generally has five applications.

1. For water latex paint:
As a protective colloid, hydroxyethyl cellulose can be used in vinyl acetate emulsion polymerization to improve the stability of the polymerization system in a wide range of pH values. In the manufacture of finished products, additives such as pigments and fillers are used to uniformly disperse, stabilize and provide thickening effects. It can also be used as a dispersant for suspension polymers such as styrene, acrylate, and propylene. Used in latex paint can significantly improve thickening and leveling performance.

2. Oil drilling:
HEC is used as a thickener in various muds required for drilling, well setting, cementing and fracturing operations, so that the mud can obtain good fluidity and stability. Improve the mud carrying capacity during drilling, and prevent a large amount of water from entering the oil layer from the mud, stabilizing the production capacity of the oil layer.

3. For building construction and building materials:
Due to its strong water retention capacity, HEC is an effective thickener and binder for cement slurry and mortar. It can be mixed into mortar to improve fluidity and construction performance, and can prolong the water evaporation time, improve the initial strength of concrete and avoid cracks. It can significantly improve its water retention and bonding strength when used for plastering plaster, bonding plaster, and plaster putty.

4. Used in toothpaste:
Because of its strong salt resistance and acid resistance, HEC can ensure the stability of toothpaste paste. In addition, toothpaste is not easy to dry due to its strong water retention and emulsifying ability.

5. Used in water-based ink:
HEC can make the ink dry fast and impermeable.