Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC): Versatile Cellulose Ether for Multiple Industries
Introduction
Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC), also known as Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, is a versatile cellulose ether derivative with exceptional binding, thickening, and stabilizing properties. Qingdao Unionchem Co., Ltd. offers premium quality CMC products that deliver superior performance across diverse industries including food, textiles, paper, ceramics, and drilling operations. Our CMC products are manufactured under strict ISO9001 quality management systems, ensuring consistent performance and reliability that meets international standards.
What distinguishes CMC is its remarkable functionality as a water-soluble polymer that modifies viscosity, provides binding capacity, and creates protective films. Its unique chemical structure, formed by introducing carboxymethyl groups to cellulose chains, results in a highly functional polymer that maintains stability across varying pH levels and processing conditions. This versatility makes CMC an essential ingredient in countless applications where controlled rheology, water retention, and binding properties are critical.
Product Features
Unionchem's Carboxymethyl Cellulose portfolio includes several specialized grades designed to meet specific application requirements:
CMC Food Grade
Our food-grade CMC complies with international food safety standards including FCC, E466, and other relevant regulations. This high-purity grade is specifically formulated for food applications, providing excellent thickening, stabilizing, and water retention properties without affecting taste or appearance.
CMC Technical Grade
Engineered for industrial applications, our technical grade CMC delivers reliable performance in textiles, paper, ceramics, and other technical applications where precise viscosity control and binding properties are essential.
High Viscosity CMC
Specifically designed for applications requiring significant thickening power, our high viscosity CMC provides exceptional rheology control and suspension capabilities at low concentrations.
Low Viscosity CMC
Our low viscosity CMC focuses on binding and film-forming properties with minimal impact on system viscosity, making it ideal for applications where moderate thickening with excellent binding is required.
High Temperature Stable CMC
Specially formulated to maintain performance at elevated temperatures, this variant ensures reliable functionality in high-temperature processing and application environments.
Product Advantages
Superior Rheological Properties
Unionchem's CMC products provide excellent viscosity control with pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) behavior, allowing for easy processing while maintaining desired thickness at rest. This property enables effective suspension of particles and improved stability in various formulations.
Exceptional Binding Capacity
Our CMC creates strong bonds between particles and surfaces, providing excellent adhesion and cohesion in diverse applications. This binding capacity is particularly valuable in textile sizing, paper coating, and ceramic processing.
Effective Film Formation
CMC forms transparent, flexible films with good barrier properties, making it ideal for surface treatment applications. These films provide protection, improved appearance, and enhanced functionality across multiple industries.
Water Retention and Control
The hydrophilic nature of CMC enables it to bind water effectively, controlling moisture content and preventing water migration in various systems. This property is crucial in food products, construction materials, and personal care formulations.
Wide Compatibility Range
Unionchem's CMC products are compatible with numerous ingredients and additives:
Works effectively with various salts and electrolytes
Compatible with many proteins and other hydrocolloids
Performs well in conjunction with surfactants and emulsifiers
Maintains functionality across a broad pH range (3-11)
Production Excellence
Manufactured in state-of-the-art facilities with:
ISO9001 certified quality management systems
Rigorous raw material testing
Comprehensive in-process controls
Advanced analytical capabilities
Consistent batch-to-batch performance
Applications
Food Industry
Dairy Products: Prevents whey separation in yogurts and processed cheeses
Bakery Products: Improves moisture retention and texture in breads and cakes
Sauces and Dressings: Provides stability and appropriate viscosity in sauces and dressings
Ice Cream: Enhances texture and prevents ice crystal formation
Beverages: Stabilizes protein in dairy and plant-based drinks
Textile Industry
Sizing Agents: Improves yarn strength and reduces breakage during weaving
Printing Pastes: Controls rheology and color consistency in textile printing
Dyeing Processes: Enhances dye penetration and color uniformity
Finishing Treatments: Provides smooth surface finish and improved fabric handle
Paper Industry
Surface Sizing: Improves surface strength and printability
Coating Formulations: Controls coating rheology and enhances binding of pigments
Specialty Papers: Provides specific functional properties for technical papers
Recycled Paper Processing: Improves fiber bonding in recycled paper production
Ceramic Industry
Glazing Applications: Controls rheology of ceramic glazes
Green Body Strength: Enhances strength of unfired ceramic bodies
Extrusion Aids: Improves plasticity and reduces friction during extrusion
Suspension Stability: Prevents settling of ceramic particles in slips and slurries
Drilling Operations
Fluid Loss Control: Reduces filtration in water-based drilling fluids
Viscosity Enhancement: Improves carrying capacity of drilling fluids
Shale Inhibition: Helps stabilize reactive shale formations
Completion Fluids: Provides controlled viscosity in well completion operations
Personal Care Products
Toothpaste: Controls rheology and provides stability
Creams and Lotions: Enhances texture and stability of emulsions
Hair Care Products: Improves conditioning and film-forming properties
Cleansing Products: Provides appropriate viscosity and skin feel
Common Questions
What is the difference between CMC and Polyanionic Cellulose (PAC)?
While both are cellulose derivatives, CMC typically has a lower degree of substitution (DS typically 0.7-0.9) compared to PAC (DS typically 0.9-1.2). PAC also features a more uniform substitution pattern, resulting in better salt tolerance and enhanced temperature stability. CMC is more widely used across diverse industries, while PAC is primarily focused on drilling applications where superior filtration control is required.
How does the viscosity of CMC vary by grade?
CMC viscosity is primarily determined by molecular weight and degree of substitution. Our low viscosity grades typically provide 30-300 cPs (1% solution), medium viscosity grades range from 300-1000 cPs, and high viscosity grades can exceed 1500 cPs. The specific viscosity profile also depends on concentration, temperature, pH, and the presence of electrolytes.
Is CMC compatible with acids and alkaline conditions?
CMC maintains stability across a broad pH range (3-11), though optimal performance is typically achieved in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions (pH 7-9). Below pH 3, CMC may precipitate due to conversion to free carboxylic acid form. Our products are designed to provide maximum stability within their recommended pH ranges for specific applications.
How should CMC be incorporated into formulations?
For optimal performance, CMC should be properly dispersed before hydration. Typically, it is slowly added to water under moderate agitation to prevent clumping. In systems containing high levels of electrolytes or competing water-binding ingredients, pre-dispersion in a non-solvent (like glycerin or alcohol) may be beneficial. Specific incorporation methods vary by application and available processing equipment.
What is the environmental profile of CMC?
CMC is biodegradable and derived from renewable cellulose sources, typically wood pulp or cotton linters. It contains no animal-derived components, making it suitable for vegetarian and vegan products. As a water-soluble polymer, it poses minimal environmental concerns when used and disposed of properly.
Contact Unionchem for Your CMC Needs
Whether you require standard CMC grades or specialized formulations for your specific application, Unionchem's experienced technical team is ready to assist. We can provide customized solutions with detailed technical specifications and application guidance to optimize your product performance.
For inquiries, samples, or technical support regarding our premium Carboxymethyl Cellulose products, please contact our sales team at sales@unionchem.com.cn. Our specialists will work closely with you to identify the ideal CMC variant for your requirements, ensuring cost-effective solutions with timely delivery and comprehensive technical support.
