HYDROCEL – HEC
Hydrocel – Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose polymer is a hydroxyethyl ether of cellulose. Hydrocel – Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic water soluble polymer derived from cellulose. Hydrocel-HEC dissolves readily in cold or hot water. Its solutions have somewhat different flow properties from those obtained with other water-soluble polymers. It is used to produce solutions having a wide range of viscosity. Such solutions are pseudo plastic – that is, they vary in viscosity depending on the amount of shear stress applied.
Application: Thickener, Rheology Modifier, Viscosity Builder, Binder, Suspending Agent
Dosage Form: Solid Orals, Liquid Orals & Topicals
Cas No: 9004-62-0
| Grade/ variant | INCI Name |
|---|---|
| Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose HX | HEC 1500 – 2500 cps |
| Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose HHX | HEC 3500 – 5500 cps |
| Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose HR | HEC 1500 – 2500 cps |
| Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose HHR | HEC 3500 – 5500 cps |
FAQs: Hydrocel – HEC (Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose)
Q1. What is Hydrocel – HEC?
Hydrocel – Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a non-ionic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose. It is widely used as a thickener, binder, viscosity builder, rheology modifier, and suspending agent in various pharmaceutical and personal care formulations.
Q2. How does Hydrocel – HEC dissolve in water?
Hydrocel – HEC dissolves readily in both hot and cold water, making it easy to use in multiple applications. Its solutions exhibit pseudo-plastic behaviour, meaning viscosity decreases under shear stress (e.g., stirring or pumping), improving product flow.
Q3. What are the key applications of Hydrocel – HEC?
Thickener and viscosity builder in liquid and topical formulations.
Rheology modifier to control product flow.
Binder and suspending agent in solid and liquid orals.
Used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industrial formulations.
Q4. What dosage forms is Hydrocel – HEC suitable for?
Hydrocel – HEC is used in solid orals, liquid orals, and topical dosage forms, offering versatility across multiple product types.
Q5. What are the available grades/variants of Hydrocel – HEC?
Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose HX – 1500–2500 cps
Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose HHX – 3500–5500 cps
Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose HR – 1500–2500 cps
Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose HHR – 3500–5500 cps
Q6. What does cps mean in Hydrocel – HEC grades?
“cps” stands for centipoise, a unit of viscosity measurement. The higher the cps, the thicker the solution produced.
Q7. What is the CAS number of Hydrocel – HEC?
The CAS number for Hydroxy Ethyl Cellulose is 9004-62-0.
Q8. Why choose Hydrocel – HEC over other water-soluble polymers?
Hydrocel – HEC offers unique flow properties compared to other polymers, providing consistent viscosity, stability in formulations, and ease of use in both hot and cold water systems.
Q9. Who are the typical users of Hydrocel – HEC?
Pharmaceutical, cosmetic, personal care, and industrial manufacturers use Hydrocel – HEC as a trusted polymer for thickening, stabilising, and suspending formulations.