Natrosol

Natrosol 250 Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a series of off-white powders that are easily dispersed and dissolved in cold or hot water, to produce solutions of varying viscosities.

Chemically, it is cellulose of short to very long chain length that has been etherified to a hydroxyethyl ether to achieve an optimum balance of properties.

Natrosol 250 is used as a viscosity and rheology modifier, protective colloid, water retention agent, stabilizer, and suspending agent, particularly in those applications where a nonionic material is desired.

TYPES AND SPECIFICATIONS

The types of Natrosol 250 differ in their solution viscosity, hydration behavior, biostability, and particle size:

- the "R" and “D” types have been treated to delay hydration of the particles. This treatment prevents lumping as the powder is added to water.

- the B-grades, offer superior resistance to biological and chemical degradation,

- types that carry a "X" or “W” in their designation have a finer particle size.

- of some viscosity grades also the type without retarded solubility is available.

USES:

Hydroxyethyl Cellulose is a granular powder that dissolves readily in water to give clear, smooth solutions, which exhibit a pseudoplastic flow behavior. At neutral pH and ambient temperatures, Natrosol R-grades disperse without lump formation and provide easy dissolution. These solutions are unaffected by high concentrations of soluble salts. Viscosity is little affected by mild acids and alkalis. Because of its nonionic character Natrosol has wide compatibility with other materials, such as emulsion polymers, natural and synthetic gums, emulsifiers, defoamers.

Natrosol 250 is used as high efficiency nonionic thickener, water retention aid and rheology modifier in all types of water-based paints and surface coatings, in adhesives, and in a variety of other aqueous industrial products.

Natrosol B offers the additional feature of superior storage stability when used under conditions that enhance microbial growth.

As a protective colloid and stabilizer Natrosol performs outstandingly in the emulsion and suspension polymerization of many vinyl polymers. Its unique combination of properties explains its use in pigment dispersions and in tile adhesives. In toothpaste the lean solvent solubility and compatibility of Natrosol contribute consistency, its dispersibility and binding power are widely appreciated by the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry.

Natrosol is also used in adhesives, resinous and polymeric coatings employed on food-contact surfaces of metal, paper or paperboard articles, and other suitable substrates intended for use in food packaging.

PACKAGING AND STORAGE

Natrosol is packed in multi-wall paper bags of 25 kg net, supplied on pallets of 40 bags (1000 kg) each.

Natrosol is a non-perishable powder. It is recommended to use Natrosol in rotation on a first-in first-out basis.

Natrosol should be stored under dry and clean conditions in its original packing and away from heat. Natrosol is hygroscopic. The packaging is selected in a way to avoid ingress of moisture, but the water content of the packed product may increase if not stored dry.