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Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC): Quality and Specifications
Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) is a versatile and widely used chemical compound in various industries, primarily known for its thickening, stabilizing, and water retention properties. It is a derivative of cellulose, one of the most abundant natural polymers. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the quality and specifications of CMC, detailing its chemical properties, grades, applications, and quality standards.
Chemical Properties
Carboxymethyl Cellulose is produced through the chemical modification of cellulose. The primary chemical reaction involves the introduction of carboxymethyl groups (-CH2-COOH) into the cellulose backbone, resulting in the formation of CMC. The degree of substitution (DS) is a critical parameter that defines the number of carboxymethyl groups attached per glucose unit of cellulose. It typically ranges from 0.4 to 1.4, influencing the solubility and viscosity of CMC.
Chemical Formula: C6H7O2(OH)2OCH2COONa
CAS Number: 9000-11-7
Molecular Weight: Varies depending on the degree of polymerization and substitution.
Grades of CMC
CMC is available in various grades tailored to specific applications, primarily differentiated by their viscosity, purity, and degree of substitution.
- Technical Grade: Used in industrial applications such as detergents, paper production, and textile sizing. This grade typically has a lower purity and higher tolerance for impurities.
- Food Grade: Adheres to stringent food safety standards and is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in various food products such as ice creams, baked goods, and sauces. It meets the requirements of food regulatory bodies such as the FDA and EFSA.
- Pharmaceutical Grade: Used in medical and pharmaceutical applications, including as a binder in tablets, a thickening agent in syrups, and a stabilizer in suspensions. It conforms to pharmacopoeia standards like USP and EP.
- Cosmetic Grade: Employed in personal care products for its thickening and stabilizing properties. It is found in shampoos, lotions, and creams.
Specifications
The specifications of CMC vary based on its intended application and grade. Key parameters include:
- Degree of Substitution (DS): This measures the average number of carboxymethyl groups per anhydroglucose unit. Higher DS values typically indicate greater water solubility and higher viscosity.
- Purity: Expressed as the percentage of active CMC in the product. Higher grades (food, pharmaceutical) require greater purity levels, usually above 99.5%.
- Viscosity: CMC is available in various viscosity grades, measured in centipoise (cP) at specific concentrations and temperatures. Viscosity can range from low (10-100 cP) to high (over 5,000 cP).
- pH Value: Typically ranges from 6.0 to 8.5 in a 1% aqueous solution, ensuring stability in various applications.
- Moisture Content: Should be minimal, generally less than 10%, to prevent degradation and ensure product stability.
- Appearance: Generally a white to off-white, free-flowing powder or granules, ensuring ease of use and consistent quality.
Applications
CMC’s unique properties make it indispensable in numerous applications:
- Food Industry: Acts as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in dairy products, baked goods, and beverages.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: Used as a binder, thickener, and stabilizer in tablets, suspensions, and topical formulations.
- Cosmetics: Enhances the texture and stability of creams, lotions, and shampoos.
- Oil Drilling: Serves as a thickening agent in drilling muds to ensure efficient drilling operations.
- Paper Industry: Improves the quality and durability of paper by acting as a sizing agent.
- Textiles: Used in textile sizing and finishing to improve fabric strength and appearance.
Quality Standards
Quality control and adherence to regulatory standards are critical for CMC production. Reputable manufacturers comply with international standards such as ISO, HACCP, FDA, and EFSA to ensure product safety and consistency. Certification from these bodies guarantees that CMC meets the required purity, viscosity, and safety parameters for its intended applications.
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Conclusion
Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC) is a critical ingredient across various industries due to its multifunctional properties. Understanding its quality and specifications helps in selecting the right grade for specific applications, ensuring optimal performance and compliance with regulatory standards. Whether used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or industrial applications, CMC’s versatility and effectiveness make it a valuable component in product formulations.
