Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (HEMC)

MikaZone™ Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (HEMC) is a non-ionic cellulose ether made from natural polymer material cellulose through a series of etherification. It is a white powder that swells in cold water into a clear or slightly turbid colloidal solution. It is soluble in cold water and most organic solvents.

HEMC Samples Package

HEMC Package

Product Overview

MikaZone™ Hydroxyethyl methylcellulose is used as a water retention and thickening agent in a wide range of dry mortars to improve the workability properties, including gypsum or cement-based products. It has similar properties to methylcellulose, but the hydroxyethyl groups make it more readily soluble in water and solutions are more tolerant of salts and have a higher gelation temperature.

Product Specifications 

Appearance:white or off-white powder
Moisture:≤5%
Ash:≤5%
pH value:6-8
Gel temperature:70-85°C
Viscosity:400-75,000 mPa.s (Brookfield RV, 2%)
MikaZone™ Nomenclature
M – MikaZoneK – 1000 viscosityE – HEMC
L – Extended Open TimeR – Slip-Resistance 

Recommended Grades

Typical Applications/GradeETICS/EIFSTile AdhesivesTile Grouts/ Crack FillersGypsum PlastersSpray PlastersRepair Mortars​Self-leveling CompoundsWall Putty/            Skim CoatHoneycomb Ceramics/  ExtrusionDetergent
MK40E  ****      
MK40EL  ***      
MK40ER *  **     
MK75E   * * *  
MK100E*  * ** **  
MK100ER * **     
MK150E*      *  
MK200E***        
MK200EL **        
MK200ER***  *     

*: Workable  **: Recommended