ABSTRACT
Hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) is a nonionic, water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose. It is used in water-borne paints for its action as a thickener, stabilizer, and/or suspending agent. HEC not only imparts mechanical and chemical stability to the paint system, it plays a significant role in controlling the rheology of the paint during manufacture, storage, and application. HEC is the most commonly used thickener in latex paints. In fact, it is often referred to as the industry standard for thickening.
