Abstract: This invention relates to non-uniformly substituted (“blocky”) hydroxyethylcelluloses (HECs) and derivatives thereof that exhibit associative behavior in both neat solutions and in filled systems. The HECs and derivatives thereof exhibit unique and highly desirable rheology and are more efficient in thickening aqueous systems than prior art HEC products. These blocky HECs can be distinguished from prior art and commercial HEC products by having an unsubstituted anhydroglucose trimer ratio (U3R) greater than 0.21 and the hydroxyethyl molar substitution greater than about 1.3 and less than about 5. This invention also relates to processes for making blocky HEC and uses thereof in functional systems.

Abstract: Personal care compositions an emulsion has an oil phase, a water phase, and a mixed hydrophobe, non-ionic, water-soluble, hydrophobically modified polysaccharide composition comprising a non-ionic water-soluble polysaccharide backbone having at least one C3-C8 short chain hydrophobic group and at least one C9-C24 long chain hydrophobic group attached thereon. This emulsion can be used in a variety of end use applications including textiles, leather, metal treatments, food, pharmaceuticals, paints, agricultural chemicals, polymerization, cleaning and polishing applications, and ore and petroleum recovery. In particular the emulsion is of use in personal care formulation where the emulsion is a component of a vehicle system of the formulation. At least one active personal care ingredient or electrolytes is also present.