Across the GCC — where paint manufacturers, construction chemical producers, and oilfield operators all require consistent, high-quality HEC — Raykem supplies a range of viscosity grades from our Dubai and Riyadh offices.
Technical specifications
| PARAMETER | SPECIFICATION | TEST METHOD |
|---|---|---|
| CAS Number | 9004-62-0 | — |
| Chemical Type | Non-ionic water-soluble cellulose ether | — |
| HS Code | 3912.39 | — |
| Appearance | White to off-white free-flowing powder | Visual |
| Viscosity Grades | Low (1,000–2,500 mPa·s), Medium (4,000–6,500), High (80,000–120,000) | Brookfield, 2% solution |
| Moisture Content | ≤ 5.0 % | Karl Fischer |
| pH (2% solution) | 6.0 – 8.5 | — |
| Degree of Substitution (DS) | 1.8 – 2.5 | NMR |
| Ash Content | ≤ 5.0 % | ISO 3451-1 |
| Solubility | Cold and hot water — forms clear viscous solutions | — |
| Shelf Life | 24 months in sealed bags, dry conditions | — |
Applications
- Architectural Paint Thickener & Rheology Modifier — HEC is the standard thickener in water-based architectural paints across the GCC — it builds application viscosity, controls flow and levelling, and prevents sagging on vertical surfaces.
- Construction Chemicals — Mortars & Grouts — HEC provides water retention and open time extension in cement-based mortars, grouts, joint fillers, and self-levelling compounds.
- Oilfield Drilling Fluids — HEC is a critical viscosifier in water-based drilling muds and completion fluids used in oilfield operations across Saudi Arabia (Aramco), Kuwait (KOC), Abu Dhabi (ADNOC), Qatar (QatarEnergy), and Oman (PDO).
- Personal Care & Cosmetics — HEC thickens shampoos, body washes, hand sanitisers, and topical gels for the GCC personal care manufacturing sector — non-ionic character ensures compatibility with anionic, cationic, and amphoteric surfactant systems.
- Adhesives & Sealants — Provides rheology control and open time in water-based adhesives and sealants for GCC construction and woodworking applications.
Key properties
- Non-ionic — broad compatibility with electrolytes and surfactants
- Effective across wide pH range (2–12) without activation requirements
- Multiple viscosity grades available for diverse application requirements
- Clear solution — no colour contribution to white paints
- Good enzyme resistance compared to starch thickeners
- Temperature-stable viscosity profile in GCC ambient conditions
- Provides pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) flow — easy brush and roller application
- Compatible with HPMC, RDP, and all standard construction chemical additives
Usage and recommendations
For paint: low-to-medium viscosity HEC at 0.2–0.5% on total formulation weight provides target Krebs Unit (KU) viscosity of 90–110 KU. For construction mortars: 0.1–0.3% on cement weight for water retention. Hydration: HEC dissolves most efficiently in cold water — add slowly to cold water with stirring, avoid clumping. In GCC summer production conditions, water temperature above 40°C can reduce hydration efficiency — use cool water or batch overnight. Contact Raykem for viscosity grade selection matched to your application and required KU/ICI viscosity profile.
Packaging
- 25 kg Multi-Wall Paper Bags
- 500 kg Supersacks
- Custom packing on request
Storage and shelf life
Store in original sealed bags in a cool, dry warehouse below 35°C. HEC is hygroscopic — moisture uptake causes clumping and viscosity reduction. Shelf life: 24 months when stored correctly.