9000-11-7

Description

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a white flocculent powder with a neutral or alkaline transparent viscous liquid form when dissolved in water. This cellulose derivative is non-toxic, tasteless, and stable. It is soluble in water but insoluble in organic solvents such as ethanol. CMC is a versatile substance, finding applications in various industries due to its adhesive, thickening, flowing, emulsifying, shaping, water-retaining, protective colloid, film-forming, and acid-salt suspension properties.

Uses

Applications of CMC include its use in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, oil, paper, textiles, construction, and other production areas. It serves roles in cigarette adhesive, fabric sizing, footwear paste meal, home slimy, interior painting, architectural building lines, melamine, thickening mortar, concrete enhancement, refractory fiber, ceramic production molding bond, oil drilling, exploration slurry thickening, reducing water loss, and quality paper surface sizing.

Chemical Properties

White or almost white powder, hygroscopic.

Preparation

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is produced by treating wood pulp or cotton linters with alkali and monochloroacetic acid. It occurs as a white- or cream-colored powder or granules.

Brand name

Celluvisc (Allergan); Refresh Plus, Cellufresh Formula (Allergan).

Industrial uses

Carboxymethyl cellulose is manufactured with molecular weights ranging from 50,000 to 800,000. Several modifications are of interest to flotation because they display good depressing properties for highly floatable magnesium-bearing minerals. These include sodium salts of phenolphthalein ether cellulose and ethanesulfo cellulose.

Carcinogenicity

Sarcomas were produced at the site of repeated subcutaneous injection of aqueous solutions of carboxymethylcellulose. It should be noted, however, that massive doses were given and therefore there must have been considerable local trauma.

Who Evaluation

Evaluation year: 1960