Author: Unionchem Publish Time: 2026-01-06 Origin: Qingdao Unionchem Co.,Ltd.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC), often referred to as "industrial MSG," is one of the most versatile additives in the world. Whether you are stabilizing a scoop of ice cream, thickening a latex paint, or controlling fluid loss in an oil well, CMC is likely the hero ingredient.
However, for formulators, the challenge isn't finding CMC—it's finding the right CMC. With variations in viscosity, purity, and substitution levels, choosing the wrong grade can lead to phase separation, poor texture, or cost inefficiencies.
In this guide, we break down the critical factors you need to consider to select the perfect Carboxymethyl Cellulose for your specific application.
To make an informed choice, you must understand the three main levers that manufacturers adjust during production:
Food/Pharma Grade (Purity > 99.5%): Highly purified to remove by-products (salts). Essential for applications involving human consumption or skin contact.
Industrial/Tech Grade (Purity < 90%): Contains some residual salts. Perfect for detergents, mining, and construction where high purity isn't critical but cost is.
CMC is available in a massive range, from ultra-low viscosity (like water) to ultra-high viscosity (like a thick gel).
Low Viscosity: Used for binding and moisture retention without making the product too thick.
High Viscosity: Used primarily for thickening and structure building.
This is the technical metric that defines how many carboxymethyl groups are attached to the cellulose backbone.
Standard DS (0.7 – 0.9): The industry standard, offering good solubility and stability.
High DS (> 1.0): Offers better compatibility with salts and acids, making it ideal for complex formulations.
(Internal Link Opportunity: Confused by the specs? Browse our comprehensive Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Product List to see the full range of viscosities and grades available.)
When selecting a grade from a supplier, filter your options through these criteria:
Is it for Food? You need high purity and acid resistance (especially for yogurt or beverages).
Is it for Detergents? You need a grade with excellent anti-redeposition properties (preventing dirt from settling back on clothes). Tech grade is usually sufficient here.
Is it for Ceramics? You need a grade that burns off cleanly without leaving residue.
Do you need the product to flow easily when poured (pseudoplasticity)?
Thixotropy: Some CMC grades form a gel at rest but flow when shaken (like ketchup). If you need this behavior, look for specific thixotropic grades.
If your formulation contains high levels of salt (electrolytes) or has a low pH, a standard CMC might precipitate (clump). In these cases, you must choose a High-DS CMC or a salt-tolerant grade to ensure stability.
Let’s look at how to match the product to the project:
Application | Recommended CMC Type | Why? |
Ice Cream | Food Grade, High Viscosity | Prevents ice crystal formation and provides a creamy mouthfeel (melt-down resistance). |
Toothpaste | Food/Pharma Grade, High DS | Needs high salt tolerance and smooth flow; acts as a binder to keep solids and liquids together. |
Paper Coating | Low Viscosity | Improves water retention and surface strength without making the coating slurry too thick to pump. |
Oil Drilling | PAC (Polyanionic Cellulose) | A specialized derivative of CMC designed to control fluid loss under high pressure and temperature. |
There is no "universal" Carboxymethyl Cellulose. The difference between a successful product and a failed batch often lies in the nuanced choice of viscosity and substitution degree.
For cost-sensitive industrial uses: Focus on Tech Grade with optimized rheology.
For premium consumer goods: Prioritize Purity and Texture.
At Unionchem, we don't just sell CMC; we help you engineer the perfect solution. Whether you need a standard thickener or a custom high-DS polymer, we have the expertise to guide you.
Ready to optimize your formula?Explore our Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) specifications or contact our technical team for a recommendation.
Q1: What does "Degree of Substitution" (DS) mean in CMC?
A: DS refers to the average number of carboxymethyl groups attached to each glucose unit in the cellulose chain. A higher DS generally means better solubility and better stability against salts and acids.
Q2: Can I use Industrial Grade CMC in food products?
A: No. Industrial grade CMC contains by-products from the manufacturing process (like sodium chloride and sodium glycolate) that are not safe for consumption. Always use Food Grade (E466) for edible products.
Q3: Why is my CMC clumping when I add it to water?
A: This is a common issue called "fish eyes." To prevent this, mix the CMC with other dry ingredients (like sugar) before adding water, or use a high-shear mixer. Some suppliers also offer "granular" or surface-treated CMC for easier dispersion.
Q4: What is the difference between CMC and PAC?
A: PAC (Polyanionic Cellulose) is a premium derivative of CMC with a higher degree of substitution. It is primarily used in oil and gas drilling because it offers superior fluid loss control and temperature stability compared to standard CMC.
