Cellulose Ethers

Technical Overview and Product Guide

Introduction to Cellulose Ethers from Dow

Construction Chemicals
Cellulose ethers are water-soluble polymers derived from cellulose,
the most abundant polymer in nature. For more than 60 years,
these versatile products have played an important role in a host of
applications, from construction products, ceramics and paints to
foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
For construction products, cellulose ethers act as thickeners, binders,
film formers and water-retention agents. They also function as
suspension aids, surfactants, lubricants, protective colloids and
emulsifiers. In addition, aqueous solutions of certain cellulose ethers
thermally gel, a unique property that plays a key role in a surprising
variety of applications. This valuable combination of properties is not
found in any other water-soluble polymer.
The fact that so many useful properties are simultaneously
present and often act in combination can be a significant economic
advantage. In many applications, two, three or more ingredients
would be required to do the same job performed by a single cellulose
ether product. In addition, cellulose ethers are highly efficient, often
yielding optimal performance at a lower concentration than that
required with other water-soluble polymers.
Dow Construction Chemicals offers a wide array of cellulosic
products, including methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and
carboxymethyl cellulose. Methyl cellulose ethers are most widely
used for many applications in the building and construction industry.

Your Cellulose Ether

Application Specialist
Dow Construction Chemicals offers a robust
portfolio of cellulose ether products for construction
applications. We use our proven chemistry, worldclass research capabilities and experience in the
building and construction industry to remain current
on the industrys ever-changing trends and help bring
you the innovations of tomorrow.
Employing our application development and
manufacturing expertise to offer solutions based on
customer needs, Dow Construction Chemicals can
help you take performance to the next level. We look
forward to working with you to develop innovative
solutions for your products and making sure that
theyre just the right fit. And well be here to respond
quickly with technical service and support.

Chemistry of Cellulose Ethers

Our business offers methyl cellulose ethers in two basic types:
Hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (WALOCEL)
Hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (METHOCEL and WALOCEL)
Both types have the polymeric backbone of cellulose, a natural carbohydrate that contains a basic repeating structure of
anhydroglucose units (see Figure 1). During the manufacture of cellulose ethers, cellulose fibers are heated with a caustic
solution that, in turn, is treated with methyl chloride, and either propylene oxide or ethylene oxide, yielding hydroxypropyl
methyl cellulose or hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose, respectively. The fibrous reaction product is purified and ground to a fine,
uniform powder.
Special-grade products have also been formulated to meet the requirements of specific industries.
Our cellulose ether products are available in three different forms: powder, surface-treated powder and granular. The type of
product being formulated influences which form to select. In most dry-mix applications, untreated powder is typically used,
whereas for ready-mix applications, in which the cellulosic powder is added directly to water, surface-treated powder or
granular forms are preferred.
Figure 1: Chemistry of Cellulose Derivatives

Monochloromethane
Ethylene Oxide
Cl

Activating
Cellulose

Alkali
Cellulose

NaOH

OH
HO

OH

Could react

HO

ONa

OH

Hydroxyethyl
Methyl
Cellulose

O
HO

OMe
H
- NaCl
WALOCEL M / METHOCEL Products
Monochloromethane
OH
Propylene Oxide

Cl

ONa

WALOCEL M Products

H
H
- NaCl

Hydroxypropyl
Methyl
Cellulose

HO

OMe

General Properties
General properties common to our cellulose ethers are listed here. Individual products exhibit these properties to varying degrees and may have
additional properties desirable for specific applications. For more information, consult your Dow Construction Chemicals representative.
Table 1: General Properties of Dow Construction Chemicals Cellulose Ethers
Property

Details

Advantages

Binding

Used as high-performance binders for extruded fiber-cement materials

Green strength

Emulsification

Stabilize emulsions by reducing surface and interfacial tensions and by Stability

thickening the aqueous phase

Film formation

Form clear, tough, flexible water-soluble films

Excellent barriers to oils and greases

Films can be made water-insoluble via crosslinking

Lubrication

Reduces friction in cement extrusion; improves hand-tool workability

Improved pumpability of concrete, machine grouts and spray

plasters
Improved workability of trowel-applied mortars and pastes

Nonionic

Products have no ionic charge

Will not complex with metallic salts or other ionic species to form
insoluble properties
Robust formulation compatibility

Solubility (organic)

Soluble in binary organic and organic solvent/water systems for select

types and grades

Unique combination of organic solubility and water solubility

Solubility (water)

Surface-treated/granular products can be added directly to aqueous

Ease of dispersion and dissolution
systems
Untreated products must first be thoroughly dispersed to prevent
Control of solubilization rate
lumping

pH stability

Stable over a pH range of 2.0 to 13.0

Viscosity stability
Greater versatility

Surface activity

Act as surfactants in aqueous solution

Surface tensions range from 42 to 64 mN/m(1)

Emulsification
Protective colloid action
Phase stabilization

Suspension

Controls settling of solid particles in aqueous systems

Anti-settling of aggregate or pigments

In-can stability

Thermal gelation

Occurs to aqueous solutions of methyl cellulose ethers when heated

above a particular temperature

Controllable quick-set properties

Gels go back into solution upon cooling

Thickening

Wide range of molecular weights for thickening water-based systems

Range of rheological profiles

Pseudoplastic shear thinning rheology approaching Newtonian
Thixotropy

Water retention

Powerful water-retention agent; keeps water in formulated systems

and prevents loss of water to atmosphere or substrate

Highly efficient
Improved workability and open time of dispersion-based systems
such as tape joint compounds and aqueous coatings, as well as
mineral-bound building systems such as cement-based mortars and
gypsum-based plasters

(1)

The surface tension of water is 72 mN/m; a typical surfactant has a surface tension of 30 mN/m.

PRODUCT GUIDE

Cement-Based Tile Adhesives (CBTA)

Our products enable performance of thin-set mortars via water retention and with pseudoplastic rheological performance. Achieve
creamy and easy workability and consistency, high water retention, improved wetting to the tile, excellent open time and adjustment
time, and more.
Table 2: Cellulose Ether Products for Cement-Based Tile Adhesives (CBTA)
Product

Viscosity, mPa s

WALOCEL VP-M-49125

8,000

WALOCEL MKS 10000 PF 60

10,000

WALOCEL MKX 15000 PF 01

15,000

WALOCEL MW 15000 PFV

15,000

METHOCEL 327

20,000

WALOCEL MKX 20000 PP 10

20,000

WALOCEL MKX 25000 PF 25 L

25,000

WALOCEL MKX 40000 PF 01

40,000

WALOCEL MW 40000 PFV

40,000

WALOCEL MKX 45000 PP 10

45,000

WALOCEL MKX 45000 PF 20 L

45,000

WALOCEL MKX 60000 PF 01

60,000

WALOCEL MW 60000 PFV

60,000

WALOCEL M-20678

80,000

Properties

Modified HPMC grade

Long open time
Very high slip resistance
Modified HPMC grade
Long open time
Very high slip resistance
Medium viscosity HEMC grade
Recommended for standard quality polymer- and non-polymermodified thin-sets
Medium viscosity HEMC grade
Delayed hydration
Suitable for dry mix and ready-to-use
Multipurpose
Good open time
Good slip resistance
Modified HEMC grade
Good open time
Good workability
Modified HEMC grade
Long open time
Good slip resistance
Good workability
High viscosity HEMC grade
Recommended for standard quality polymer and non-polymermodified thin-sets
High viscosity HEMC grade with delayed hydration
Suitable for dry mix and ready-to-use
High viscosity HEMC grade
Good open time
Good workability
Moderate slip resistance
Modified HEMC grade
Long open time
Excellent workability
Good slip resistance
Very high viscosity HEMC
High water retention/open time at low dosage rates
Very high viscosity HEMC
Delayed hydration
High water retention/open time at low dosage rates
Ultra high viscosity HEMC
High water retention/open time at low dosage rates

The wide range of

viscosity grades of
our cellulose ethers
(from 50 to more than
80,000 mPa s(1)) gives
formulators a variety of
choices to balance their
thickening and rheology
needs, as well as the
desired level of other
performance properties.
50 80,000 mPa s, 2% solution,
measured with a Haake rotational
rheometer, 20C, shear rate 2.55 s-1

(1)

Tile Grouts

Self-Leveling Underlayments

Cellulose ethers function as a water retention and suspension

aid. Discover easy workability, good adhesion to the edges of the
tiles, low shrinkage, high abrasion resistance, good toughness and
cohesion, and more.

Cellulosics impart water retention and lubricity to improve flow and

pumpability, minimize segregation and more.

Table 3: Cellulose Ether Products for Tile Grouts

Product

Viscosity, mPa s

Properties

WALOCEL MK 3000 PF

3,000

Excellent workability

WALOCEL MKW 4000 PF 01

4,000

Easy workability

6,000

Good workability
Good application
properties

WALOCEL MKX 6000 PF 01

Table 4: Cellulose Ether Products for Self-Leveling

Underlayments
Product

Viscosity, mPa s

METHOCEL CP 7331

100

METHOCEL CP 1119

300

WALOCEL MK 400 PF

400

WALOCEL MT 400 PFV

400

WALOCEL MKW 6000 PF 01

2,000

Properties

Less segregation
Outstanding flow
Less segregation
Excellent flow
Less segregation
Very good flow
Less segregation
Very good flow
Minimal segregation
Good flow

Mortars for EIFS/Skim Coat

Deliver the perfect finishing touch with improved workability, air void stabilization, adhesion, water retention and more.
Table 5: Cellulose Ether Products for Mortars for EIFS/Skim Coat
Product

Viscosity, mPa s

Properties

Mortars for
EIFS

Skim Coats

WALOCEL MKW 4000 PF 01

4,000

Easy workability

WALOCEL MKX 6000 PF 01

6,000

WALOCEL MKS 10000 PF 60

10,000

WALOCEL MKW 10000 PP 01

10,000

Good air void stabilization

WALOCEL MKX 15000 PF 01

15,000

Multipurpose

WALOCEL MKW 15000 PP 30

15,000

Good air void stabilization

Sag resistance

WALOCEL MKW 20000 PP 20

20,000

Good air void stabilization

WALOCEL MKX 20000 PP 10

20,000

Easy workability
Good mesh grab

METHOCEL 327

20,000

Multipurpose

WALOCEL MKX 25000 PF 25 L

25,000

High yield
Good workability
Good mesh grab

WALOCEL MKX 45000 PP 10

45,000

High water retention

WALOCEL MKX 45000 PF 20 L

45,000

Good workability

Good workability
Good application properties
Excellent open time
Excellent workability for feather finish

Decorative
Renders

Cement-Based Plasters
Deliver better performance through improved sag resistance, workability, open time, air-void stabilization, adhesion, water retention, yield
and more.
Table 6: Cellulose Ether Products for Cement-Based Plasters
Product

Viscosity, mPa s

Properties

WALOCEL MKW 15000 PP 30

15,000

Air void stabilization

Good standing strength

WALOCEL MKW 20000 PP 01

20,000

Air void stabilization

Good standing strength

WALOCEL MKW 20000 PP 20

20,000

Air void stabilization

Easy workability

WALOCEL MKW 20000 PP 30

20,000

Air void stabilization

Sag resistance

WALOCEL MKW 20000 PP 40

20,000

Air void stabilization

High yield

WALOCEL MKW 30000 PP 01

30,000

Air void stabilization

WALOCEL MKW 30000 PP 10

30,000

Air void stabilization

Easy workability

WALOCEL MKW 30000 PP 30

30,000

Air void stabilization

Sag resistance

Gypsum-Based Building Materials

Deliver the desired end result of a smooth, even and durable surface with consistent product quality and important performance features.
Table 7: Cellulose Ether Products for Gypsum-Based Building Materials
Product

Viscosity, mPa s

Properties

Gypsum Plaster

Gypsum Fillers

WALOCEL MK 3000 PF

3,000

Excellent workability

WALOCEL MKX 20000 PF 40

20,000

Reduced lump formation

Good workability

WALOCEL MKX 30000 PF 60 E

30,000

Easy workability
High yield

WALOCEL MKX 35000 PP 35

35,000

Multipurpose

WALOCEL MKX 40000 PF 20

40,000

Reduced lump formation

WALOCEL MKX 70000 PP 01

70,000

High water retention

WALOCEL MKX 70000 PP 40

70,000

Easy workability
High water retention

Cement and Cement-Fiber Extruded Materials

Reduce friction and impart lubricity to aid in extrusion and other forming processes.
Table 8: Cellulose Ether Products for Cement and Cement-Fiber Extruded Materials
Product

Viscosity, mPa s

Properties

WALOCEL MKX 60000 PF 01

60,000

High water retention

WALOCEL VP-M-7701

70,000

High water retention

High heat stability

WALOCEL M-20678

80,000

High water retention

High heat stability

Latex-Based Systems (Ready-to-Use)

A range of viscosity grades delivers good workability, delayed solubility, open time, adjustment time and more.
Table 9: Cellulose Ether Products for Latex-Based Systems (Ready-to-Use)
Product

Viscosity, mPa s

Properties

Silicate
Renders

Plasters

Tile
Adhesives

Tape Joint
Compounds

Caulks &
Sealants

WALOCEL MT 6000 PV

6,000

Multipurpose

WALOCEL MW 6000 PFV

6,000

Delayed solubility

WALOCEL CRT 10000 PV

10,000

Delayed solubility

WALOCEL MW 15000 PFV

15,000

Delayed solubility

METHOCEL 240S

20,000

Delayed solubility

WALOCEL MK 25000 PFV

25,000

WALOCEL M-8805

30,000

WALOCEL MW 40000 PFV

40,000

Delayed solubility

WALOCEL CRT 40000 PV

40,000

Delayed solubility

WALOCEL M-8804

40,000

WALOCEL M-8809

40,000

METHOCEL J 75 MS-N

40,000

Delayed solubility

CELLOSIZE QP 15000

15,000

Delayed solubility

CELLOSIZE QP 52000

50,000

Delayed solubility

Delayed solubility
Easy workability
Delayed solubility
Easy workability

Delayed solubility
Good body and open time
Delayed solubility
Easy workability

Safety Considerations

Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for WALOCEL, METHOCEL and CELLOSIZE products are available from Dow to help satisfy your own handling, disposal and safety needs,
and those that may be required by government regulations. Such information should be requested prior to handling or use. The general information that follows is not a substitute for
the detailed safety information found in the MSDS.

Handling and Storage

During use or storage, safe handling is required to prevent dust with air from reaching explosive levels, as is true with other organic materials of similar particle size. When handling
large quantities, local applicable regulations concerning the prevention of dust explosions or those outlined in the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard: Prevention of
Dust Explosions in Industrial Plants should be followed. With cellulose ethers, the critical level may be reached at about 28 grams dust/m3.
Additionally, WALOCEL, METHOCEL and CELLOSIZE products, like other organic chemicals, should not be stored next to peroxides or other oxidizing agents.

Health

As is typical when working with powders, ensure that adequate respiratory protection measures are taken. Please refer to the safety data sheet for more specific respiratory protection
measures, as well as more detailed health and safety considerations.

Flammability

Cellulose ether products are organic polymers that will burn when exposed to heat and a sufficient oxygen supply. Fires can be extinguished by conventional means, avoiding any
raising of dust by strong water jets. Dow recommends the use of water spray, carbon dioxide or powder extinguishers.

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