Comparing E462 - Ethyl cellulose vs E1209 - Polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol-graft-co-polymer

Ethyl cellulose is which type of polymer?

Ethyl cellulose is a cellulose ether—a nonionic, thermoplastic polysaccharide derivative in which some hydroxyl groups of cellulose are replaced by ethyl groups.

How is ethyl cellulose made?

It’s made by reacting purified cellulose with ethylating agents (commonly under alkaline conditions) to form ethyl ethers, then washing and drying; the degree of substitution is controlled to tune its properties.

How safe is ethyl cellulose?

It is considered safe as a food additive; JECFA assigned an ADI “not specified” and EFSA found no safety concern at reported uses, with minimal absorption and mainly GI passage—very high intakes may cause mild stomach upset.

How to make ethyl cellulose?

Industrially, it is produced by alkaline ethylation of cellulose using hazardous ethylating agents under controlled conditions; it isn’t practical or safe to make at home.

How to make gunge slime ethylcellulose?

Ethyl cellulose is not water‑soluble, so it won’t make typical water‑based “gunge” slime; for a food-safe slime, use water‑soluble gums like xanthan (E415) or guar (E412) instead.