Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)

Eco-Certified Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)

Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC), commonly known as Cellulose Gum, is a water-soluble polyanionic compound derived from cellulose through a series of processes including alkalization, etherification, neutralization, and washing. Renowned for its versatility and cost-effectiveness, CMC is the most widely produced cellulose ether globally.

As a high-performance additive, LANDERCOLL Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is available in food, oil drilling, textile printing, batteries, and papermaking industries.

LANDERCOLL CMC

LANDERCOLL Chinese Cellulose Ether Manufacturer

Functions and Benefits of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose(CMC)

oil platform in repair

Oil Drilling

  • As a thickening agent, CMC can increase the viscosity of drilling fluids and form a network structure in the mud, thereby enhancing their suspension capacity.
  • CMC can effectively protect the wellbore and manage the penetration and loss of moisture in the drilling fluid.
  • Ultra-high viscosity Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose can be used in fracturing fluids, primarily to carry fillers into oil wells.

Food Industry

  • CMC has good dispersibility and can control the formation of ice crystals, making it suitable for frozen desserts, ice cream, and syrup-based frozen treats.
  • Adding CMC to baked goods can improve the uniformity of the dough and the distribution of ingredients, ensuring that the products remain soft and retain moisture.
  • Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose enhances the suspension stability of fruit juices, improving both texture and mouthfeel.
Delicious fresh bread on wooden background
Bright textile

Textile Printing

  • In the textile industry, CMC is widely used as a sizing agent for various fabrics, including cotton, silk, wool, chemical fibers, and blends.
  • As a thickener and emulsifier, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose allows for the uniform mixing of dyes, high-boiling solvents, and water.

Paper Making

  • In paper coating, CMC is used to control and adjust the rheology of the coating and the dispersion of pigments, as well as enhance their water retention.
  • Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose can serve as a surface sizing agent to reduce the porosity of the paper and improve its resistance to grease.
Shafts Of Paper-making Machine At Paper Mill. Detail

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the Solubility Profile of CMC?

CMC exhibits excellent cold-water solubility, forming clear colloidal solutions at concentrations up to 5% w/v. Unlike HPMC or HEC, it remains stable in both acidic (pH 3-12) and high-ionic-strength environments, making it ideal for brine-based systems. Solubility decreases in organic solvents but can be enhanced via sodium salt forms.

How Does CMC Function in Food Applications?

As a GRAS (FDA 21 CFR §182.1745) ingredient, CMC serves multiple roles:

  • Thickener: Achieves 1,000-50,000 mPa·s viscosity (1% solution, 20°C)
  • Stabilizer: Prevents ice crystal growth in frozen desserts
  • Fat Replacer: Mimics mouthfeel in low-fat dairy products
  • Emulsifier: Stabilizes oil-in-water systems in dressings

Can CMC Replace Xanthan Gum in Gluten-Free Baking?

Yes. CMC (DS 0.7-1.2) provides:

  • Superior dough elasticity (30% higher vs. xanthan)
  • Reduced syneresis during baking
  • Cost savings (~40% lower per kg vs. xanthan)

However, combine with 0.1-0.3% guar gum for optimal gas retention.

How to Test CMC Purity?

Key quality metrics:

  1. Degree of Substitution (DS): 0.6-1.5 via titration (ISO 11216)
  2. Viscosity: Brookfield LV/RV at 1-2% concentration
  3. Moisture: ≤8% by Karl Fischer (USP <921>
  4. NaCl Content: ≤0.5% via conductivity

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