The use of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) in coatings has many advantages, covering physical properties, processing techniques and application effects.
1. Thickening effect
Hydroxyethyl cellulose is an efficient thickener that can significantly increase the viscosity of coatings. Its thickening effect can achieve significant results at lower addition levels, thereby improving the application performance of coatings. The viscosity of the paint is moderate, which can avoid problems such as sagging and sagging during painting, and improve the uniformity of construction and the flatness of the coating film.
2. Improved stability
HEC has a good stabilizing effect in coatings. It can stabilize the dispersion of pigments and fillers through physical cross-linking and chemical interactions, preventing settling and delamination of pigments and fillers during storage or use. This not only extends the shelf life of the paint but also ensures even distribution of pigments during application.
3. Improve rheology
Hydroxyethyl cellulose has a significant impact on the rheology of the coating, causing the coating to exhibit pseudoplastic (shear thinning) properties. At low shear rates, the paint maintains a high viscosity, which is convenient for standing and storage; while at high shear rates (such as when brushing and spraying), the viscosity of the paint decreases, making it easier to flow and apply. This shear-thinning property makes the coating easier to apply during use, and the coating film is smooth and even.
4. Improve sag resistance
When applying paint on vertical surfaces, HEC can significantly improve the paint’s resistance to sag. This is due to its thickening effect and rheological properties that allow the paint to quickly form a gel-like structure after application, reducing the tendency to flow, thereby preventing the paint from sagging and sagging.
5. Enhance moisturizing properties
HEC effectively retains moisture, thereby extending the drying time of the paint. This is especially important for some coatings that require a long operating time, such as wood paint, craft paint, etc. The extended drying time provides the builder with more operating time and avoids painting marks and construction difficulties caused by excessive drying of the paint.
6. Improve brushing performance
Since HEC improves the rheological properties and thickening effect of the paint, the paint shows better leveling when brushed. When brushing, the paint can be spread evenly without brush marks, and the final coating film is smooth and delicate. This is especially important for high-quality surface coatings, such as furniture coatings, automotive coatings, etc.
7. Adaptable
HEC has good chemical stability and compatibility and is compatible with a variety of coating systems, such as water-based coatings, latex paints, oil-based paints, etc. It has wide adaptability to different formulas and ingredients, will not react adversely with other ingredients, and will not easily cause chemical changes in the formula.
8. Improve coating performance
HEC not only provides thickening and stabilizing effects in coatings, but also improves the physical properties of the coating film. For example, it can improve the cracking resistance, scrub resistance and flexibility of the coating film. This makes the final coating more durable, able to maintain its aesthetics and functionality under a variety of environmental conditions.
9. Environmental protection
HEC is a biodegradable material with good environmental protection properties. Compared with some synthetic thickeners, it has less environmental burden and does not release harmful substances during use. This is in line with the high environmental protection requirements of the modern coatings industry and also adapts to consumer demand for green products.
10. Easy to handle and disperse
HEC easily dissolves and disperses in water and forms a uniform viscous liquid. In the coating production process, its dissolution and dispersion make the production process simpler and less prone to problems of agglomeration or incomplete dissolution, reducing trouble in the production process and improving production efficiency.
The application of hydroxyethyl cellulose in coatings has many advantages. It not only improves the physical properties and construction performance of the coating, but also enhances the stability and environmental protection characteristics of the coating. It plays an important role in modern paint formulations, providing effective solutions for achieving high-quality painting effects. With the development of coating technology and the diversification of market demand, the application prospects of HEC in coatings will be broader.
Post time: Jul-04-2024