Hydroxyethyl Cellulose * Paint

1. Thickening effect

Preventing solid particles from settling: Paints usually contain solid ingredients such as pigments and fillers. Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) can increase the viscosity of the paint so that these solid particles are evenly suspended in the paint liquid. For example, in paints containing fillers such as heavy calcium carbonate, the HEC molecular chains are entangled in the solution to form a mesh structure that hinders the sinking of solid particles. This ensures that the paint has uniform composition during storage and use, avoiding color and performance differences caused by particle sedimentation.

Controlling construction performance: Thickened paint is easier to control during construction. For brushing construction, the right viscosity can make the paint adhere better to the brush, and when applied to the surface of the object, it will not flow because it is too thin, thereby ensuring uniform coating thickness. In spraying construction, it can prevent the paint from being too thin, causing excessive atomization, paint droplets and splashing, and can also make the paint spread and adhere better on the sprayed surface.

2. Adjusting rheology

Shear thinning properties: HEC can give the paint good rheology. When a paint is subjected to shear forces (such as those generated during stirring, brushing, spraying, etc.), its viscosity decreases, a property called shear thinning. This makes the paint easier to work with during construction. For example, when a paint is applied with a brush, the bristles of the brush apply shear forces to the paint, which reduces the viscosity of the paint and facilitates the transfer of the paint between the brush and the surface being applied; when the brush leaves the surface, the shear forces disappear, and the viscosity of the paint is restored, which helps maintain the shape and uniformity of the coating.

Improves leveling and anti-sagging properties: By adjusting the rheology, HEC can also improve the leveling and anti-sagging properties of the paint. Leveling refers to the ability of the paint to automatically level the surface after application, while anti-sagging is the ability to prevent the paint from running on vertical or inclined surfaces. Adding HEC to the paint can balance these two properties.

In the application of furniture paint, HEC can make the paint evenly level on the wood surface, while not sagging on the edges or vertical surfaces due to gravity, thereby obtaining a smooth and flat surface effect.

3. Water retention effect

Ensure the quality of film formation: In the film formation process of paint, the slow loss of water is very important. HEC can form a water retention layer on the surface of the paint to slow down the evaporation rate of water. The film-forming substances in the paint (such as resin emulsion) need to be in a certain moisture environment to fully fuse and cross-link to form a continuous paint film. If the water evaporates too quickly, the film-forming substances may not react completely, resulting in defects in the paint film, such as cracking and powdering. The water retention effect of HEC can provide sufficient time and a suitable moisture environment for the film-forming substances, thereby improving the quality of the paint film.

Adapt to different environmental conditions: Under different ambient humidity and temperature, the water retention effect of HEC helps the paint to form a better film. For example, in a dry environment, it can prevent the paint from failing to form a normal film due to excessive water loss; in a humid environment, it can also adjust the evaporation rate of water to avoid affecting the speed and quality of film formation due to excessive water.