Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is a thickener, stabilizer, adhesive and film former commonly used in industrial and daily products. It is widely used in coatings, paints, cosmetics, detergents, food, pharmaceuticals and other fields. For the best results, the correct usage ratio is crucial. However, this ratio is not fixed and varies depending on many factors such as application scenarios, product types, required viscosity, other ingredients in the formula, etc.

1. Usage ratio in coatings and paints
In coatings and paints, hydroxyethyl cellulose is usually used as a thickener and suspending agent. Its usage ratio is usually between 0.2% and 2.5%. For water-based coatings such as latex paints, the typical usage of HEC is between 0.3% and 1.0%. Higher ratios are usually used in products that require higher viscosity and better fluidity, such as thick coatings and high-gloss paints. When using, pay attention to the order of addition and stirring conditions to avoid lumps or affect the performance of the paint film.

2. Usage ratio in cosmetics
In cosmetics, HEC is usually used as a thickener, stabilizer and film former. Its usage ratio is generally between 0.1% and 1.0%. For products such as lotions and creams, 0.1% to 0.5% is enough to provide good texture and stability. In transparent gels and conditioners, the ratio may rise to 0.5% to 1.0%. Due to its good biocompatibility and low irritation, HEC is widely used in cosmetics.

3. Usage ratio in detergents
In household and industrial cleaners, hydroxyethyl cellulose is used to adjust the viscosity of the product and stabilize suspended solids. The typical usage ratio is 0.2% to 0.5%. Since HEC can significantly increase the viscosity of the system at a lower concentration, its usage in detergents is relatively small. At the same time, it can also help stabilize the dispersed system and prevent the active ingredients from settling, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the product.

4. Usage ratio in food and pharmaceuticals
In the food industry, the use of HEC is strictly restricted, and the proportion of HEC used as a food additive is usually very low, generally between 0.01% and 0.5%. It is often used in frozen desserts, dairy products, sauces and other products to improve taste and stability. In the pharmaceutical field, HEC is used as a coating, suspending agent and thickener for tablets, and its usage ratio is usually between 0.5% and 2.0%, depending on the type of preparation and the required functional properties.

5. Usage ratio in water treatment
In the field of water treatment, HEC is used as a flocculant and thickener, and the usage ratio is generally between 0.1% and 0.3%. It can effectively improve the flocculation effect in the water treatment process, especially in the treatment of high turbidity water. Low concentrations of HEC can produce significant effects and are not prone to secondary pollution. It is an environmentally friendly water treatment agent.

6. Precautions for use
When using hydroxyethyl cellulose, in addition to choosing the appropriate ratio, the dissolution method and time must also be considered. HEC usually needs to be slowly added to water at low temperature and stirred continuously until it is completely dissolved to avoid agglomeration. The viscosity of the dissolved solution will gradually increase over time, so the viscosity of the solution should be confirmed before the final application to see if it meets the requirements.

The proportion of hydroxyethyl cellulose varies depending on the application field and specific use. Generally speaking, the proportion ranges from 0.01% to 2.5%, and it is widely used in many fields such as coatings, cosmetics, detergents, food, pharmaceuticals and water treatment. In order to achieve the best effect, it is recommended to determine the specific proportion based on a small laboratory test, and pay attention to its dissolution conditions and time to ensure the stability and performance of the product.