Using Cellulose in Paints for Improved Performance and Sustainability
1. What is Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC)?
Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is a cellulose derivative that is commonly used as a thickening agent, binder, and film-former in various industries, including construction, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.
Methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC) is used as a soil stabilizer to increase the yield of crops on marginal land and in areas where irrigation is not practical. The product can be mixed with water and applied to soil to improve moisture retention during dry periods or when rainfall is sparse. When incorporated into fertilizer formulas, MHEC allows nutrients to remain available to plants over more extended periods than untreated fertilizers.
The production process of MHEC powder involves several sequential stages. It commences with the extraction of cellulose from natural sources like wood pulp or cotton. Subsequently, the extracted cellulose undergoes alkalization. The ensuing step encompasses etherification via sodium mono chloroacetate, culminating in the production of MHEC. This resultant substance is then subjected to purification, drying, and milling, ultimately yielding the final MHEC product.