- Overview of Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Properties
- Technical Advantages in Industrial Applications
- Comparative Analysis of Leading CMC Manufacturers
- Customized Solutions for Diverse Industry Needs
- Case Studies: Real-World Applications
- Solubility Characteristics of Sodium CMC
- Future Trends in CMC Utilization

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Understanding Carboxymethyl Cellulose and Its Core Properties
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), a water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose, demonstrates exceptional thickening, stabilizing, and moisture-retention capabilities. With a global market value projected to reach $2.1 billion by 2028 (CAGR 5.3%), this versatile compound achieves solubility levels up to 98% in aqueous solutions across pharmaceutical, food, and industrial sectors.
Technical Superiority in Modern Manufacturing
Industrial-grade CMC outperforms traditional thickeners with:
- 80% faster dissolution rates compared to methylcellulose
- pH stability across 4-10 range
- Shear-thinning viscosity up to 15,000 mPa·s
Recent advancements enable thermal stability up to 150°C, expanding applications in extreme processing conditions.
Manufacturer Performance Benchmarking
Vendor | Viscosity (mPa·s) | Purity (%) | Price ($/kg) |
---|---|---|---|
Ashland | 12,500 | 99.2 | 8.50 |
Dow Chemical | 9,800 | 98.7 | 7.20 |
Sinocmc | 14,200 | 98.9 | 6.80 |
Tailored Formulation Strategies
Customization parameters include:
- Viscosity modulation (500-20,000 mPa·s)
- Particle size distribution (80-200 mesh)
- Degree of substitution (0.4-1.4)
Specialized grades meet FDA 21 CFR 182.1745 standards for food contact and USP-NF specifications for pharmaceutical use.
Application-Specific Success Stories
Pharmaceutical: 40% reduction in tablet disintegration time (pH 6.8 buffer)
Food Production: 30% viscosity enhancement in dairy products at 0.5% concentration
Industrial Coatings: 60% improvement in suspension stability over 6-month storage
Solubility Profile of Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Sodium CMC achieves optimal dissolution (≥95%) in:
- Deionized water: 25°C, 30-minute hydration
- Ethanol-water mixtures (up to 60% ethanol)
- Glycerol solutions (1:1 ratio)
Notable temperature resistance maintains functionality from 5°C to 85°C.
Innovative Directions for Carboxymethyl Cellulose Applications
Emerging research focuses on:
- Nanocellulose composites (15-20 nm fiber diameters)
- Bioactive drug delivery matrices
- 3D printing bio-inks with 30 μm resolution
These developments position CMC as critical in sustainable material innovation, with 65% of manufacturers now offering eco-certified grades.

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FAQS on carboxymethyl cellulose is
Q: What is carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)?
A: Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a water-soluble polymer derived from cellulose. It is chemically modified to enhance its solubility and functionality. CMC is widely used as a thickener, stabilizer, and binder in various industries.
Q: What is sodium carboxymethyl cellulose used for?
A: Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) is primarily used as a viscosity modifier and water-retaining agent. It’s common in food products, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. It also serves as a stabilizer in detergents and industrial applications.
Q: How does sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solubility vary?
A: Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is highly soluble in both hot and cold water. Its solubility depends on the degree of substitution (DS) and pH levels. Higher DS values typically improve solubility in aqueous solutions.
Q: What are the key carboxymethyl cellulose uses in food?
A: In food, CMC acts as a thickener, emulsifier, and shelf-life extender. It’s found in ice cream, baked goods, and dairy products. It also prevents crystallization in frozen desserts.
Q: Is sodium carboxymethyl cellulose safe for consumption?
A: Yes, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory agencies. It’s non-toxic and commonly used in food and pharmaceutical formulations. However, excessive consumption should be avoided.
Post time: Apr - 25 - 2025