Cellulose Derivatives

The technical applications of these materials are found in fibers, films, photographic films, glass substitute and paint binders or paper pastes, adhesives, soaps and synthetic resins.

A big consumer is the building industry, which keeps plaster, cement, wallpaper paste or special adhesives free-flowing with cellulose-based thickeners. Preferred substances are the so-called cellulose ethers, which include, particularly in the construction sector, methyl cellulose (MC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and methylhydroxy propyl cellulose (MHPC). The food industry also depends on the thickening effect of cellulose ether, which slows the melting of ice cream for example. In this field there are high standards for the raw materials that are used.