Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose CMC

White or light yellow fibrous powder, odorless and tasteless. Easily dispersed in water to form a transparent colloid, insoluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone and ether. It is hygroscopic, and the Ph value of 1% aqueous solution is 6.5 to 8.0. It is unstable to heat. As the temperature increases, the viscosity decreases. The browning temperature is 226~228℃ and the carbonization temperature is 252~253℃.

CMC is a carboxymethylated derivative of cellulose, also known as cellulose gum. It is an anionic cellulose ether and is the most important ionic cellulose gum. It is usually an anionic polymer compound prepared by reacting natural cellulose with caustic alkali and monochloroacetic acid. The molecular weight of the compound ranges from several thousand to one million.

As a thickener, stabilizer; texture improver; gelling agent; non-nutritive leavening agent; water movement control agent; foam stabilizer; reduce fat adsorption. Because of its viscosity, stability, protective colloid properties, and film-forming properties, it is used to improve the water retention and organizational structure of ice cream (0.3% to 0.5%). But it needs to be used in combination with sodium alginate, etc. Used for quick-cooking noodles to make the product uniform, improve the structure, easily control moisture, and facilitate operation. Adding to jam, cream, peanut butter, etc. can improve spreadability. The dosage for jams and sauces is 0.5% to 1%. Bread, cakes, etc. add 0.1% to wheat to prevent moisture evaporation and aging. It is also used as a solid agent for powdered oils, spices, etc., with a dosage of 20% to 60% (made by mixing oils, spices, etc. into CMC aqueous solution, fully emulsified, dried, and pulverized). Beer foam stabilizer. Fruits, vegetables, eggs, etc. are coated and dried with 2% to 3% CMC solution containing parabens to maintain flavor and prevent mildew. It expands strongly after absorbing water and is indigestible. It can be used in biscuits and other foods for weight loss.

Another main use of CMC is in the preparation of soaps and synthetic detergents. Approximately 1% of CMC is added to heavy-duty detergents to prevent washed dirt from settling on fabrics. Secondly, it is used as a suspension stabilizer for drilling mud in the petroleum industry. In the paper industry, it can be used as an additive to improve the longitudinal strength and smoothness of the paper. Thickener for slurry; used as emulsion stabilizer for injections, binder and film-forming agent for tablets in the pharmaceutical industry; used as thickener in cosmetics, ceramics, etc.