Products for Industrial Detergent
Cellulose ethers are essential functional additives in industrial cleaning formulations. The most commonly used types are Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC), Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC), and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC), each selected for its specific properties.
They act as thickeners, rheology modifiers, anti-redeposition agents, and stabilizers. Their key roles are to control viscosity, suspend soils, prevent redeposition onto cleaned surfaces, and stabilize formulations.
Selections of Cellulose in Industrial Detergent
| Products Type | Recommendation | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| HEC |
-High-viscosity acidic/alkaline cleaners -Vehicle/aircraft cleaning gels -Industrial hand soaps/pastes -High-electrolyte cleaning solutions |
-Excellent electrolyte tolerance -High clarity -Good compatibility with surfactants -High thickening efficiency and suspension power |
-Higher cost -Weaker anti-redeposition performance compared to CMC -Slower dissolution – requires thorough mixing and dispersion |
| CMC |
-Industrial laundry detergents/liquids -Tank/equipment cleaning agents -Low-viscosity dispersion/suspension cleaners -Cost-sensitive general cleaners |
-Superior anti-soil redeposition – industry standard for detergents -Excellent dispersion and suspension – prevents soil agglomeration -Lowest cost – high economic efficiency -Some water-softening ability (chelates Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺ ions) |
-Poor salt tolerance – viscosity loss in high-electrolyte systems -Less stable in strong acid/alkali systems compared to HEC -Limited clarity – not ideal for highly transparent products |
| HPMC |
-Industrial scrubbing pastes/stain removers -Floor cleaners/polishes -Neutral or mildly alkaline all-purpose cleaners -Low-temperature cleaning agents |
-Good water retention – extends dwell time on surfaces -Provides lubricity and film-forming properties -Thermal gelation – improves stability at elevated temperatures -Cost-effective performance balance |
-Poor salt/electrolyte tolerance – severe viscosity loss in high-ionic-strength systems -Not acid-stable (precipitates at pH < 5 -Products are typically opaque -Poor compatibility with some cationic surfactants |