As a nonionic surfactant, HEC has the functions such as thickening, suspension, emulsification, adhesion, film formation, dispersion, water retention, providing protection and the following properties:
1. HEC is soluble in heat water or cold water, it don't precipitate under high temperature or boiling, solubility and viscosity changes in a wide range;
2. Because of its nonionic property, it can coexist with other water-soluble polymer, surfactants and salts in wide range, is an excellent colloid thickener for high-concentration electrolyte solution;
3. Its water retention is twice of methyl cellulose, with excellent flow controllability;
4. Its dispersibility is the worst compared with methyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose, but the protection power for colloid is the strongest.