Carboxymethyl cellulose

Carboxymethyl cellulose (CAS 9000-11-7), commonly sourced as CMC or cellulose gum (E466), is a water-soluble cellulose derivative used across food, pharmaceutical, and industrial markets. It functions as a thickener, binder, and stabilizer. Its ability to control viscosity and retain water at low use levels makes it a high-volume ingredient in both aqueous formulations and dry-mix systems.

In food manufacturing, CMC functions as a texture modifier and stabilizer in ice cream, bakery fillings, sauces, and low-fat dairy products. It provides essential mouthfeel and shelf stability. Pharmaceutical tablet production relies on CMC as a binder and disintegrant. Crosslinked carboxymethyl cellulose serves specifically as a superdisintegrant in various solid dosage forms for rapid release.

Detergent and household cleaning formulations use cellulose gum as an anti-redeposition agent. This prevents loosened soil from re-adhering to fabric during the washing cycle for better results. In construction, CMC improves workability and water retention in tile adhesives, gypsum compounds, and cement-based mortars. It is supplied as a white to off-white powder in various viscosity grades.

Food-grade material is available to FCC specifications. Pharmaceutical grades meet USP, BP, and Ph. Eur. standards to ensure the highest level of safety and compliance for manufacturers. Technical grades serve industrial applications in textiles, paper sizing, and drilling fluids. These grades are optimized for specific processing requirements and high-performance industrial environments.