Construction Chemistry

HEMC Cellulose Ether

Formula: C18H38O14 GOST/CAS: CAS 9032-42-2

HEMC (Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose) is a non-ionic cellulose ether that comes as a white, odorless, and tasteless powder. In the construction and industrial sectors, it acts as a highly efficient water retention agent, thickener, stabilizer, and binder. When added to dry building mixtures, HEMC significantly improves their rheological properties, prevents segregation, and ensures uniform, crack-free drying.

Applications

Dry mix mortars: Tile adhesives, gypsum and cement-based plasters, putties. Provides high adhesion to the substrate, extends open working time, and prevents the sagging of heavy tiles.

Thermal insulation systems (ETICS/EIFS): Widely used in base plasters and adhesive compounds for installing facade insulation boards. Guarantees reliable adhesion of the reinforcing mesh and insulation to the surface.

Paints and coatings industry: Used in water-based paints as a rheological additive. Improves viscosity, prevents pigment settling, enhances hiding power, and reduces spatter during roller application.

Self-leveling compounds: Prevents the settling of heavy particles (sand/aggregates), controls water retention, increases flowability, and helps avoid cracks during shrinkage.

Key Advantages

High water retention: Slows down moisture evaporation from the mortar. This ensures complete hydration of cement or gypsum, preventing the finished surface from drying out and cracking.

Improved thermal stability: Unlike other cellulose ethers (e.g., HPMC), HEMC maintains its excellent water retention properties even when applied in high ambient temperature conditions.

Excellent workability: Reduces internal friction within the building mixture. This makes the mortar more plastic, facilitates trowel application, and significantly increases worker productivity.

Slip resistance (Thixotropy): Imparts excellent thixotropic properties to the mortar, allowing for the secure fixing of large and heavy facing tiles on vertical walls without slipping downward.

Storage & Transportation

Store in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place, safely protected from moisture and direct sunlight.
Shelf life is 12–24 months from the date of manufacture (provided the original factory packaging remains intact).