1. Overview
Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC for short) is a natural polymer material derived from cellulose. It is a derivative of cellulose after carboxymethylation through chemical reaction. CMC is widely used in various industries, especially in food, cosmetics, medicine, petroleum, textile, papermaking and other fields. It can form a viscous colloidal solution in water, so it has broad application prospects and value.

2. Basic performance of CMC
Solubility: CMC is a water-soluble polymer compound that can dissolve rapidly in cold water to form a transparent or translucent colloidal solution. Its solubility is related to molecular weight and carboxymethylation degree. CMC with high molecular weight and high carboxymethylation degree has better solubility.

Thickening: CMC has a strong thickening effect, especially at low concentrations, and can significantly increase the viscosity of the solution. It is one of the commonly used thickeners and is widely used in food, cosmetics, paints, coatings and other products.

Stability: CMC solution has good stability and can resist the influence of acids, alkalis and salts, especially in a wide pH range, so it can maintain relatively stable performance under various environmental conditions.

Emulsification and suspension: CMC has excellent emulsification and suspension in aqueous solution, which can improve the dispersibility of liquids and is often used in applications such as stabilization of oil-water mixtures and suspension of solid particles.

Viscoelasticity: CMC solution is not only viscous, but also has elastic characteristics, which enables it to provide appropriate touch and operating performance in certain applications, especially in paper coating, food processing and other fields.

Biocompatibility: As a natural polymer, CMC has good biocompatibility and is widely used in the medical field, such as sustained-release preparations of drugs, adhesives, etc.

3. CMC product types
According to different uses, CMC products can be divided into multiple types, mainly based on their molecular weight, degree of carboxymethylation and product purity:

Food grade CMC: This type of CMC is used in the food industry as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier, etc. Common applications in food processing include the preparation of ice cream, juice, bread and other foods.

Industrial grade CMC: used in various industrial applications, such as oil drilling, paper coating, detergents, coatings, etc. The required purity and performance vary according to specific industrial needs.

Pharmaceutical grade CMC: This type of product has higher purity and biosafety, and is usually used in the preparation of drugs, sustained-release drugs, eye drops, etc. It is harmless to the human body and can be absorbed or excreted by the human body.

Cosmetic grade CMC: used in cosmetics as a thickener, stabilizer and moisturizing ingredient. CMC can improve the texture and use experience of the product, and is commonly found in products such as lotions, gels, and creams.

4. Main application areas of CMC
Food industry: The main use of CMC in food is as a thickener, stabilizer, emulsifier and moisturizer. For example, in jelly, ice cream, juice drinks, candy, bread and sauces, CMC can provide good taste, consistency and stability.

Pharmaceutical industry: In the pharmaceutical field, CMC is mainly used as a carrier, sustained-release material and adhesive for drugs, and is commonly found in pharmaceutical tablets, capsules, oral liquids, topical gels, etc. CMC is also widely used in the preparation of ophthalmic drugs, which can provide lubrication and relieve dry eyes.

Cosmetic industry: CMC is used as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetics, which can improve the texture and effect of products such as lotions, creams, shower gels, and conditioners. It also has a moisturizing function, which can lock in moisture and increase the lubricity of the skin.

Oil drilling: In the process of oil extraction, CMC is used as a thickener for drilling fluid to help maintain the stability of the drill bit and help improve the suspension and lubricity of the drilling fluid.

Textile industry: In the dyeing and printing of textiles, CMC is used as a slurry to improve the binding force between dyes and fibers and improve dyeing uniformity.

Paper industry: CMC is widely used in paper coating and paper reinforcement, which can enhance the strength, glossiness and printing adaptability of paper.

Cleaning agent industry: CMC can be used as a thickener for cleaning agents, especially in detergents and shampoos, to increase viscosity, improve the feeling and effect of use.

Building materials industry: In building materials, CMC is used to improve the fluidity and adhesion of mortar, improve the convenience of the construction process and the durability of materials.

5. Especially in the context of environmental protection and sustainable development, as a natural, efficient, non-toxic and harmless polymer material, the application of CMC in many green industries is expected to be further expanded.

As a polymer material with excellent performance and wide application, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose plays an important role in many industries. Whether in daily life or in industrial production, its thickening, stabilization, emulsification and other characteristics make it an indispensable material. In the future, with the advancement of technology and the continuous expansion of application fields, the market prospects of CMC will be broader, providing more innovative solutions for all walks of life.