MIKEM manufactures and supplies Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (HEMC) for dry-mix construction materials. Our HEMC products help improve water retention, workability, consistency, open time and sag resistance in cement- and gypsum-based formulations.
From tile adhesives and dry mix mortar to wall putty, skim coat and gypsum products, MIKEM provides reliable HEMC grades together with formulation support, sample testing and commercial supply.
Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (HEMC), also commonly known as MHEC or Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, is a non-ionic cellulose ether widely used as a functional additive in construction materials.
When incorporated into dry-mix formulations, HEMC helps control water movement and rheology while improving the handling characteristics of fresh mortar.
As an experienced HEMC manufacturer and supplier, MIKEM develops construction-grade cellulose ether products for different mortar systems, application conditions and performance requirements.
Melacoll™ HEMC is MIKEM’s construction-grade Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose series developed for cementitious and gypsum-based building materials.
Different viscosity and performance grades are available to support formulation requirements across multiple construction applications.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose |
| Abbreviation | HEMC / MHEC |
| CAS No. | 9032-42-2 |
| Appearance | White or off-white powder |
| Viscosity Range | 1,000–75,000 mPa·s |
| pH Value | 6–8 |
| Main Applications | Tile adhesive, dry mix mortar, wall putty, gypsum-based materials |
| Standard Packaging | 25 kg/bag |
| Customized Grade | Available |
| Customized Packaging | Available |
| Sample | Available |
Viscosity alone does not determine how a cellulose ether performs in a finished construction formulation.
MIKEM can help evaluate your required:
The performance of a construction formulation depends not only on cement, fillers and polymers, but also on how the fresh mortar behaves during mixing and application.
HEMC helps retain water inside cementitious or gypsum-based formulations instead of allowing moisture to disappear too quickly into the substrate or surrounding environment.
Construction-grade HEMC modifies mortar rheology to create a smoother and more manageable consistency.
HEMC can help maintain workable conditions for longer, which is particularly valuable in tile adhesives and other construction materials where sufficient adjustment time is required.
In vertical applications, properly selected HEMC helps control mortar movement and improves resistance to sagging or slipping.
HEMC contributes to a more uniform fresh mortar structure, helping reduce segregation while improving application consistency.
Appropriate HEMC grades can be selected for formulations used under different temperatures, substrates and construction conditions.
APPLICATION-FOCUSED SOLUTIONS
Different binders, filler systems, temperatures, application methods and performance targets can require different cellulose ether properties.
That is why MIKEM does more than simply supply HEMC powder.
We help customers identify a suitable grade based on the actual formulation.
Let us know where the HEMC will be used, such as tile adhesive, dry mix mortar, wall putty or gypsum-based materials.
Provide your required viscosity range or current product specification so we can narrow down the most suitable HEMC grade.
Tell us which properties matter most, such as water retention, open time, workability, sag resistance or consistency.
If you are replacing an existing HEMC supplier, send us the current grade or specification for comparison and matching.
WHY MIKEM
Choosing the right HEMC supplier means considering more than price.
Batch consistency, technical specifications, formulation compatibility, supply capability and technical support can all affect your finished construction product.
MIKEM combines manufacturing capability with application-focused technical support to provide dependable Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose solutions.
Selecting cellulose ether based only on a technical data sheet is not always enough.
The best way to evaluate an HEMC grade is to test it directly in your formulation.
Tell us your application and required performance. Our team can recommend a suitable Melacoll™ HEMC grade for evaluation.
Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose, commonly abbreviated as HEMC and also known as MHEC, is a non-ionic cellulose ether used as a thickener, water-retention agent and rheology modifier.
In construction materials, HEMC is commonly used in tile adhesives, dry mix mortar, wall putty, skim coat and gypsum-based formulations.
HEMC helps improve several properties of fresh construction mortar, including water retention, viscosity, workability, open time and sag resistance.
Its exact effect depends on the HEMC grade, dosage and complete formulation.
Both HEMC and HPMC are non-ionic cellulose ethers widely used in construction materials.
Their substitution chemistry differs, which can influence properties such as thermal behavior, water retention, rheology and application performance.
The better choice depends on the formulation, climate, required workability and performance target.
There is no single viscosity suitable for every application.
The appropriate HEMC grade should be selected according to your application, binder system, required consistency, open time, water retention and application method.
MIKEM can recommend a grade after reviewing your formulation requirements.
Yes.
MIKEM provides HEMC samples for formulation and performance evaluation. Tell us your application and required specification, and our team can recommend an appropriate product for testing.
MIKEM is a manufacturer and global supplier of Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose and other specialty chemical products.
We support customers with product manufacturing, quality control, grade selection, technical evaluation and commercial supply.
Yes.
If you are evaluating a new HEMC supplier, you can provide your current product specification, required viscosity or sample information.
MIKEM can recommend an appropriate HEMC grade for comparative testing.
Tell us what you’re looking for. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
