CMC Sodium (Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium)

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CMC Sodium, or Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium, is a water-soluble anionic cellulose ether derived from natural cellulose. It appears as a white to off-white, odorless, tasteless powder or granule. Known for its excellent thickening, stabilizing, emulsifying, and water-retention properties, CMC is widely used in food, pharmaceutical, personal care, industrial, and detergent applications. It functions by modifying the rheological properties of solutions and suspensions, offering control over viscosity and flow. Its biocompatibility, non-toxicity, and biodegradability make it suitable for both human use and environmentally friendly formulations.

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Categories: Admixtures, Builders, Emulsifiers Tags: Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, CMC Sodium, Detergent and cleaning products, Food and beverage stabilizer, Thickening agent, Water-Soluble Polymer, White to off-white powder

Description

CMC Sodium (Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium) Uses

Table of Contents

Primary Uses

Food Industry (as Food Grade CMC)

Used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in products like ice cream, yogurt, jelly, bakery fillings, sauces, and beverages.
Prevents ice crystal formation in frozen desserts and improves mouthfeel.
Acts as a fat replacer in low-fat and calorie-reduced foods.
Provides suspension stability in flavored milk and juice drinks.
Designated as E466 in the EU as a permitted food additive.

Pharmaceuticals

Used as a binder, disintegrant, and stabilizer in tablets and capsules.
Acts as a thickener in oral suspensions, syrups, creams, and gels.
Improves mucoadhesion in oral and topical formulations for prolonged contact.
Used in wound care products as a moisture-retentive agent.

Personal Care & Cosmetics

Functions as a viscosity modifier and stabilizer in lotions, creams, toothpaste, shampoos, and hair gels.
Provides film-forming and conditioning effects in skin and hair care formulations.
Offers stabilization for emulsions and suspensions in cosmetics.

Detergents & Household Products (Detergent Grade CMC)

Prevents soil redeposition on fabrics during washing.
Enhances suspension stability in liquid detergents and cleaners.
Improves viscosity and texture in cleaning pastes and gels.

Industrial Applications

Used in paper manufacturing as a surface sizing agent to improve printability and strength.
In textile printing, it acts as a thickener for dye pastes.
Serves as a binder and film former in ceramics, adhesives, and coatings.
Used in paint and coatings for viscosity control and dispersion stability.

Secondary Uses

Oil & Gas Industry

Used in drilling fluids as a viscosity modifier and fluid loss reducer.
Improves the stability of drilling muds under varying temperature and pressure conditions.

Construction

Acts as a water-retaining agent and binder in cement, mortar, and plaster formulations.
Enhances workability, reduces cracking, and improves adhesion.

Agriculture

Used in pesticide formulations for improved suspension and application.
Acts as a soil conditioner to enhance water retention in dry soils.

Printing Inks

Improves flow properties and suspension stability in water-based inks.

Biomedical Research

Used in hydrogels and tissue engineering for drug delivery systems and scaffolding due to its biocompatibility and gel-forming ability.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

Basic Identification Attributes

Chemical Name (IUPAC): Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose
Common/Trade Name: CMC Sodium
CAS Number: 9004-32-4
HS Code: 3912.31.00
Molecular Formula: Variable (C₆H₇O₂(OH)₂CH₂COONa)n
Synonyms:
- Sodium CMC
- Carboxymethylcellulose sodium
- Cellulose gum
- E466 (food grade)

Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Powder or granules
Color & Odor: White to off-white; odorless and tasteless
Solubility: Freely soluble in cold or hot water; insoluble in most organic solvents
pH (1% solution): 6.0–8.5
Viscosity: Ranges from 10 to 10,000 cps depending on grade and concentration
Moisture Content: Typically ≤10%
Stability: Stable under normal conditions; hygroscopic

Safety & Hazard Attributes

Hazard Class (GHS): Not classified as hazardous
NFPA Ratings:
- Health: 0
- Flammability: 1
- Reactivity: 0
Exposure Limits: Not established; considered safe under normal use
Toxicity: Non-toxic, non-sensitizing, and non-irritant in typical use concentrations
Reactivity: Inert under normal conditions

Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry area in tightly closed containers
Container Type: Paper or plastic bags with moisture-proof lining or drums
Shelf Life: Up to 2 years when stored properly
Special Handling: Avoid contact with moisture; use dust protection during handling

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

FDA Status: GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) under 21 CFR §182.1745 (for food use)
EU Food Additive Code: E466
REACH Status: Registered
Transportation: Not regulated as hazardous material
Waste Disposal: Biodegradable; dispose in accordance with local regulations

Environmental & Health Impact

Ecotoxicity: Low environmental risk; safe for aquatic and terrestrial environments
Persistence: Biodegradable
Bioaccumulation: Not expected
Carcinogenicity/Mutagenicity: Not classified as carcinogenic or mutagenic
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable under aerobic conditions

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE:

Dust mask
Safety goggles
Gloves if prolonged handling is expected

Handling Measures:

Avoid dust generation
Ensure adequate ventilation
Do not mix with strong oxidizers

Storage Measures:

Keep container tightly sealed
Avoid humidity and direct contact with moisture
Use FIFO inventory method

Hygiene Practices:

Wash hands after handling
Avoid eating or drinking while handling

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; rinse mouth; seek medical help if irritation occurs
Skin Contact: Wash with soap and water; seek attention if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical advice if needed
Ingestion: Non-toxic in small amounts; rinse mouth and drink water; seek help if large quantity is ingested

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Combustible at high temperatures
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, CO₂, or dry chemical
Special Precautions: Firefighters should wear protective equipment and breathing apparatus
Decomposition Products: May emit carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide when burned