How does MHEC differ from HPMC?

MHEC contains hydroxyethyl substitution, while HPMC contains hydroxypropyl substitution. MHEC is often reported to have a higher gel temperature and can be preferred for certain warm-climate or high-temperature dry-mix applications.

What does MHEC do in dry-mix mortars?

It improves water retention, workability, open time, sag resistance and wet adhesion. In tile adhesives, plasters, renders and skim coats it helps keep water available for cement or gypsum hydration and gives a more controlled trowelling response.

How should an MHEC viscosity grade be selected?

Compare viscosity at the same concentration and test method, then review water-retention targets, open time, sag behaviour and application thickness. The grade should be chosen from the formulation requirement rather than from viscosity number alone.

Why do some MHEC grades have delayed or controlled dissolution?

Surface treatment helps the powder disperse in cold water without forming lumps, then dissolve in a controlled way. This is important in dry-mix products because it gives consistent wetting, viscosity development and workability during mixing.

Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) CAS 9032-42-2

Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, commonly abbreviated MHEC or HEMC, CAS 9032-42-2, is a non-ionic cellulose ether supplied as a dry powder for dry-mix mortar, tile adhesive, plaster and waterborne coatings. Confirm the required grade, then request a quotation with COA/TDS/SDS for bulk supply.

CAS: 9032-42-2
Synonyms: Methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose; Hydroxyethyl methylcellulose; MHEC; HEMC
Einecs: Not specified (cellulose ether polymer)
Molecular Formula: Not specified (cellulose ether polymer)
Grade: Construction grade; viscosity, substitution and dissolution profile specified by formulation
Package: Moisture-protected 25 kg bags; pallet and liner configuration confirmed for the destination

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Product Description

Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) CAS 9032-42-2 is a non-ionic cellulose ether; it is also called hydroxyethyl methylcellulose or HEMC.

Synonyms: Methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose; hydroxyethyl methylcellulose; MHEC; HEMC.

CAS: 9032-42-2.

Molecular formula: Not specified (cellulose ether polymer).

It is supplied as a water-soluble or water-dispersible powder.

It provides rheology control, thickening and water retention in construction and coating formulations.

It improves water retention, workability, open time, sag resistance and wet adhesion in dry-mix mortars.

It is used in tile adhesives, cementitious skim coats, wall putties, plasters, renders and repair mortars.

It is also used in EIFS/ETICS, masonry-mortar and waterborne paint and coating systems.

MHEC contains hydroxyethyl substitution, while HPMC contains hydroxypropyl substitution.

MHEC often has a higher gel temperature and may be preferred for warm-climate or high-temperature dry-mix applications.

Construction grades are defined by viscosity and dissolution profile, not by polymer name alone.

For selection, confirm viscosity method and concentration, water-retention target, particle-size or surface-treatment requirement and moisture limit.

Store the dry powder sealed and dry to maintain free-flow, dissolution and viscosity.

Use suitable PPE when handling to avoid dust exposure and skin or eye contact.

Confirm viscosity, moisture and physical consistency on the COA.

Confirm grade, packaging, and specification as required.

The page is an RFQ entry point and does not state stock, price, MOQ, or fixed lead time.

For an RFQ, state the intended application, required grade, quantity, packaging, destination, and document needs.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) CAS 9032-42-2?

A: MHEC, also called hydroxyethyl methylcellulose or HEMC, is a non-ionic cellulose ether. It is supplied as a water-soluble or water-dispersible powder for rheology control, thickening and water retention in construction and coating formulations.
Q:
How does MHEC differ from HPMC?

A: MHEC contains hydroxyethyl substitution, while HPMC contains hydroxypropyl substitution. MHEC is often reported to have a higher gel temperature and can be preferred for certain warm-climate or high-temperature dry-mix applications.
Q:
What does MHEC do in dry-mix mortars?

A: It improves water retention, workability, open time, sag resistance and wet adhesion. In tile adhesives, plasters, renders and skim coats it helps keep water available for cement or gypsum hydration and gives a more controlled trowelling response.
Q:
How should an MHEC viscosity grade be selected?

A: Compare viscosity at the same concentration and test method, then review water-retention targets, open time, sag behaviour and application thickness. The grade should be chosen from the formulation requirement rather than from viscosity number alone.
Q:
Why do some MHEC grades have delayed or controlled dissolution?

A: Surface treatment helps the powder disperse in cold water without forming lumps, then dissolve in a controlled way. This is important in dry-mix products because it gives consistent wetting, viscosity development and workability during mixing.

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