Cellulose Ether UAE & KSA Stock COA + SDS Supplied CIF / FOB Available Dubai & Riyadh

HEC — Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Thickener | GCC Supply

CAS No: 9004-62-0 · HS Code: 3912.39

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC, CAS 9004-62-0) is a non-ionic, water-soluble cellulose ether used as a rheology modifier, thickener, water retention agent, and binder in water-based paints, construction chemicals, personal care products, and oilfield fluids. 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.

Quick Specifications

CAS Number9004-62-0
HS Code3912.39
CAS Number9004-62-0
Chemical TypeNon-ionic water-soluble cellulose ether
HS Code3912.39
AppearanceWhite to off-white free-flowing powder

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Technical Specifications

PARAMETER SPECIFICATION TEST METHOD
CAS Number9004-62-0
Chemical TypeNon-ionic water-soluble cellulose ether
HS Code3912.39
AppearanceWhite to off-white free-flowing powderVisual
Viscosity GradesLow (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 – 2.5NMR
Ash Content≤ 5.0 %ISO 3451-1
SolubilityCold and hot water — forms clear viscous solutions
Shelf Life24 months in sealed bags, dry conditions

Applications — UAE, Saudi Arabia & GCC

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. Unlike HASE thickeners, HEC does not require a specific pH range for activation, making it suitable for neutral pH systems.

Construction Chemicals — Mortars & Grouts

HEC provides water retention and open time extension in cement-based mortars, grouts, joint fillers, and self-levelling compounds. Water retention is critical in GCC conditions where hot, dry substrates and direct sunlight rapidly dehydrate fresh mortar, preventing adequate cement hydration.

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). Provides viscosity control and fluid loss prevention.

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.

Usage & 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 Available

25 Kgs Multi-Wall Paper Bags
500 Kgs Supersacks
Custom packing on request

Storage & 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.

Need TDS or SDS Documentation?

Full Certificate of Analysis (COA), Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS), and Technical Data Sheet (TDS) supplied with every shipment from Dubai or Riyadh.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Both are cellulose ethers, but with different performance profiles. HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose) is the preferred thickener in construction mortars and tile adhesives because of its superior water retention, better thermal gelation (provides "hot gel" that prevents mortar sag at GCC ambient temperatures), and stronger open time extension. HEC is preferred in architectural paints because it provides better levelling, lower drag during application, and clearer solution in white paints. HEC is also non-ionic across all pH ranges, while HPMC performance is more pH-sensitive. In GCC tile adhesive and dry-mix mortar, HPMC is the standard. In GCC architectural paint, HEC and HASE thickeners are the standard.