Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC‑Na) is anionic water‑soluble cellulose ether, derived from natural cellulose via alkalization and etherification. It is white‑off‑white fibrous powder, odourless and hygroscopic. It is categorized by purity grade (Industrial / Food / Pharma / Oil‑drilling PAC) and viscosity (low / medium / high / ultra‑high) and Degree of Substitution (DS). Functions: thickener, stabilizer, water‑retention agent, suspending agent, film‑former for diversified industrial fields.
2. Physichem Properties
| Parameter | Value | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off‑white fibrous powder | ‑ |
| Solubility | Soluble in hot & cold water to form transparent colloid; insoluble in ethanol, acetone, ether | 25 ℃ |
| Degree of Substitution (DS) | 0.40‑1.20 (grade‑dependent) | ‑ |
| pH (1 % aqueous solution) | 6.0‑8.5 | 25 ℃ |
| Viscosity | 5‑12000 mPa·s (2 % solution, Brookfield LVT) | 25 ℃ |
| Stability | Stable at ambient; incompatible with heavy‑metal salts & strong oxidants; moisture‑sensitive | ‑ |
3. Quality Specification for All Grades
Viscosity tested on 2 % aqueous solution @25℃, Brookfield LVT| Test Item | Industrial Grade | Detergent Grade | Oil‑drilling PAC Grade | Food Grade(E466) | Pharma Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White/off‑white powder | White powder | White powder | White fine powder | White fine powder |
| Purity (dry basis) | ≥92.0 % | ≥55‑75 % | ≥95.0 % | ≥99.5 % | ≥99.5 % |
| Loss on Drying | ≤10.0 % | ≤10.0 % | ≤10.0 % | ≤10.0 % | ≤8.0 % |
| Degree of Substitution (DS) | 0.70‑0.90 | 0.45‑0.60 | 0.85‑1.20 | 0.75‑0.95 | 0.80‑1.00 |
| pH (1 % solution) | 6.0‑8.5 | 7.0‑11.0 | 6.5‑9.0 | 6.0‑8.5 | 6.0‑8.0 |
| Chloride (NaCl) | ≤1.8 % | ‑ | ≤1.5 % | ≤1.0 % | ≤0.5 % |
| Heavy Metals(Pb) | ≤20 ppm | ‑ | ‑ | ≤10 ppm | ≤10 ppm |
| Microbial Limit | ‑ | ‑ | ‑ | Complies FCC/JECFA | Complies USP/EP |
Viscosity Sub‑grades (within above categories)
| Viscosity Type | Viscosity 2 % sol mPa·s | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| Ultra‑Low Viscosity | 5‑50 | Detergent, textile sizing, low‑viscosity coating |
| Low Viscosity | 50‑400 | Beverages, pharmaceutical excipient, ceramic glaze |
| Medium Viscosity | 400‑2000 | Ice‑cream, toothpaste, paint, paper coating |
| High Viscosity | 2000‑6000 | Mortar putty, drilling fluid, food stabilizer |
| Ultra‑High Viscosity | 6000‑12000 | High water‑retention construction, thickening system |
4. Application & Use
Industrial Grade: Water‑based paint thickener, paper‑making coating, ceramic additive, textile printing‑dyeing sizing agent, construction mortar water‑retention agent.
Detergent Grade: Anti‑redeposition agent for laundry detergent & soap.
Oil‑drilling PAC Grade: Fluid‑loss control agent for water‑based drilling mud, salt‑resistant & heat‑stable.
Food Grade (E466): Thickener & stabilizer for beverage, ice‑cream, bakery, instant noodle, sauce, dairy products.
Pharma / Cosmetic Grade: Binder, suspending agent, thickener for oral liquid, cream, ointment, toothpaste.
5. Packing
‑ Standard: 25 kg PP woven bag with PE inner liner
‑ Bulk: 500 kg /1000 kg FIBC jumbo big‑bag
‑ Pharma/Food optional: 25 kg fiber drum with double PE inner bag
‑ Outer marking: Product name, CAS No., Grade, Viscosity, DS value, Batch No., N.W./G.W., Made in China.
6. Delivery and Storage
Storage
Keep in cool, dry, well‑ventilated warehouse. Seal packages tightly against moisture absorption. Keep away from strong oxidants. Shelf‑life: 24 months under proper dry storage.
Delivery & Transportation
Non‑dangerous goods, no UN number. Protect goods from rain and dampness during transit. Do not co‑load with oxidants. Wear dust‑proof mask when handling powder.
Disclaimer: All above data is typical information. Actual values refer to batch‑specific COA and SDS.





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