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Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) in Papermaking: Enhancing Strength, Smoothness & Sustainability

Views: 31     Author: Kevin     Publish Time: 2021-10-05      Origin: Qingdao Unionchem Co., Ltd.

With the global CMC market projected to reach USD 1.97 billion by 2030 (CAGR 4.64%), papermaking applications account for 18.7% of total demand, driven by the need for stronger, more printable paper products. As a leading Chinese manufacturer with ISO 9001 and REACH certifications, Qingdao Unionchem delivers 15,000 MT annually of papermaking-grade CMC, trusted by Stora Enso and UPM for its ability to improve paper strength by 40% while reducing production costs by 20%.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) in Papermaking

Technical Excellence: Key Parameters for Papermaking Success


Property

Unionchem Specification

Industry Standard

Performance Advantage

Viscosity (2% Solution)

20–6000 cps (customizable)

50–5000 cps

Tailored for surface sizing (low viscosity) to coating (high viscosity)

Degree of Substitution

0.7–0.85

0.6–0.9

Optimal balance of water solubility and film-forming

Purity

≥98%

≥90%

Reduces machine deposits and improves coating uniformity

pH Stability

6.0–8.5

5.5–9.0

Compatible with acidic and alkaline papermaking systems


3 Critical Applications Transforming Paper Quality


1. Surface Sizing: Strength & Printability Enhancement


  • Performance Metrics: 0.5% CMC addition increases:

    • Tear strength by 35%

    • Smoothness by 40% (Bekk method)

    • Ink absorption by 25% (Case Study: German Newsprint Producer, 2024)

  • Mechanism: Forms a continuous film on paper surface, reducing porosity by 30% while maintaining breathability


2. Coating Binder: Optimizing Pigment Performance


  • Key Benefits:

    • Reduces latex binder usage by 20% when used at 1.2% dosage

    • Improves water retention by 50%, preventing "orange peel" defects

    • Enhances coating gloss to 75 GU (60° angle) with calcium carbonate pigments

  • Application: Ideal for high-gloss magazine paper and food packaging boards


3. Wet-End Additive: Filler Retention & Drainage


  • Efficiency Gains:

    • Increases filler retention by 15% (calcium carbonate/kaolin)

    • Speeds up drainage by 12%, reducing paper machine energy consumption

      • Improves sheet formation, reducing formation index by 18%


Unionchem's Manufacturing Advantage


  • Vertical Integration: From cotton linter processing to finished powder, ensuring batch consistency (viscosity variation ±50 cps)

  • Customization Capabilities:

    • Particle size control (90% through 80–200 mesh)

    • Low-chloride grades (<3%) for sensitive food contact papers

  • Global Logistics: 7-day delivery to Rotterdam/Hamburg ports with 25kg moisture-proof packaging


Sustainability Leadership


  • Eco-Friendly Production: 30% lower water consumption vs. conventional processes

  • Biodegradable: 80% degradation in 90 days (OECD 301B test)

  • Carbon Footprint: 28% lower than synthetic polymer alternatives (LCA 2024 data)


Request Your Technical Package


Gain access to:

✅ Free sample with COA

✅ Application guides for 5 paper grades

✅ Dosage optimization calculator


Contact our papermaking specialists today:

Email: sales@unionchem.com.cn

Phone: +86-13953383796

Website: www.unionchem.com.cn


"Trusted by 50+ paper mills worldwide—where innovation meets sustainability."




Certifications: ISO 9001, REACH, FDA (food contact)

Production Capacity: 15,000 MT/year

Lead Time: 5–7 days for standard grades