In the world of industrial formulations, food processing, and pharmaceuticals, achieving the perfect viscosity, stability, and texture is a constant challenge. Enter Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose —often dubbed the "industrial monosodium glutamate" for its unparalleled versatility.
Whether you are formulating a stable dairy beverage, upgrading detergent efficiency, or improving oil drilling fluid rheology, choosing the right grade of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is critical to your product's success.
In this comprehensive guide, we break down the core properties of CMC and why sourcing from a verified manufacturer makes all the difference.
What is Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose?
Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CAS No. 9004-32-4), frequently abbreviated as Na-CMC or simply CMC, is an anionic, water-soluble polymer derived from natural cellulose through chemical modification (etherification). It appears as a white to off-white, odorless, and tasteless powder or granular substance.
Essential Physical & Chemical Properties
Understanding the technical specifications ensures you select the correct grade (Food, Pharmaceutical, or Industrial) for your specific application:
|
Property |
Specification / Detail |
|
Chemical Formula |
[C6H7O2(OH)x(OCH2COONa)y]n |
|
CAS Number |
9004-32-4 |
|
Solubility |
Highly soluble in both cold and hot water, forming a clear, viscous, and neutral/sub-alkaline solution.Insoluble in organic solvents. |
|
Degree of Substitution (DS) |
Typically ranges from 0.7 to 1.5. Higher DS increases water solubility and salt tolerance. |
|
Viscosity Range |
Available from low viscosity (10 mPa.s) to high viscosity (10,000+ mPa.s) in a 1% or 2% aqueous solution, exhibiting pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) rheological behavior. |
|
pH Stability |
Stable within a pH range of 5.0 to 10.0; optimal performance is achieved between pH 6.5 and 8.5. |
|
Thermal Stability |
Stable below 200°C; browning occurs at higher temperatures. |
Key Applications Across Industries
Thanks to its exceptional water retention, thickening, emulsifying, and film-forming capabilities, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose is a staple in several high-stakes industries:
• Food Industry (E466): Functions as a premium thickener, stabilizer, and texture modifier in ice cream, bakery products, beverages, and dairy items to prevent syneresis and prolong shelf life.
• Pharmaceuticals & Personal Care: Used as a binder in tablets, a thickener in toothpaste, and a stabilizer in ophthalmic solutions and cosmetics due to its non-toxic, biocompatible nature.
• Detergents & Textiles: Acts as an anti-redeposition agent in laundry detergents, keeping dirt suspended in the water so it doesn’t settle back onto fabrics.
• Oil Drilling: Serves as a fluid-loss reducer and viscosifier in drilling muds, maintaining stability under high-salt and high-temperature conditions.
Why Source from Snowhite Chemical Co., Ltd.?
When sourcing chemical intermediates and polymers internationally, consistency and supply chain reliability are non-negotiable.
As a leading professional supplier, Snowhite Chemical Co., Ltd. bridges the gap between premium manufacturing and global logistics. We specialize in delivering high-purity Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose tailored to precise client specifications.
• Strict Quality Control: Every batch of our CMC undergoes rigorous testing to guarantee precise viscosity ranges, uniform Degree of Substitution (DS), and strict purity levels (conforming to FCC, USP, or industrial standards).
• Global Export Expertise: We understand the complexities of international chemical shipping, customs clearance, and regulatory compliance, ensuring your cargo arrives safely and on schedule.
• Customized Solutions: Whether you need ultra-high viscosity for specialized industrial bonding or ultra-low viscosity with high salt tolerance for oilfields, our technical team is ready to adjust specifications to match your exact formula requirements.
Contact Us
Contact SNOWHITE CHEMICAL CO.,LTD now to get COA, free samples and the latest quotation.
Email: shirley@snowhitechem.com
Phone: +86-25-56215758
WhatsApp：+86-13776524331
