Hydroxyethyl Methyl Cellulose (HEMC) Gel Temperature Testing

Cellulose ethers are known to have the ability to change with temperature. Today DJCHEM presents gel temperature testing experiments with hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC).

Accurate Weighing

Our experiments start with precision. Weigh a 0.5 gram sample of HEMC and set it aside. Prepare 50 ml of hot water at 90°C. Both are important parts of the experimental process, so don’t make any mistakes in the weighing process, as more or less will affect the results.

Stirring and Turning

Pour the HEMC sample into the hot water and stir well. Pour the solution into a 250 ml volumetric flask. We will also add distilled water to the scale. Every drop counts and every measurement is meticulous. We turn the volumetric flask over 10 times in a row to ensure the homogeneity of the solution, a step we can call “fixing the solution.”

Warming the beaker

Pour a portion of the solution into a test tube and place the tube in a beaker with enough water to heat it. Keep observing the changes in the solution in the test tube. When the temperature reaches 75°C, changes in the solution can be seen. As the temperature increases and reaches the critical point of 85°C, the HEMC solution begins to gel.