What This Grade Is For
Hydroxyethyl cellulose for ink is supplied by Yiyuantong Chemical as a thickener and binder for water-based inks. Hydroxyethyl cellulose has surface activity, thickening, suspension, adhesion, emulsification, film-forming, dispersion, water retention and protection in pharmaceutical solid and liquid preparations. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is also a key component in the formation of large bubbles because it is able to dissolve in water, but it also provides structural strength for soap bubbles.
Key Benefits
- Holds ink viscosity stable through the run, so print density stays even
- Keeps pigment dispersed and suspended, protecting colour consistency
- Forms a coherent film on the substrate as the water leaves
- Dissolves in cold water, which shortens ink make-up time
- Held in stock: 800 tonnes of HEC are carried year round, and confirmed orders ship to the named port within 3 working days
Problems It Solves
- Water-based ink that misregisters because viscosity drifts during a long run
- Pigment flocculation that shows up as colour shift between the first and last impression
- Ink that dries in the screen or on the anilox during a stoppage
- Poor film formation on absorbent stock
Application Scenarios
- Water-based flexographic and gravure ink
- Screen printing ink
- Textile printing paste
- Overprint varnish
Who It Is For
- Water-based ink manufacturers
- Textile printing paste producers
- Packaging print converters
Technical Features
- Non-ionic backbone, so viscosity survives salt and hard water
- Cold-water soluble, no cooking step needed in the mixing room
- Supplied from 300 to 200000 mPa.s so the grade can be matched to the process
- Molar degree of substitution of 1.8 to 3.0 for biological stability and high transmittance
- Solvent process raises the degree of substitution by 30 to 35 percent against traditional routes
Technical Data And Packing
| Product Name | Hydroxyethyl cellulose for ink |
|---|---|
| CAS No | 9004-62-0 |
| EINECS | 618-387-5 |
| Chemical Formula | (C2H6O2) n |
| Appearance | White or Almost White, Odorless, Tasteless Solid Powder |
| Viscosity | 300-200000 mPa.s |
| Transmittance | ≥80.0 % |
| Molar Degree of Substitution | 1.8-3.0 |
| Water Content | ≤5.0 % |
| Ash Content (as sulfate) | ≤6.0 % |
| PH（1%，Solution） | 6.0～8.5 |
Packing is 25 kg per bag as standard: an inner polyethylene plastic film bag inside an outer composite plastic woven bag. Other pack sizes are arranged on request.
Raw Materials
- High alpha-cellulose refined cotton
- Wood pulp with high cellulose content
- Ethylene oxide
Manufacturing Process
- Alkalisation of refined cotton and wood pulp
- Etherification with ethylene oxide
- Acetone countercurrent washing
- Drying and milling
- 40 mesh screening
- Lot testing and packing
Quality Control
- Every lot is tested in our own laboratory against the customer specification before release
- Third-party verification is available through SGS, which we have worked with on export lots
- Certificate of analysis issued with each shipment; HPLC or NMR data supplied on request
- Acetone countercurrent washing removes process residues before drying and milling
How It Compares
| Acrylic thickeners | Cellulose ether gives thickening that is less dependent on pH, useful in inks that shift during the run |
|---|---|
| Starch derivatives | Cellulose ether gives a clearer solution and more consistent viscosity between lots |
Use Guide
- Make a stock solution and filter it before it enters the ink mill
- Add to the let-down stage rather than the pigment grind to avoid shear loss
- Check final viscosity after the ink has stood for at least one hour
Customisation Options
- Viscosity grade selected against your process, from 300 to 200000 mPa.s
- Private label bags printed with your own label content
- Packing sizes arranged to suit your blending line
- Sample shipment by FEDEX, DHL or EMS before a production order
Certification And Inspection
- SGS third-party inspection available on export lots
- Certificate of analysis issued with every shipment
- HPLC or NMR data supplied on request
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Industry Pages
Hydroxyethyl cellulose for ink FAQ
Does it affect the drying speed of the ink?
It raises viscosity and helps film formation; drying is still driven by your resin and water balance. Trial at two dose levels to find the working point.
What is the shelf life of the powder?
Store sealed in a dry place away from direct sun. We will confirm the production date and retest date on the certificate of analysis for your lot.
Are you a manufacturer or a trading company?
We are a manufacturer and you are welcome to visit the plant. Our hydroxyethyl cellulose project runs at 5000 tonnes a year on an acetone countercurrent washing process.
What payment terms do you accept?
L/C, T/T, D/A, D/P, PayPal and Western Union. We have worked with China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation for many years.
How fast can you ship?
Stock items are despatched within 5 days of payment. If the grade is not in stock, production and despatch take 7 to 10 days from payment.
Get A Price For Hydroxyethyl cellulose for ink
Send the quantity, the viscosity grade and the destination port. We reply with price, lead time and the lot analysis.