Industrial Raw Materials and Chemicals Essential Components for Manufacturing and Production
Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is a type of cellulose ether that is derived from cellulose, a natural polymer found in the cell walls of plants. Similar to Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC), MHEC is chemically modified to introduce both methyl and hydroxyethyl groups onto the cellulose backbone. This modification enhances its water solubility and other properties, making it useful in various industrial applications.
The working mechanism of MHEC as water retention agent in cement relies on two separate effects: first, its water sorption capacity and second the formation of hydrocolloidal associated 3D polymer networks. At low MHEC concentrations (≤ 6 g/L which corresponds to a dosage of 0.32% bwoc), water sorption presents the main mechanism for water retention while above this concentration, the first mechanism is supplemented by the formation of associated polymer networks which are highly effective in