Carboxymethyl Cellulose What is high quality competitive price CMC
Introduction to Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium (CMC)
Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Sodium (CMC), also known as Carboxymethyl Cellulose, is a high-performance cellulose derivative produced through the etherification of natural cellulose. Its exceptional thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying properties make it indispensable across industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and oil drilling. High-quality CMC is characterized by high purity, viscosity stability, and superior solubility, enabling precise control over texture, stability, and functionality in formulations tailored to diverse applications.
Key Characteristics of High-Quality CMC
Carboxymethyl Cellulose
Key Characteristics of High-Quality CMC
- Purity & Consistency
- Degree of Substitution (DS): 0.7–1.2 carboxymethyl groups per glucose unit, balancing solubility and viscosity.
- Purity Standards: ≥99.5% purity, ≤7% moisture, heavy metals (e.g., Pb, Hg) ≤10 ppm, adhering to stringent regulatory compliance.
- Certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, HACCP, Halal, and Kosher certifications ensuring safety and traceability.
- Viscosity Performance
- Range: 39–200 mPa·s for 1% solutions, spanning low, medium, and high-viscosity needs.
- Stability: Maintains viscosity at pH 6.5–7.5 and ≤60°C, with minimal degradation under shear stress.
- Applications:
- Low Viscosity (39–80 mPa·s): Detergents, textile sizing, paper coatings.
- Medium Viscosity (80–150 mPa·s): Food thickeners, pharmaceutical suspensions.
- High Viscosity (150–200 mPa·s): Drilling fluids, construction adhesives.
- Solubility & Compatibility
- Water Solubility: Fully soluble in hot/cold water, yielding clear solutions at 5% concentration.
- Compatibility: Non-reactive with acids, salts, and surfactants, suitable for multi-component systems (e.g., sauces, detergents, topical gels).
- Particle Size: Fine powder (≤180 μm) ensures rapid hydration and reduced caking.
2025 Price Trends of Carboxymethyl Cellulose
GradePrice Range (USD/kg)Key Drivers Industrial1.80–4.00Raw material costs, energy prices, efficiencyFood Grade2.50–4.50Certifications (HACCP, Halal), consistencyPharmaceutical3.30–3.50FDA/EMA approvals, GMP standards, reproducibility
- Bulk Discounts: 5–10% for orders >1 ton, with tiered discounts for >10 tons.
- Regional Variations: Chinese suppliers dominate due to cost advantages (e.g., Hebei Anson Cellulose’s industrial CMC at 1.4–3.0 USD/kg).
- Price Drivers: Cotton linter fluctuations (tied to textile demand), logistics costs, and enzymatic etherification innovations (15–20% cost reduction).
Food-Grade CMC Example Specifications
| ParameterValueTest Method |
|---|
| Purity≥99.5%Titration (AOAC 920.87)Viscosity (1%)39–200 mPa·sBrookfield RV, 20 rpm, 25°CDegree of Substitution (DS)0.7–1.2NMR SpectroscopypH (25°C)6.5–7.5pH MeterHeavy Metals (Pb)≤10 ppmICP-OESAsh Content≤0.5%Gravimetric Analysis |
Production Process & Sustainability
- Key Steps
- Raw Material Prep: Cotton linters or wood pulp (α-cellulose ≥90%).
- Alkalization: 30–40% w/w NaOH to activate hydroxyl groups.
- Etherification: Reaction with chloroacetic acid at 50–60°C for 2–4 hours.
- Neutralization & Washing: Water/acetic acid to remove excess chemicals.
- Drying: Spray-dried to powder (≤7% moisture).
- Milling & Sieving: Adjust particle size to 50–180 μm.
- Eco-Innovations
- Wastewater Recycling: Closed-loop system achieves 90% reuse, saving 15,000 tons of water annually.
- Energy Efficiency: Enzyme-assisted process reduces energy by 40% vs. traditional methods.
- Carbon Footprint: Solar-powered drying systems cut CO₂ emissions by 25%.
Industry Applications
- Food & Beverage
- Ice Cream: 0.8–1.2% CMC prevents ice crystal formation, enhancing texture.
- Sauces & Beverages: Replaces 3–4% starch, improving texture and shelf life.
- Bakery: Acts as a humectant, extending freshness by 3–5 days.
- Pharmaceuticals
- Tablet Binders: Boosts drug dissolution rates by 20–30%.
- Topical Gels: Enhances bioadhesion, extending release up to 12 hours.
- Ophthalmic Solutions: Regulates viscosity and lubrication.
This structured overview highlights CMC’s versatility, technical specifications, and market dynamics, providing a comprehensive reference for industrial applications.
References
[1] Food Additives Journal Study
[2] USDA Forest Products Lab
[3] ACS Publications
[4] ChemSpider Database
[5] Ashland Product Guide PDF
[6] FDA CFR Title 21
[7] Food Hydrocolloids Journal
[8] IFT Resources
[9] Qingdao Acta Whitepapers
[10] WHO JECFA Reports