Ethylhydroxyethylcellulose

Ethylhydroxyethylcellulose, often abbreviated as EHEC, is a nonionic cellulose ether. It is synthesized by modifying cellulose, a natural polymer found in plants. The modification involves etherification reactions with ethylene oxide and ethyl chloride. This process introduces hydroxyethyl and ethyl groups onto the cellulose backbone, which alters its solubility and rheological properties.

EHEC is typically supplied as a white or off-white powder. It is soluble in water and many organic solvents, depending on the degree of substitution of the hydroxyethyl and ethyl groups. Its key characteristic is its ability to thicken aqueous solutions. The thickening effect is attributed to the hydration of the cellulose ether chains and their entanglement.

This cellulose derivative finds widespread use as a thickener, binder, and stabilizer in various industries. In the construction sector, it is employed in cementitious materials, tile adhesives, and plasters to improve workability and water retention. In the pharmaceutical industry, EHEC can be used as a binder and disintegrant in tablet formulations. It also serves as a thickener in paints, coatings, and inks, contributing to their viscosity and application properties. Additionally, EHEC can be found in personal care products like shampoos and lotions as a rheology modifier. The specific properties of EHEC, such as its viscosity and solubility, can be tailored by adjusting the manufacturing process parameters.