Carboxymethyl Cellulose Detergent Grade
Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Detergent Grade is a water-soluble cellulose derivative produced by the etherification of cellulose with monochloroacetic acid. It is a fine, white to off-white powder with excellent thickening, stabilizing, and water retention properties. The detergent grade of CMC is specifically tailored to meet the requirements of laundry and cleaning formulations, offering superior dispersing and anti-redeposition performance. It is biodegradable, non-toxic, and widely used as a functional additive to enhance cleaning efficiency and fabric care in detergent products. Its excellent compatibility with surfactants and enzymes makes it an essential ingredient in both powder and liquid detergents.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Detergent Grade Uses
- Â Primary Uses
Detergent & Cleaning Industry
- Acts as a soil anti-redeposition agent in laundry detergents, preventing dirt particles from resettling on fabrics.
- Functions as a thickener and stabilizer in liquid detergents and fabric softeners.
- Enhances viscosity and suspension of powders and enzymes, improving product performance.
- Used in automatic dishwashing detergents to improve cleaning efficiency and prevent spotting.
Personal Care & Cosmetics
- Incorporated in toothpaste and mouthwash formulations for thickening and stabilizing suspensions.
- Used in creams and lotions as a viscosity modifier and stabilizer.
Paper Industry
- Serves as a retention aid and wet-end additive to improve paper quality and reduce fiber loss.
Food Industry (Specific Grades)
- Sometimes used as a food additive (E466) to control texture and moisture retention in processed foods.
Secondary UsesÂ
Pharmaceutical Industry
- Used as a binder, disintegrant, and controlled-release agent in tablets and capsules.
Oil & Gas Industry
- Employed as a viscosifier and stabilizer in drilling muds and fracturing fluids.
Textile Industry
- Functions as a sizing agent to improve yarn strength and reduce breakage during weaving.
Agriculture
- Used in seed coatings and soil conditioners to improve moisture retention.
- Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
- Common/Trade Name: Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) Detergent Grade
- CAS Number: 9004-32-4
- HS Code: 3912.90.00
- Molecular Formula: Variable (polysaccharide derivative)
- Synonyms:
- Sodium CMC
- Cellulose gum
- E466 (when food grade)
- Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Powder
- Color & Odor: White to off-white; odorless
- Solubility: Highly soluble in cold and hot water, forming viscous solutions
- pH (1% solution): 6.5–8.0
- Viscosity: Typically 100–4000 mPa·s (depending on grade and concentration)
- Moisture Content: <10%
- Bulk Density: ~0.3–0.6 g/cm³
- Degree of Substitution (DS): 0.6–0.95 (varies by grade)
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions; hygroscopic
- Safety & Hazard Attributes
- Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
- NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 0
- Flammability: 1 (due to dust hazard)
- Reactivity: 0
- Exposure Limits: No established occupational exposure limits; generally considered safe
- Toxicity: Non-toxic and non-irritant in typical usage levels
- Reactivity: Chemically inert; stable under normal conditions
- Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture and direct sunlight
- Container Type: Paper bags with polyethylene lining or HDPE drums
- Shelf Life: Typically 2–3 years if stored properly
- Special Handling: Avoid dust generation; use dust masks and eye protection if airborne dust is present
- Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- FDA Status: Approved for use in food products as thickener/stabilizer (21 CFR §172.892 for food grade)
- REACH Status: Registered
- Transportation: Not classified as hazardous material
- Waste Disposal: Dispose of according to local regulations; biodegradable
- Environmental & Health Impact
- Ecotoxicity: Low environmental impact; biodegradable and non-toxic to aquatic organisms
- Persistence: Biodegradable under aerobic conditions
- Bioaccumulation: Not expected to bioaccumulate
- Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable
- Safety Handling Precautions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Dust mask or respirator (if dust is airborne)
- Safety goggles
- Gloves (optional)
Handling Measures:
- Minimize dust generation
- Use adequate ventilation during handling and processing
Storage Measures:
- Keep container tightly closed
- Store in dry place to avoid caking and microbial growth
Hygiene Practices:
- Wash hands after handling
- Avoid inhalation of dust
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke when handling product
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air; consult a physician if respiratory irritation occurs
- Skin Contact: Wash affected area with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation develops
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes thoroughly with water for several minutes; seek medical attention if irritation persists
- Ingestion: Non-toxic; rinse mouth and drink water; seek medical advice if discomfort occurs
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Combustible as dust; not flammable in bulk form
- Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, or COâ‚‚
- Special Precautions: Avoid dust clouds to prevent explosion hazard
Decomposition Products: Carbon oxides and water vapor when burned