Catalog NumberHG9004620
CAS Number9004-62-0
CategoryPolymer Surfactants
Use as film-forming agent.
Use as thickening agent.
Use as sustained-release agent.
Use as adhesive. For example, used in paints, ceramics, concrete.
Use as lubricant.
Hydroxyethylcellulose Grafted Acrylamide Anionic Derivative for Flocculation Water Treatment
Chaouf, Sara, et al. Journal of Water Process Engineering 31 (2019): 100807.
A novel anionic cellulose derivative was synthesized by grafting acrylamide onto hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) via reverse microemulsion polymerization, followed by alkali saponification to generate carboxylate functionality for use as an eco-friendly coagulant-flocculant in water treatment.
Experimental Protocol: HEC (degree of substitution 1.5) was alkoxylated in NaOH solution, then reacted with acrylamide monomer in a water/cyclohexane reverse microemulsion system at 60 degrees C for 2 h. Cyclohexane served as the continuous phase to reduce medium hydrophobicity, and water acted as both solvent and hydrogen transfer agent to prevent polyacrylamide homopolymer formation. The grafted amide groups were subsequently saponified to carboxylate form in 4N NaOH for 12 h. The product (HECc) was characterized by FTIR, 1H/13C NMR, DEPT-135, XRD, SEM-EDX, TGA, and zeta potential measurements. Coagulation-flocculation was tested on Fe(OH)3 colloidal systems and for Cu(II) removal from aqueous solutions.
Performance Evaluation: FTIR confirmed successful grafting by the appearance of amide carbonyl bands at 1672 cm-1, with complete saponification evidenced by conversion to carboxylate absorption at 1568 cm-1. 13C NMR showed a new quaternary carbon signal at 180.04 ppm for the carboxylate group. The degree of substitution was approximately 1.0. The zeta potential of HECc reached -45 mV, providing high negative charge density. Optimal flocculation of Fe(OH)3 colloidal systems was achieved at 35 uL of 0.5% HECc solution. Cu(II) removal was pH-dependent, with the coagulation-flocculation mechanism varying with metal species distribution. The water-soluble derivative demonstrated effectiveness as a low-cost, biodegradable alternative to synthetic polymer flocculants.
Hydroxyethylcellulose as Viscosity Modifier for Sugar-Free Oral Liquid Formulations
Jujare, V. K., et al. Int J Curr Res Chem Pharm Sci 10 (2023): 1-23.
Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) was evaluated as a versatile non-ionic viscosity modifier for developing sugar-free, elegant oral liquid pharmaceutical formulations, offering a non-glycogenic and non-cariogenic alternative to traditional sucrose-based syrups.
Experimental Protocol: This review examined HEC as a thickening and rheology-modifying agent in oral solutions and suspensions for pediatric and geriatric populations. The review addressed key formulation parameters including rheological properties (shear-thinning, thixotropy), textural attributes (consistency, firmness, spreadability), and stability considerations. HEC's performance was compared with other cellulose ethers (sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose) and natural polymers (xanthan gum, carrageenan, guar gum). Evaluation methods included rheometry and texture analysis to quantify flow behavior and sensory characteristics.
Performance Evaluation: HEC demonstrated effective viscosity modification, producing shear-thinning behavior essential for ease of swallowing while maintaining suspension stability at rest. The polymer's non-ionic nature provided compatibility with a wide range of formulation components including ionic APIs and preservatives. Unlike sucrose, HEC is not hydrolyzed in the oral cavity and does not enter systemic circulation, eliminating glycogenic and cariogenic risks. The polymer maintained consistent viscosity and texture, contributing to extended product shelf life. However, HEC is susceptible to acid-catalyzed hydrolysis at low pH, requiring buffering strategies and preservative optimization to control chain degradation. Among cellulose derivatives, HEC offered superior water solubility due to its hydroxyethyl substitution, distinguishing it from less hydrophilic methylcellulose variants.
Hydroxyethylcellulose/Citric Acid/ZnO Antimicrobial Food Packaging Films
El Fawal, Gomaa, et al. Food Packaging and Shelf Life 23 (2020): 100462.
Antimicrobial food packaging films were fabricated from hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) crosslinked with citric acid and reinforced with zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, combining the biodegradability of cellulose ethers with the broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of ZnO.
Experimental Protocol: HEC (2 g, Mw 250,000) was dissolved in 100 mL distilled water with citric acid (25% w/w) as the crosslinker via esterification at 70 degrees C. ZnO nanoparticles (less than 100 nm, 0.05-0.2% w/w) were dispersed into the solution, and films were cast, dried at 70 degrees C, and heat-treated at 110 degrees C for 10 min to complete crosslinking. Films were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, gel fraction analysis, swelling behavior, mechanical testing (tensile strength, elongation at break), and antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli using ELISA microplate reader assay over 7 days.
Performance Evaluation: FTIR confirmed ester bond formation at 1654.9 cm-1 between HEC hydroxyl groups and citric acid carboxyl groups, with ZnO causing shifts in -OH and C=O bands due to hydrogen bonding. XRD confirmed ZnO presence with characteristic peaks at 31.8, 34.5, and 36.3 degrees (2-theta). The gel fraction increased from 70.1% to 79.2% with 0.05% ZnO. Water uptake varied with ZnO content: the film with 0.05% ZnO showed maximum swelling (362.1% at 168 h), while 0.2% ZnO reduced swelling to 165.4%. Antimicrobial testing revealed 91.4% inhibition of S. aureus and 61.7% inhibition of E. coli, demonstrating greater efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria.