As a non-ionic surfactant, hydroxyethyl cellulose has the functions of thickening, suspending, binding, flotation, film-forming, loosening, water retention and supplying protective colloid. Before and after adding hydroxyethyl cellulose, it is necessary to stir continuously until the solution is completely transparent and clarified. The best way to add materials is to sieve the water that is being stirred, and do not pour it in an instant. Do not put the agglomerated hydroxyethyl cellulose directly into the water, otherwise it will not dissolve for a long time.

The pH value of the solution should not exceed 7 when fully stirred. Some alkaline substances must not be added to the mixture until the hydroxyethyl cellulose powder is soaked through with water. Raising the pH after wetting will aid in dissolution. Generally, only 3 minutes of stirring can make the thickener completely wet, and then adding pH value will significantly speed up the dissolution rate. As pH and temperature increase, the hydration time decreases accordingly.

Hydroxyethyl cellulose can be mixed with other soluble or insoluble dry ingredients before participating in the formulation. Therefore, pigments, fillers or dyes can be added to promote loosening. Add antifungal agents as early as possible. When using high-viscosity hydroxyethyl cellulose, the concentration of the mother liquor should not be higher than 3% (by weight), otherwise the mother liquor is difficult to handle.

Adding about 0.01 percent surfactant to the water helps wetting and loosening. Hydroxyethylcellulose is stored in tightly covered containers to avoid moisture absorption. Hygroscopic hydroxyethyl cellulose is hygroscopic, and generally contains 5% water. However, the water content may be higher than that in the factory due to different transportation and storage environments. When using, the water content should be measured first, and the weight of water should be deducted when calculating the concentration.

Dust-explosive hydroxyethyl cellulose, like many organic compounds, will explode if it is mixed with air or other oxidants to a critical proportion and exposed to an ignition source. Hydroxyethyl cellulose is defined as read dust. In addition, ventilation should be adhered to in the operation site, and dust generation in the atmosphere should be avoided as much as possible, so as to avoid being inhaled into the respiratory tract or causing other potential safety hazards. In the production of latex paint, hard water is directly used in many occasions. The effect of alkaline substances and cellulose ether in the water will sharply increase the viscosity of the system, and the cellulose ether will agglomerate and cannot be dissolved for a long time.