Paints & Coatings are materials applied to surfaces to form a continuous film, providing decoration, protection, or functional properties. Waterborne coatings use water as the dispersion medium, offering low VOC content, environmental friendliness, and ease of application, making them widely used in architectural, wood, and industrial protective sectors.
A typical waterborne coating consists of the following components: binder (e.g., acrylic or styrene-acrylic emulsions, polyurethane dispersions) which forms the film; pigments and extenders for opacity, color, and volume filling; additives such as dispersants, defoamers, coalescents, and thickeners; and water as the carrier to adjust viscosity and drying behavior.
In waterborne coatings, HEC (hydroxyethyl cellulose) and HEMC (hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose) serve as non-ionic cellulose-based thickeners with three main functions. They provide thickening and rheology control, ensuring sag resistance while allowing good flow and leveling during application. They offer water retention, slowing moisture evaporation to promote proper film formation, especially on porous substrates. They also contribute to system stability by preventing pigment settling and maintaining uniform storage properties. The distinction lies in their performance: HEMC exhibits surface activity, often delivering higher thickening efficiency and better spatter resistance, while HEC is preferred in systems where water retention and storage stability are the primary concerns.
Requirements for HEC and HPMC in Different Paint Types and Quality Grades
The selection of HEC and HPMC in coatings depends primarily on the application scenario, performance priorities (such as storage stability, application properties, film formation quality), and cost positioning. The following table is compiled based on industry formulation practices and technical references.
| Paint Type | Quality Grade | Recommended Cellulose Ether | Viscosity Range (mPa·s, 2% solution) | Key Requirements & Performance Focus |
| Interior Latex Paint | Economy | HPMC | 40,000–60,000 | Provides thickening and water retention at lower cost; requires more coalescing agents to compensate for moderate water resistance |
| Mid-to-High Grade | HEC | 30,000–50,000 | Non-ionic, good compatibility; offers excellent pigment suspension and storage stability; forms a denser film surface | |
| Exterior Paint | Standard | HPMC | 60,000–80,000 | High water retention required to extend open time for outdoor application; moderate spatter resistance |
| High-Quality / High Durability | HEMC or modified HEC | 40,000–60,000 | HEMC or hydrophobically modified HEC preferred; provides superior leveling, sag resistance, and water resistance; more stable water retention under high-temperature conditions | |
| Stone Coating / Textured Coating | Economy | HPMC (high viscosity) | 80,000–100,000 | Reduces cellulose ether dosage by using high viscosity to control cost; however, high-viscosity HPMC may compromise water resistance |
| High-Quality | HEC | 50,000–80,000 | Offers better water resistance and film densification; allows the emulsion to form a continuous film even at higher pigment volume concentration | |
| Multicolor Paint / Artistic Coating | General | HEC | 10,000–30,000 (lower viscosity) | Requires good compatibility with protective colloids to avoid post-thickening; provides excellent leveling and clarity |
| Industrial / Functional Coating | High-Performance | Hydrophobically modified HEC or HEMC | Tailored as needed | In anti-corrosion, waterproofing, and other specialty coatings, demands balanced thixotropy and sag resistance along with electrolyte stability |
MIXEON Additives Solutions for Paints & Coatings
MIXEON HEC (Hydroxyethyl Cellulose)SE3100/SE2060/SE2030
MIXEON HEC offers excellent thickening efficiency and storage stability. Its non-ionic nature ensures broad compatibility with various emulsions and additives. It provides superior pigment suspension, outstanding water retention, and enhances film formation, making it ideal for high-quality interior and exterior coatings.
MIXEON HEMC (Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose)HE4200/HE4150/HE3100/HE2050
MIXEON HEMC combines optimized water retention with enhanced rheology control. It delivers excellent sag resistance and leveling, particularly in exterior applications under high-temperature conditions. It improves spatter resistance and ensures consistent open time, supporting durable, high-performance coating systems.
