Cellulose Ether - a multitalented polymer for many applications

Cellulose is extracted from deciduous timber, coniferous timber or cotton using a thermocatalytic process.

Various cellulose derivatives can then be synthesized by modifying the chemical structure of cellulose, a fully plant-based substance. This involves partially or completely substituting the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups with alkyl groups.

This process of generating cellulose ether is called etherification. The properties of the resulting substance depend on the average degree of substitution, degree of molar substitution, number of hydroxyl groups and the distribution of the substituted groups.

There are many types of cellulose ether, including:

• Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)
• Methyl cellulose (MC)
• Ethyl cellulose (EC)
• Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC)
• Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)
• Methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose (MHPC)
• Ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (EHEC)

Whether a cellulose ether is soluble in water or other mediums depends on the number and product type of ether groups, depending on the end-use. A low degree of etherification results in a cellulose ether that can dissolve in aqueous solutions, while a high degree of etherification makes the product soluble in nonpolar solvents. Using more than one etherification agent will result in a mixed cellulose ether.

Because there are so many types of cellulose ether, it is quite natural that the substance exists in different forms with varying consistency and texture.

This means the substance can be manufactured in the form of a fine powder with a high viscosity or uniform, quick-drying beads. Nevertheless, most types of cellulose ether are ivory in color and fine powdery. The crucial thing, however, is the consistency resulting from the addition of cellulose ether, which is similar to that of a viscous gel.

TER Chemicals offers the highly versatile and water-soluble carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC, MC). Feel free to talk to us about your needs.