◆ The Difference Between HPMC and MHEC

Thermal Stability

Thermal stability of HPMC and MHEC is affected by their gel temperature. In general, the gel temperature of HPMC is around 60℃-75℃ depending on its group content and different production technique. Due to the characteristics of MHEC group, it has a higher gel temperature, usually > 80℃. Therefore its stability under high temperature is better that HPMC. On the other hand, because there are more hydrophilic groups in the structure of MHEC, it has better hydrophilicity. The water retention rate of MHEC in mortar is a little higher than HPMC at the same dosage of products with the same viscosity.

In practical construction, in the hot construction environment in summer, the water holding capacity of MHEC with the same viscosity and dosage is better than that of HPMC. Especially in the Southeast Asian countries and India, mortar will sometimes be constructed at high temperature. Cellulose ether with low gel temperature will lose its thickening and water retention at high temperature, thereby accelerating the hardening of mortar, and affects the construction.

Process Difference

HPMC is a non-ionic cellulose ether made from refined cotton after alkalization, using propylene oxide and methyl chloride as etherification agents, through a series of reactions; and MHEC is produced from refined cotton after alkalization treatment, using ethylene oxide and methyl chloride as etherification agents, after a series of reactions, because the storage and use risk factor of ethylene oxide is higher than that of propylene oxide, so The production technology and process requirements of MHEC are higher. There are fewer manufacturers and the price of MHEC is higher than that of HPMC.

CONSTRUCTION CHEMICALS GRADE METHYL HYDROXY ETHER CELLULOSE MHEC FOR WALLPUTTY

Performance Index Difference

The gel temperature of MHEC is higher, generally the gel temperature can reach about 78-85 ℃; while the gel temperature of HPMC is generally about 60-75 ℃, so HPMC is not as effective as MHEC in high temperature resistance. This is the main reason why many customers in hot areas choose MHEC.

Generally speaking, the water retention of MHEC is higher than that of HPMC, but there is no big difference. Considering the cost and price, if there is not high requirements for the gel temperature, customers generally prefer HPMC. Furthermore, the viscosity stability, mildew resistance, and dispersibility of MHEC are generally higher than that of HPMC.

Application Difference

The application fields of HPMC and MHEC are basically the same. They are both widely used in construction mortar, putty, coatings, daily chemicals, ceramics, papermaking, etc. Among the real stone paint, the effect of using MHEC is better. These two products are mainly used in construction. The main difference is gel temperature. The high temperature resistance of MHEC is better.

The Similar Performances Between HPMC and MHEC in Construction Chemicals

Used as thickener, dispersant, water retention agent and air-entraining agent etc. Mainly used in cement and gypsum based dry mix mortar to increase bond strength, workability, and water retention. Reduce water loss on concrete surface, preventing cracks and increase scrape area. It is widely used in wall plaster and tile adhesive products

In paints, as a protective colloid, HPMC and MHEC can be used in the polymerization of vinyl acetate emulsion to improve the stability of the polymerization system in a wide pH range. Use pigments, fillers and other additives in finished product manufacturing to evenly disperse, stabilize and provide thickening effect.