&#; The Difference Between HPMC and MHEC

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Thermal Stability

Thermal stability of HPMC and MHEC is affected by their gel temperature. In general, the gel temperature of HPMC is around 60&#;-75&#; depending on its group content and different production technique. Due to the characteristics of MHEC group, it has a higher gel temperature, usually > 80&#;. Therefore its stability under high temperature is better that HPMC. On the other hand, because there are more hydrophilic groups in the structure of MHEC, it has better hydrophilicity. The water retention rate of MHEC in mortar is a little higher than HPMC at the same dosage of products with the same viscosity.

In practical construction, in the hot construction environment in summer, the water holding capacity of MHEC with the same viscosity and dosage is better than that of HPMC. Especially in the Southeast Asian countries and India, mortar will sometimes be constructed at high temperature. Cellulose ether with low gel temperature will lose its thickening and water retention at high temperature, thereby accelerating the hardening of mortar, and affects the construction.

Process Difference

HPMC is a non-ionic cellulose ether made from refined cotton after alkalization, using propylene oxide and methyl chloride as etherification agents, through a series of reactions; and MHEC is produced from refined cotton after alkalization treatment, using ethylene oxide and methyl chloride as etherification agents, after a series of reactions, because the storage and use risk factor of ethylene oxide is higher than that of propylene oxide, so The production technology and process requirements of MHEC are higher. There are fewer manufacturers and the price of MHEC is higher than that of HPMC.

Performance Index Difference

The gel temperature of MHEC is higher, generally the gel temperature can reach about 78-85 &#;; while the gel temperature of HPMC is generally about 60-75 &#;, so HPMC is not as effective as MHEC in high temperature resistance. This is the main reason why many customers in hot areas choose MHEC.

Generally speaking, the water retention of MHEC is higher than that of HPMC, but there is no big difference. Considering the cost and price, if there is not high requirements for the gel temperature, customers generally prefer HPMC. Furthermore, the viscosity stability, mildew resistance, and dispersibility of MHEC are generally higher than that of HPMC.

Application Difference

The application fields of HPMC and MHEC are basically the same. They are both widely used in construction mortar, putty, coatings, daily chemicals, ceramics, papermaking, etc. Among the real stone paint, the effect of using MHEC is better. These two products are mainly used in construction. The main difference is gel temperature. The high temperature resistance of MHEC is better.

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The Similar Performances Between HPMC and MHEC in Construction Chemicals

Used as thickener, dispersant, water retention agent and air-entraining agent etc. Mainly used in cement and gypsum based dry mix mortar to increase bond strength, workability, and water retention. Reduce water loss on concrete surface, preventing cracks and increase scrape area. It is widely used in wall plaster and tile adhesive products

In paints, as a protective colloid, HPMC and MHEC can be used in the polymerization of vinyl acetate emulsion to improve the stability of the polymerization system in a wide pH range. Use pigments, fillers and other additives in finished product manufacturing to evenly disperse, stabilize and provide thickening effect.

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Why MHEC is being preferred over HPMC for Cellulose Ether

Cellulose Ether is derived from Cellulose and is a water-soluble compound used in several industries. It finds its usage mainly in the construction, food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries. Specifically, Cellulose Ether is primarily used in the construction sector as it acts as a binder, thickener, and water retention agent in construction. There are different grades of Cellulose Ether, which have their applicability and properties. The two primary grades of Cellulose Ether HPMC (Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose) and MHEC (Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose) have varied similarities, yet one is more preferred than the other in recent days.

Nowadays, MHEC grade of Cellulose Ether is more preferred than the HPMC grade in the construction industry. Though, both are being utilized widely for increasing bond strength and water retention capacity of a dry mixture of cement and gypsum, few properties differentiate them. The first property differentiating MHEC from HPMC is gel temperature; the gel temperature of MHEC is higher than that of MHEC. The gel temperature of HPMC is around 60°c - 70°c, which varies as per its content and production technique; however, the gel temperature of MHEC is generally more than 80°C, which makes it a better alternative. MHEC has better thermal stability owing to its high gel temperature, causing better water retention capacity during summers in South Asian Countries.

Furthermore, MHEC has a more significant number of Hydrophilic groups in its structure, eventually leading to more hydrophilicity than the HPMC grade. Having more Hydrophilic groups makes MHEC better in water retention, and hence it is preferred more. In addition, the prices of MHEC grades have been lesser than that of HPMC, making them more economical to use. In India, the prices of Cellulose Ether, with respective to all grades, have been marginally increasing from the first week of April.

According to ChemAnalyst, &#;MHEC grade would be chosen over HPMC grade in countries including India as summers have already approached. Construction industries would go for having cellulose ether with higher gel temperature and better hydrophilicity. Furthermore, the Indian domestic market of Cellulose Ether is most likely to showcase stagnant to a marginal rise in the prices.&#;

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