What is Carboxymethyl Cellulose CAS 9004-32-4?

Carboxymethyl cellulose is a water-soluble anionic cellulose ether, usually supplied as the sodium salt called sodium CMC or CMC-Na. It carries CAS 9004-32-4 and is available in different purity, degree-of-substitution and viscosity grades for industrial and formulated-product use.

What are the main industrial applications of sodium CMC?

Sodium CMC is used as a thickener, binder, stabilizer and water-retention agent in drilling fluids, detergents, ceramics, coatings, paper and textiles. In oilfield and ceramic systems it mainly helps control rheology and fluid loss.

Why do degree of substitution and viscosity matter when choosing a CMC grade?

Degree of substitution affects solubility, salt tolerance and thickening behavior, while viscosity determines handling and final rheology. A low-viscosity grade is easier to dissolve and pump, while a high-viscosity grade gives more thickening at a lower dose.

Can the same CMC powder be used in food, pharmaceutical and industrial applications?

No, the grade should match the application. Food and pharmaceutical uses require a suitable purity, chloride, heavy-metal and microbial specification, while industrial grades may be optimized for drilling, detergent or coating performance.

How should Carboxymethyl Cellulose powder be stored and handled?

Keep it in tightly closed bags or containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area and protect it from moisture. Because fine powder can create dust, use dust control and appropriate PPE during transfer and handling.

Carboxymethyl Cellulose CAS 9004-32-4

Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CAS 9004-32-4), industrially known as Sodium CMC, is an anionic water-soluble polymer utilized primarily as a rheology modifier and fluid loss controller in oil drilling fluids and ceramic formulations. This versatile Carboxymethylcellulose sodium functions as a high-performance thickening agent and binder, forming a protective colloid that enhances suspension stability and water retention in aqueous systems. Chemically distinct as a CMC-Na ether derivative, it provides superior film-forming properties and anti-redeposition capabilities compared to non-ionic cellulose grades, making it a critical Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose component for paper coating and detergent manufacturing. We provide this industrial-grade polymer with competitive factory pricing to support drilling mud and chemical processing operations, ensuring bulk supply availability for high-volume consumption. Our manufacturing lines accommodate customized specifications for viscosity (LV/HV) and substitution degree, while every shipment is fully documented with MSDS, TDS, COA files to meet technical and safety standards.

CAS: 9004-32-4
Synonyms: Sodium CMC, CMC-Na, Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium, Cellulose Gum
Einecs: 618-378-6
Molecular Formula: C₆H₇O₂(OH)₂CH₂COONa
Grade: Industrial grade
Package: 25 kg kraft paper bags with inner PE liner; jumbo bags or palletized loads available for bulk shipments

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Product Description

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.

1 Physicochemical Properties

2 Applications

3 Storage Conditions

4 Safety Precautions

Physicochemical Properties

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

Item	Typical Value
Appearance	White to light yellow powder
Odor	Odorless
Assay (active CMC-Na)	≥ 99.0–99.5%
Chemical nature	Sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose
Degree of substitution (DS)	~0.7–1.2
Molecular weight	Variable (polymeric)
Viscosity (1% aq. solution)	Approx. 400–1200 mPa·s
pH (1% aq. solution)	6.0–8.0
Solubility	Soluble in water; insoluble in most organic solvents
Density (true)	~1.6 g/cm³
Bulk density (loose powder)	Approx. 0.5–0.7 g/cm³
Moisture (loss on drying)	≤ 8.0 %
Melting / decomposition point	~260–280 °C (decomposes)
Shelf life	About 2 years

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.

For related cellulose and polysaccharide thickener raw materials, see Hydroxyethyl Cellulose and Xanthan Gum.

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.

FAQ - Technical & Supply Chain

Q:
What is Carboxymethyl Cellulose CAS 9004-32-4?

A: Carboxymethyl cellulose is a water-soluble anionic cellulose ether, usually supplied as the sodium salt called sodium CMC or CMC-Na. It carries CAS 9004-32-4 and is available in different purity, degree-of-substitution and viscosity grades for industrial and formulated-product use.
Q:
What are the main industrial applications of sodium CMC?

A: Sodium CMC is used as a thickener, binder, stabilizer and water-retention agent in drilling fluids, detergents, ceramics, coatings, paper and textiles. In oilfield and ceramic systems it mainly helps control rheology and fluid loss.
Q:
Why do degree of substitution and viscosity matter when choosing a CMC grade?

A: Degree of substitution affects solubility, salt tolerance and thickening behavior, while viscosity determines handling and final rheology. A low-viscosity grade is easier to dissolve and pump, while a high-viscosity grade gives more thickening at a lower dose.
Q:
Can the same CMC powder be used in food, pharmaceutical and industrial applications?

A: No, the grade should match the application. Food and pharmaceutical uses require a suitable purity, chloride, heavy-metal and microbial specification, while industrial grades may be optimized for drilling, detergent or coating performance.
Q:
How should Carboxymethyl Cellulose powder be stored and handled?

A: Keep it in tightly closed bags or containers in a cool, dry, ventilated area and protect it from moisture. Because fine powder can create dust, use dust control and appropriate PPE during transfer and handling.

Ordering & Documentation

Key information for document requests, quotations, and supply planning.

Documents

COA, TDS, SDS/MSDS and packing details are available on request.

Quotation

Send the CAS number, grade, quantity, packing preference and destination.

Sample & Supply

Support is available for samples, trial orders, bulk and repeat supply.

Storage & Shipping

Product-specific conditions are confirmed before order.

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