Thickener performance plays a crucial role in waterborne coatings, where maintaining viscosity stability is often a challenge. In high pigment formulations, viscosity can drop or fluctuate over time, causing pigment settling, poor suspension, and uneven film appearance, which impact coating quality.
Another critical issue lies in water retention and open time during application. In fast-drying or highly absorbent substrates, the coating can lose moisture too quickly, preventing the film from leveling properly. The result is a rough or cracked surface, visible brush marks, and uneven film thickness, which not only compromise appearance but also long-term durability.
These problems are particularly frustrating for applicators working in hot or windy conditions, as they can drastically reduce productivity and increase material waste due to premature drying.
Introducing Quava™ T2081: A High Efficiency Water-Based Thickener
Quava™ T2081, powered by Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC), is a next-generation non-ionic thickener developed to enhance the rheological performance of waterborne coatings. It combines strong viscosity stabilizers with excellent compatibility across polymer emulsions, pigments, and fillers — ensuring stable, smooth, and consistent coating quality.
Image 1. Quava T2081 Specifications
What is Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC)?
Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is a type of cellulose ether derived from natural cellulose, the main component of plant cell walls. Similar to Hydroxyethyl Cellulose for paint, MHEC is chemically modified by introducing both methyl and hydroxyethyl groups onto the cellulose backbone.
This modification gives MHEC enhanced thickening efficiency, superior water retention, and improved viscosity stability, making it ideal for applications in coatings, adhesives, and even personal care formulations. Thanks to its high efficiency, MHEC requires lower dosages to achieve the same viscosity, reducing formulation cost and improving performance consistency.
Why Choose Quava™ T2081 MHEC Thickener for Waterborne Coatings
Quava™ T2081 is a non-ionic MHEC-based thickener designed for a wide range of water-based coatings. It delivers an exceptional balance between viscosity control, smooth application, and long-term storage stability, ensuring both performance and formulation reliability.
High Thickening Efficiency
Quava™ T2081 thickener enhances viscosity and improves flow and leveling properties, resulting in a smoother finish and better coverage. Compared to standard Hydroxyethyl Cellulose for paint, specially developed Quava cellulose ethers deliver 10-20% higher thickening efficiency, helping formulators thicken water based paint more effectively while reducing required dosage.
Superior Water Retention
Quava™ T2081 Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose improves water retention in coatings, preventing premature drying and surface cracking. Even on dry or absorbent substrates, or under hot and windy conditions, coatings formulated with MHEC maintain uniform films without cracks or chalking.
Improved Texture and Application Feel
This water based thickener provides a smooth, creamy consistency that improves spreadability and prevents lump formation. The result is an easier application and a more uniform surface appearance.
Excellent Compatibility
As a non-ionic thickener, Quava™ T2081 is compatible with various polymer and other coating additives. It maintains stable performance without affecting color, gloss, or drying time.
Outstanding Storage Stability
With its balanced substitution and uniform etherification, Quava™ T2081 MHEC thickener offers strong enzyme resistance. The viscosity of waterborne coatings remains stable over time, minimizing pigment sedimentation and flocculation, ensuring a longer shelf life and consistent batch quality.
Potential Applications of Quava™ T2081 MHEC Thickener
- Interior Wall Coatings
- Exterior Wall Paints
- Stone Paints and Textured Finishes
- Lime Stucco
- Cementitious Stucco and Decorative Coatings
Discover How Quava™ T2081 Can Elevate Your Coating Formulation
If you're developing waterborne coatings and need a reliable thickener that improves viscosity, water retention, and stability, Quava™ T2081 Methyl Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (MHEC) is your ideal choice.
As a high-performance water-based thickener, Quava™ T2081 offers measurable improvements in coating quality, smoothness, and storage life, while keeping formulation costs under control. Whether for interior or exterior paints, Quava™ T2081 helps formulators achieve consistent, stable and efficient performance.
Contact Maha today for FREE Quava™ T2081 samples, formulation support, or technical consultation, and experience how our viscosity stabilizers and non-ionic thickeners can transform your next coating innovation.