Hydroxyethyl Cellulose * Water-based Paint

1. Thickening effect

Hydroxyethyl cellulose can significantly increase the viscosity of water-based paint. In a water-based paint system, its molecular chains will stretch in the water and entangle with each other, reducing the fluidity of the paint. This is critical to preventing the sedimentation of pigments and fillers. For example, in water-based paints containing heavier inorganic pigments (such as titanium dioxide), HEC can ensure that the pigments are evenly dispersed in the paint and will not settle at the bottom of the container due to gravity, thereby ensuring that the composition of the water-based paint is uniform each time it is used.

It can adjust the construction performance. The appropriate viscosity helps to control the leveling and sagging of water-based paint during construction. When applied with a brush or roller, the thickened water-based paint can better adhere to the tool, and after being applied to the surface of the object, it can be evenly spread as required, without sagging due to being too thin, nor difficult to apply due to being too thick.

2. Moisture retention effect

HEC can reduce the evaporation rate of water in water-based paint. During the drying process of water-based paint, it can form a protective film on the surface of the paint, slowing down the rate of water loss into the air. This is very important to ensure the film-forming quality of water-based paint. Because if the water evaporates too quickly, the resin and pigment in the paint may not be fully fused and arranged, resulting in impaired integrity of the film, and problems such as cracking and decreased adhesion.

It helps to give the various components of the paint enough time to interact with each other during the drying process, so that the resin can be better cross-linked and cured to form a uniform, smooth and continuous paint film. For example, in a high temperature and low humidity environment, the use of water-based paint containing hydroxyethyl cellulose can effectively prevent paint diseases caused by rapid loss of water.

3. Improved stability

It can improve the storage stability of water-based paint. Due to the presence of HEC, various components in water-based paint, such as pigments, resin emulsions, etc., can be more stably dispersed and suspended. This can prevent coagulation and agglomeration during storage.

Enhanced the resistance of water-based paint to microbial erosion. In water-based paint, the growth of microorganisms may cause problems such as deterioration and odor of the paint. Hydroxyethyl cellulose can prevent the invasion and reproduction of microorganisms to a certain extent and extend the shelf life of water-based paint.