Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC) is a line of nonionic, water-soluble, cellulose based polymers . Hydroxyethyl cellulose is produced by treating reacting alkali-cellulose with ethylene oxide. This reaction converts some of the hydroxyl groups on the cellulose polymer to hydroxyethyl groups. The resulting polymer is a cellulose ether that is primarily used as a thickener for water-based paint, ink, and adhesive formulations.