Anionic, water-soluble cellulose derivative engineered for thickening, stabilization, binding, suspension control, water management, texture improvement, and anti-redeposition performance across food-grade, detergent-grade, ceramic-grade, oilfield-grade, and industrial applications.
LANDERCOLL CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose / Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, CAS 9004-32-4) is a versatile, water-soluble cellulose derivative designed for manufacturers who need reliable thickening, stabilization, binding, suspension control, water management, texture improvement, and formulation consistency across a wide range of regulated and industrial applications.
Suitable food-grade CMC is recognized as food additive E466 (also known as cellulose gum) and is used in sauces, beverages, bakery systems, frozen foods, and dairy-related products. In detergent systems, CMC provides anti-redeposition performance and soil suspension. In ceramics, it delivers binding, plasticity, and green strength. In oilfield fluids, it supports viscosity control and filtration reduction. Across paper, textile, pharmaceutical, and industrial systems, it provides reliable thickening, binding, and stabilization.
LANDERCOLL CMC is a versatile carboxymethyl cellulose product designed for manufacturers who need reliable thickening, stabilization, binding, suspension control, water management, texture improvement, and formulation consistency across a broad range of industries and application systems.
As a water-soluble, anionic cellulose derivative, CMC is especially valuable in food and nutrition systems, detergents and home care, toothpaste and personal care, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, oilfield fluids, paper and pulp, textile printing, adhesives, and other industrial formulations. It is particularly well-suited for applications where viscosity, structure, particle suspension, anti-redeposition, water binding, or texture stability are important performance requirements.
Different industries require different CMC grades. The right selection depends on viscosity level, degree of substitution, purity specification, dissolution behavior, salt tolerance, pH environment, regulatory requirements, and final product performance target. LANDERCOLL supports customers with application-based product selection, grade matching, and practical technical communication.
CMC stands for Carboxymethyl Cellulose. In commercial and industrial applications, it is most commonly supplied as Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (Na-CMC) — a water-soluble, anionic cellulose derivative produced by introducing carboxymethyl groups (–CH₂COONa) onto the cellulose backbone. Its CAS number is 9004-32-4.
In food-related applications, CMC is commonly referred to as cellulose gum and is listed as food additive E466 in the EU food additive database under the name sodium carboxymethyl cellulose / cellulose gum. Food use requires the correct compliant grade and adherence to the regulations of the target market.
CMC is produced by reacting purified natural cellulose — typically derived from wood pulp or cotton linter — with sodium monochloroacetate under controlled alkaline conditions. This reaction introduces carboxymethyl groups onto the cellulose backbone, converting the insoluble natural polymer into a water-soluble, anionic polyelectrolyte.
Average number of carboxymethyl groups per glucose unit, typically ranging from 0.4 to 1.5. Higher DS generally improves water solubility, salt tolerance, and clarity of solution. DS directly affects performance in food, oilfield, and industrial applications.
Measured at 1% or 2% aqueous solution, ranging from very low (below 50 mPa·s) to very high viscosity (above 10,000 mPa·s), depending on molecular weight and concentration.
The sodium chloride and sodium glycolate content varies by grade. High-purity grades (typically >99% active content) are required for food, pharmaceutical, and personal care applications. Technical grades are used in ceramics, oilfield, paper, textile, and industrial systems.
Unlike HPMC, HEMC/MHEC, and HEC — which are non-ionic — CMC is an anionic cellulose derivative carrying a negative charge in solution. It is sensitive to multivalent cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Al³⁺) and high salt concentrations, which can reduce its viscosity and solubility. It provides anti-redeposition performance in detergent systems through electrostatic interaction with fabric surfaces, and can interact with positively charged ingredients in formulations.
CMC is generally more cost-effective than non-ionic cellulose ethers for many industrial applications. Understanding CMC's anionic nature is critical for formulation compatibility assessment, particularly in high-electrolyte systems.
CMC delivers reliable thickening, stabilization, binding, anti-redeposition, and water management within a single anionic ingredient. From E466 food systems to oilfield drilling fluids — versatile, cost-effective, and available in grades matched to every industry's requirements.
The following table provides a general technical reference for Carboxymethyl Cellulose. Exact values vary by product grade, viscosity level, degree of substitution, purity level, particle size, and testing method. This information is intended as a formulation reference starting point, not a final product specification.
| Item | Typical Reference |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Carboxymethyl Cellulose / Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose |
| Abbreviation | CMC / Na-CMC |
| CAS No. | 9004-32-4 |
| Food Additive Code | E466 (suitable food-grade CMC) |
| Common Food Name | Cellulose Gum |
| Appearance | White to off-white powder or granule |
| Ionic Type | Anionic cellulose derivative |
| Molecular Basis | Cellulose ether (modified natural cellulose) |
| Raw Material Source | Wood pulp or cotton linter |
| Solubility | Soluble or dispersible in water; forms a viscous solution |
| Thermal Gelation | No thermal gelation — remains soluble across a wide temperature range |
| Viscosity Range | Multiple grades: low / medium / high viscosity |
| Viscosity Measurement | Typically measured at 1% or 2% aqueous solution (Brookfield) |
| Degree of Substitution (DS) | Typically 0.4–1.5 depending on grade |
| Purity Levels | Technical grade, detergent grade, food grade, pharmaceutical grade |
| pH Stability | Typically stable at pH 5–10; performance may be affected outside this range |
| Ionic Sensitivity | Sensitive to multivalent cations and high salt concentrations |
| Key Functions | Thickening, stabilization, binding, suspension, water management, anti-redeposition, texture control |
| Grade Directions | Food, detergent, toothpaste, pharma, ceramic, oilfield, industrial |
| Available Documents | TDS, SDS, COA, product recommendation available on request |
Important: This table is a general reference only. For exact viscosity, pH, moisture content, purity, degree of substitution, sodium chloride content, sodium glycolate content, particle size distribution, microbial limits, and grade-specific values, please request the official TDS or COA from LANDERCOLL.
LANDERCOLL CMC is available in multiple grade directions based on viscosity level, purity specification, degree of substitution, and target application. The table below is designed as a product selection reference. Final grade selection should always be confirmed through formulation testing and direct technical discussion with our team.
| Grade Direction | Typical Viscosity / Purity | Main Applications | Key Performance Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Viscosity CMC | Low viscosity | Beverages, coatings, paper, textile, low-build liquid systems | Flow control, stabilization, light thickening |
| Medium Viscosity CMC | Medium viscosity | Detergents, food systems, ceramics, adhesives, personal care | Thickening, suspension, texture, binding |
| High Viscosity CMC | High viscosity | Food gels, sauces, toothpaste, ceramics, oilfield fluids | Strong viscosity, structure, water binding, suspension |
| High Purity CMC | Depends on grade; high purity (>99%) | Food, pharmaceuticals, personal care, toothpaste | Purity, safety, regulatory compliance, consistent performance |
| Detergent Grade CMC | Low to medium viscosity; technical purity | Laundry detergent, powder detergent, cleaning systems | Anti-redeposition, soil suspension, formulation stability |
| Ceramic Grade CMC | Medium to high viscosity; suitable purity | Ceramic body, glaze, extrusion, pressing, slip casting | Binding, plasticity, green strength, process control |
| Oilfield Grade CMC | Medium to high viscosity; suitable purity | Drilling fluids, completion fluids, fluid-loss control | Viscosity, filtration control, mud stability |
| Industrial Grade CMC | Depends on application; technical purity | Paper, textile, adhesives, inks, industrial liquids | Thickening, binding, stabilization, process consistency |
Note: Grade direction is a starting reference. Actual LANDERCOLL CMC grades should be selected according to your application, viscosity target, purity requirement, compliance needs, and processing conditions. Contact our team for specific grade recommendations.
CMC dissolves in water to form a viscous, pseudoplastic solution — viscosity decreases under shear during mixing and application, and recovers at rest. Because CMC is anionic, its viscosity is more sensitive to salt and multivalent cation content than non-ionic cellulose ethers.
CMC helps stabilize emulsions, suspensions, particles, and dispersed systems against separation and settling. Keeps suspended components uniformly distributed during storage and use.
CMC provides binding performance in systems where cohesion, structural integrity, and process consistency are required — a critical function in ceramics, pharmaceutical tablets, paper, and textile systems.
CMC binds and manages water through its hydrophilic polymer network. This water-binding capability is important in food, bakery, and frozen food systems where moisture management and freeze-thaw stability are critical.
One of the most important functions of CMC in laundry detergent systems. CMC adsorbs onto fabric surfaces — particularly cotton and cellulosic fibers — creating a protective barrier that repels soil particles through electrostatic and steric effects, keeping removed soil suspended in wash water rather than redepositing on clean fabric.
In food, toothpaste, personal care, and household products, CMC helps create a smoother, more stable, and more controlled product texture — contributing to pleasant mouthfeel in food systems, smooth extrusion behavior in toothpaste, and consistent sensory feel in personal care products.
CMC grade selection should always begin with the target application and required compliance level. A CMC grade used in detergents may not be suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, and a food-grade CMC may not be optimized for ceramic or oilfield performance. The table below provides a structured reference for common application-to-grade matching.
| Application | Recommended Grade Direction | Main Performance Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Food Systems (General) | Suitable food-grade CMC (high purity) | Texture, stabilization, water binding, viscosity control |
| Sauces and Dressings | Medium to high viscosity food-grade CMC | Thickening, suspension, mouthfeel, stability |
| Bakery and Frozen Foods | Suitable food-grade CMC | Moisture control, texture, freeze-thaw stability |
| Beverages | Low to medium viscosity food-grade CMC | Stabilization, suspension, mouthfeel, clarity |
| Ice Cream and Dairy | Suitable food-grade CMC | Texture, water binding, freeze-thaw stability |
| Gluten-Free Products | Suitable food-grade CMC | Texture, binding, moisture retention |
| Laundry Detergent (Powder) | Detergent grade CMC | Anti-redeposition, soil suspension, formulation stability |
| Liquid Detergent / Cleaners | Detergent grade CMC | Viscosity, product body, storage stability |
| Toothpaste | High purity medium / high viscosity CMC | Binding, texture, water retention, abrasive suspension |
| Pharmaceuticals | Suitable pharmaceutical grade CMC | Binding, suspension, disintegration support, viscosity |
| Ceramics | Ceramic grade CMC | Binding, plasticity, green strength, glaze stability |
| Oilfield Drilling Fluids | Oilfield grade CMC | Viscosity, fluid-loss control, mud stability |
| Paper and Pulp | Industrial grade CMC | Surface sizing, binding, coating support, strength |
| Textile Printing | Industrial grade CMC | Paste viscosity, printing sharpness, process control |
| Adhesives / Inks | Industrial grade CMC | Thickening, stabilization, flow behavior |
| Personal Care | High purity CMC (suitable grade) | Texture, viscosity, stability, sensory feel |
Grade direction is a starting reference. Final selection must be confirmed in your own formulation, because salts, pH, temperature, shear conditions, solids content, surfactants, pigments, fillers, and other additives can significantly affect CMC performance and dissolution behavior.
CMC dosage depends on formulation design, viscosity target, raw material system, processing method, grade purity, degree of substitution, pH, electrolyte content, and final performance requirements. The following ranges are general starting points for laboratory evaluation.
They are not fixed usage standards and should be adjusted based on testing results. Electrolytes, pH, shear conditions, and other formulation ingredients can significantly affect the effective viscosity delivered by CMC at a given concentration.
| Application | Typical Reference Dosage (% by weight) |
|---|---|
| Food Systems (General) | 0.1% – 1.0% |
| Sauces and Dressings | 0.2% – 1.0% |
| Beverages | 0.05% – 0.5% |
| Frozen Foods | 0.1% – 0.8% |
| Ice Cream and Dairy | 0.1% – 0.5% |
| Powder Laundry Detergent | 0.3% – 2.0% |
| Liquid Detergent / Cleaners | 0.2% – 1.0% |
| Toothpaste | 0.5% – 2.0% |
| Pharmaceutical Suspensions | Depends on formulation and grade |
| Tablet Binding | Depends on formulation and process |
| Ceramics | 0.1% – 1.0% |
| Oilfield Fluids | Depends on fluid system and target rheology |
| Paper / Textile / Adhesives | Depends on formulation design and process |
These dosage levels are reference starting points only. Final dosage should be confirmed through laboratory testing, production trials, viscosity measurement, stability testing, regulatory review where applicable, and end-use performance evaluation.
Suitable food-grade CMC — also known as cellulose gum — is widely used in food systems where thickening, stabilization, water management, texture control, and suspension support are required. Recognized as food additive E466.
CMC is particularly valued in food formulations because it is effective at low concentrations, provides stable viscosity across a wide temperature range, does not contribute flavor or odor, and is compatible with a wide range of food ingredients. Its water-binding capability makes it especially useful in frozen food systems, reduced-fat products, and bakery applications where moisture management is critical.
Food applications require suitable food-grade CMC that meets applicable purity specifications, heavy metal limits, and microbiological requirements. Compliance with the specific food regulations of the target market is required.
Request Food Grade CMC
Provides thickening, suspension of particulates, mouthfeel improvement, and storage stability. Maintains uniform product consistency and prevents phase separation.
Retains moisture, improves crumb texture, extends shelf life, and reduces ice crystal formation in frozen systems for better freeze-thaw stability.
Low to medium viscosity food-grade CMC stabilizes suspensions, improves mouthfeel, and maintains uniform product appearance in fruit juices, plant-based drinks, and flavored beverages.
Controls ice crystal growth, improves body and texture, and maintains product quality during storage and temperature fluctuation. Supports protein stabilization in dairy-related systems.
CMC is an important functional additive in detergent formulations, particularly laundry detergent systems. Its primary role is anti-redeposition — preventing soil and dirt particles that have been removed from fabrics from redepositing onto fabric surfaces during the wash cycle.
CMC achieves anti-redeposition by adsorbing onto fabric surfaces — particularly cotton and cellulosic fibers — creating a protective barrier that repels soil particles through electrostatic and steric effects. CMC has been used for this purpose in laundry detergent formulations for decades and remains one of the most cost-effective anti-redeposition agents available.
Typical Applications
CMC is one of the most widely used thickeners and binders in toothpaste formulations. It provides the paste with its characteristic body, smooth extrusion behavior, stable structure, and uniform distribution of abrasive particles. It helps create a product that extrudes smoothly from the tube, spreads evenly on the toothbrush, and maintains its consistency throughout the product shelf life.
High-purity CMC grades are required for toothpaste and oral care applications to meet safety and quality standards. The CMC grade must be compatible with the abrasive system, fluoride compounds, humectants, and other toothpaste ingredients.
Typical Applications
Beyond food, detergents, and personal care, CMC delivers critical performance in pharmaceuticals, ceramics manufacturing, and oilfield fluid systems — each requiring carefully selected grade directions matched to specific technical and regulatory requirements.
Pharma
Suitable pharmaceutical grades of CMC may be used as a binder, suspending agent, stabilizer, viscosity modifier, or disintegration-related ingredient. CMC is referenced in major pharmacopoeias including USP/NF and Ph. Eur. under the monograph name Carmellose Sodium.
Ceramics
CMC is used as a binder, plasticizer, suspension stabilizer, and process aid across multiple ceramic manufacturing stages. It is one of the most widely used organic additives in the ceramics industry due to its effectiveness at low dosage and its ability to burn out cleanly during firing.
Oilfield
CMC is widely used in oilfield fluid systems where viscosity control, filtration reduction, suspension performance, and mud stability are required. In drilling fluid applications, CMC builds and maintains fluid viscosity to support drill cuttings transport, and reduces filtration loss by forming a thin, low-permeability filter cake on the wellbore wall.
High purity specification meeting applicable food safety standards. Recognized as food additive E466. Designed for food systems requiring thickening, stabilization, texture control, water binding, and suspension support.
Technical purity grade compatible with common detergent surfactant systems. Anti-redeposition, soil suspension, and formulation consistency in laundry and cleaning systems.
High purity specification for oral safety compliance. Binding, water retention, smooth extrusion, stable paste structure, and abrasive particle suspension for oral care systems.
Manufactured and tested to pharmacopoeial standards (USP/NF, Ph. Eur.) under the name Carmellose Sodium. Binding, suspension, viscosity modification, and stabilization for pharmaceutical formulations.
Clean burnout during firing. Binding, plasticity improvement, green strength, glaze suspension stability, and process control across ceramic manufacturing stages.
Viscosity control, fluid-loss reduction, suspension performance, and mud stability under downhole conditions in water-based oilfield fluid systems.
Technical purity grade for non-regulated industrial applications. Thickening, binding, suspension stability, and process control across paper, textile, adhesive, and industrial systems.
Contact LANDERCOLL with your application details — viscosity target, purity requirement, compliance needs, and processing conditions — for a tailored CMC grade recommendation.
Request Grade GuidanceUnderstanding the differences between cellulose ether and cellulose derivative types helps formulators select the most appropriate product. LANDERCOLL supplies CMC, HPMC, HEMC/MHEC, and HEC — the four most widely used cellulose-based water-soluble polymers in industrial formulation.
Thickening, stabilization, binding, anti-redeposition, water binding. Cost-effective across regulated and industrial applications.
Food (E466) · Detergents · Ceramics · Oilfield · Toothpaste · Pharma · Paper · TextileVersatile: water retention, thickening, film forming, broad industry compatibility.
Construction · Pharma · Food · Personal care · Detergents · IndustrialStrong drymix construction performance: water retention, open time, anti-sag behavior.
Tile adhesive · Wall putty · Plaster · EIFS/ETICS · Drymix mortarRheology control, thickening, strong latex compatibility, broad water-based system compatibility.
Water-based paints · Coatings · Personal care · Detergents · OilfieldCMC (E466 / Carmellose Sodium) is the established standard for food stabilization, texture, anti-redeposition in laundry detergents, and toothpaste binding. Generally more cost-effective than HPMC for these applications. CMC's anionic nature provides the electrostatic interaction with fabric surfaces that drives anti-redeposition performance.
CMC is the most commonly used cellulose derivative in ceramics and oilfield applications due to its cost-effectiveness, reliable performance at suitable technical grades, and availability in grades matched to each industry's requirements. Clean burnout in ceramics and reliable fluid-loss control in oilfield systems.
For drymix construction materials, HPMC and HEMC/MHEC are more commonly selected due to stronger water retention in cement and gypsum systems. For water-based paints and latex coatings, HEC is preferred due to its strong latex compatibility and absence of thermal gelation.
LANDERCOLL CMC is supplied in industrial packaging suitable for transportation, storage, and production handling. CMC powder is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture from the environment if packaging is left open or storage conditions are inadequate. Proper storage conditions help maintain powder flowability, dissolution behavior, viscosity performance, and product stability throughout the shelf life.
Standard Packaging
Storage Recommendations
LANDERCOLL can provide product-related documentation to support formulation evaluation, purchasing review, technical communication, regulatory submission, and internal approval processes.
Available Documents
To help our team recommend the most suitable CMC grade for your application, please include as much of the following information as possible when contacting us. A detailed inquiry allows us to provide a more accurate grade recommendation and support your evaluation more efficiently.
Product application (e.g., laundry detergent, ceramic glaze, food sauce, drilling fluid, toothpaste). Required grade direction: food, detergent, ceramic, oilfield, pharmaceutical, or industrial.
Required viscosity level or reference grade, if available. Main performance target (e.g., anti-redeposition, binding, viscosity, stabilization, texture). Required purity level or compliance requirement.
pH range, salt content, or electrolyte environment, if relevant. Processing method and hydration conditions. Required texture, suspension, binding, or stability behavior. Testing method or standard used, if applicable.
Required quantity — sample, trial, or commercial volume. Destination country or target market. Documentation requirements (TDS, SDS, COA, food/pharma compliance documents). Timeline for evaluation or sourcing decision.
CMC (CAS 9004-32-4) is used as a thickener, stabilizer, binder, suspending agent, water-retention agent, protective colloid, texture modifier, and anti-redeposition aid. Widely used in food systems (as E466 / cellulose gum), laundry detergents, toothpaste, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, oilfield drilling fluids, paper, textile printing, adhesives, inks, and specialty industrial systems.
The commonly used CAS number for sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is 9004-32-4.
Yes. In food-related applications, CMC is commonly referred to as cellulose gum. Suitable food-grade CMC is also known as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and is listed as food additive E466 in the EU food additive system. The terms CMC, cellulose gum, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose all refer to the same substance when used in food contexts.
Yes. Suitable food-grade CMC is approved as food additive E466 in the European Union and is recognized in food regulations in many other markets globally. Food use requires the correct compliant grade that meets applicable purity specifications and food safety standards. Compliance with the specific food regulations of the target market is required.
In laundry detergent, CMC primarily provides anti-redeposition performance — it prevents soil and dirt particles removed from fabrics during washing from redepositing back onto fabric surfaces. CMC adsorbs onto cotton and cellulosic fiber surfaces, creating a protective barrier that repels soil particles through electrostatic and steric effects. CMC also contributes to formulation stability and product consistency in both powder and liquid detergent systems.
In toothpaste, CMC provides binding, thickening, water retention, smooth extrusion behavior, stable paste structure, and uniform suspension of abrasive particles. It gives toothpaste its characteristic body and consistency, ensures smooth extrusion from the tube, and helps maintain stable product texture throughout the shelf life.
Yes. CMC is widely used in ceramic production as a binder, plasticity modifier, suspension stabilizer, and process aid. It improves the plasticity and workability of ceramic bodies during shaping, builds green strength before firing, stabilizes ceramic glaze suspensions, and burns out cleanly during the firing process without leaving residue.
Yes. CMC is used in water-based oilfield drilling fluids and completion fluids as a viscosity enhancer, filtration reducer, and mud stabilizer. It builds drilling fluid viscosity to support drill cuttings transport and reduces fluid loss into porous formations by forming a filter cake on the wellbore wall.
The most important difference is ionic type: CMC is anionic, while HPMC is non-ionic. CMC's anionic nature gives it anti-redeposition performance in detergents and sensitivity to multivalent cations and high salt concentrations. HPMC is non-ionic and more broadly compatible across different formulation environments. HPMC also exhibits thermal gelation, while CMC does not. CMC is more commonly used in food, detergents, ceramics, oilfield, and industrial systems; HPMC is more widely used in construction, pharmaceutical, and food film-forming applications.
Both CMC and HEC do not exhibit thermal gelation and remain soluble in cold and hot water. The key difference is ionic type: CMC is anionic, while HEC is non-ionic. CMC is more sensitive to salt and multivalent cations, but provides anti-redeposition performance in detergents. HEC is more compatible with latex polymer systems and preferred for water-based paints. CMC is generally more cost-effective and preferred in food, detergents, ceramics, and oilfield applications.
LANDERCOLL CMC supports customers across food, detergents, toothpaste, personal care, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, oilfield, paper, textile, adhesives, and specialty industrial systems. Our product knowledge covers the specific grade requirements and performance expectations of each industry.
We help customers select CMC grades based on real performance requirements — viscosity target, purity level, degree of substitution, anti-redeposition performance, binding strength, suspension stability, and regulatory compliance — rather than simply providing a product list.
For food, pharmaceutical, and personal care applications, we understand that suitable grade selection and documentation are essential. For ceramic, oilfield, paper, textile, and industrial applications, we focus on performance and process compatibility.
We provide TDS, SDS, COA, grade recommendation documents, and application guides to support your formulation evaluation, purchasing review, and internal approval processes.
We aim to support customers from initial product inquiry through formulation testing, sourcing decisions, and long-term supply cooperation — with consistent product quality and responsive communication.
LANDERCOLL CMC supports manufacturers of food systems, laundry detergents, toothpaste, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, oilfield fluids, paper, textile printing pastes, adhesives, inks, and specialty industrial products. Whether you are developing a new formulation, optimizing an existing product, or evaluating a new CMC supplier, our team can help you identify the most suitable grade and provide the documentation and technical support you need.
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