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Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium
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.
Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium
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.
1. 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)
2. 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
3. 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 concentration
- Reactivity: Inert under normal conditions
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
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
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