Carboxymethyl Cellulose CAS 9004-32-4

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC-Na) is a water-soluble anionic cellulose ether supplied as a white to off-white powder. It dissolves in cold or hot water to form clear, viscous solutions and is widely used as a thickener, stabilizer, water-retention agent and binder in food, pharmaceutical and industrial formulations.

We offer sodium carboxymethyl cellulose with different viscosity ranges and purity levels to fit detergents, ceramics, oilfield, coatings, paper, food and pharma applications.

📧 Email: info@industrochem.com for COA, SDS, samples and grade recommendations.

Physicochemical Properties

(Typical reference values; exact specification can be adjusted according to your purchasing standard.)

Applications

1. Detergent and household cleaning

• Anti-redeposition agent in powder detergents, preventing soil from re-depositing on fabric.
• Thickener and stabilizer in liquid detergents, dishwashing liquids and cleaners.

2. Ceramics, tiles and construction materials

• Binder and plasticizer in ceramic bodies and glazes to improve green strength and surface quality.
• Water-retention aid in cement-based or gypsum-based dry-mixes (together with other cellulose ethers).

3. Oilfield drilling and completion fluids

• Viscosifier for water-based drilling muds.
• Fluid-loss reducer forming a thin, low-permeability filter cake on borehole walls.

4. Paper, textile and printing

• Surface sizing and coating additive to enhance paper strength and printability.
• Thickener in textile printing pastes, helping pigment dispersion and pattern definition.

5. Food and beverage (food-grade CMC, E466)

• Thickener, stabilizer and mouthfeel improver in dairy products, beverages, sauces and bakery fillings.
• Water-binding agent to reduce syneresis and improve freeze–thaw stability.

6. Pharmaceutical and personal care

• Binder and disintegrant in tablets and capsules.
• Thickener and stabilizer in toothpaste, oral care gels, creams and lotions.

7. Other industrial uses

• Used in water-based paints, adhesives, agricultural formulations and various specialty chemicals for viscosity control and suspension stabilization.

Storage Conditions

• Store in original, tightly closed bags in a cool, dry and well-ventilated warehouse.
• Keep away from rain, humidity and sources of heat; recommended storage temperature is generally below 30–40 °C.
• Avoid direct sunlight and strong odors; do not store together with toxic or strongly corrosive chemicals, especially for food/pharma grades.
• Prevent package damage and product caking during transport and storage.
• Under proper storage conditions, typical shelf life is about 2 years from production date; use on a first-in, first-out basis.

Safety Precautions

According to multiple SDS documents, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose is not classified as a hazardous substance under common GHS/CLP systems, but normal industrial hygiene should always be followed.

• Dust control:
  • Avoid generating excessive dust when charging or transferring powder.
  • Provide local exhaust ventilation in dusty areas.
  • CMC dust can form combustible dust–air mixtures; avoid ignition sources and follow good housekeeping to prevent dust accumulation.
• Personal protection:
  • Wear safety glasses or goggles to protect eyes from dust.
  • Use dust masks or particulate respirators (e.g., P2/P3) if airborne dust concentration is high.
  • Wear gloves and work clothing to minimize skin contact.
• First aid measures:
  • Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical advice if irritation persists.
  • Eye contact: Rinse with plenty of clean water for several minutes; consult a doctor if discomfort continues.
  • Skin contact: Wash with water and soap; normally not irritating.
  • Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water; drink water; seek medical advice if large amounts are swallowed.
• Spill and disposal:
  • Sweep up or vacuum spilled material without raising dust; collect in closed containers.
  • Avoid discharge of large quantities into drains; dispose of in accordance with local regulations as non-hazardous organic waste.